The Flock that Took Flight: How Plastic Pink Flamingos Became a Cultural Icon of Florida
Fort Lauderdale, FL. The plastic pink flamingo once considered a symbol of kitsch and bad taste, has evolved into an enduring cultural icon, particularly in Florida. This transformation is a fascinating journey that intertwines art, commerce, and humor, reflecting broader societal changes over the decades.
These kitschy lawn ornaments, with their vivid pink hue and impossibly slender legs, have become synonymous with Florida’s unique blend of natural beauty and over-the-top aesthetics. But how did these mass-produced birds migrate from novelty items to cultural touchstones?
Origins and Early Popularity
The story of the plastic pink flamingo begins in 1957 in Leominster, Massachusetts, not Florida. Sculptor Don Featherstone, working for Union Products, created the first plastic pink flamingo as part of a series of lawn ornaments. The flamingo’s vibrant pink color and exotic appeal quickly captured the public’s imagination, especially in working-class neighborhoods.