# What The Gun Industry Thinks Women Want **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [May 23, 2016, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-gun-industry-thinks-women-want/755490 "2016-05-23T21:47:56Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Senegoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senegoid/32/6606_2.png) [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2016, 5:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-gun-industry-thinks-women-want/755490/21 "2016-05-24T05:11:21Z")
> [@Kimstu](#): > > I’m surprised they haven’t got “His and Hers” kitchen spoons and wastebaskets by now. I once asked a young (female) sales clerk at Target where I could find the Men’s Toilet Paper. That went totally over her head. ---
**Author:** ![Flyer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/flyer/32/7298_2.png) [@Flyer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Flyer)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2016, 5:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-gun-industry-thinks-women-want/755490/22 "2016-05-24T05:25:17Z")
> [@davidm](#): > > You’ll believe me? You think I’m lying about the existence of this article, the gun industry’s marketing, or what? What don’t you believe? 😕 You claim to be pitting the unthinking use of pink for products. But it seems to me that if you were really upset about that, you would be pitting an industry that is considerably more egregious in that way than the gun industry. The tool industry is a good example. Since you didn’t, it appears that the “pink” issue is really just a thinly-disguised excuse for pitting the gun industry because of all those “eeeeeevil guns,” rather than one particular and relatively minor aspect. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2016, 5:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-gun-industry-thinks-women-want/755490/23 "2016-05-24T05:26:00Z")
I remember the exact moment when it was, not only OK, but actually very cool for a guy to wear a pink shirt. It was in the fall of 1968. And things were never the same. ---
**Author:** ![Kimstu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ecd19e/32.png) [@Kimstu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimstu)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2016, 5:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-gun-industry-thinks-women-want/755490/24 "2016-05-24T05:34:09Z")
> [@Flyer](#): > > You claim to be pitting the unthinking use of pink for products. But it seems to me that if you were really upset about that, you would be pitting an industry that is considerably more egregious in that way than the gun industry. The tool industry is a good example. > > Since you didn’t, it appears that the “pink” issue is really just a thinly-disguised excuse for pitting the gun industry because of all those “eeeeeevil guns,” rather than one particular and relatively minor aspect. 😕 Duuuuuude. Paranoid much? Maybe not, but paranoid at least a little, it seems. There have already been several posted links to articles and news stories indicating _why making guns **pink** is an especially not-good idea_, in ways that do not apply to marketing pink wrenches and pink barbecue tools. Whatever your opinions about gun ownership, **it’s a dumb and dangerous move to make guns look “cute” and toy-like**. Not only because children may be attracted to them (but hey, only the girl children! Only half the juvenile population at increased risk! :rolleyes: ), but (according to some, at least) also because they come across as less menacing in situations where it’s **really important** for a female gun owner to come across as menacing. ---
**Author:** ![WolfpackJeep](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpackjeep/32/2921_2.png) [@WolfpackJeep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WolfpackJeep)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2016, 5:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-gun-industry-thinks-women-want/755490/25 "2016-05-24T05:35:20Z")
I considered myself very lucky to find a set of women’s golf clubs a few years ago that had a dark blue color scheme. And while I like the idea of ergonomic tools for women, most of the “ladies’ tool sets” I see are just cheap tools with pink handles. Oh, and don’t forget [“pinkwashing,”](http://thinkbeforeyoupink.org/resources/before-you-buy/) especially during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. That practice is especially scummy when it results in the (ignorant? unsuspecting?) public thinking that every single pink product equals a donation to fight cancer. ---
**Author:** ![SeaDragonTattoo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/df705f/32.png) [@SeaDragonTattoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SeaDragonTattoo)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2016, 5:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-gun-industry-thinks-women-want/755490/26 "2016-05-24T05:52:43Z")
I have a decidedly un-pretty 9mm semi-auto subcompact. But you betcha I bought a pink Uplula because loading magazines hurts my damn fingers, and my range bag and headset are purple. Oh yeah, and my shooting gloves are black trimmed with pink stitching. I figure my things are less likely to get mixed up with other people’s stuff or to get swiped. Do you need an IG account to view pics? Here’s a link to a post from last week, showing my home dry-fire practice gear, in a wash of pink from the salmon marble tabletop, too. [Sorry ahead of time for whoever can’t view it.](https://www.instagram.com/p/BFYFb5KC6bP/?taken-by=veronikatlibeth) ---
**Author:** ![Measure\_for\_Measure](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/measure_for_measure/32/557_2.png) [@Measure\_for\_Measure](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Measure_for_Measure)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2016, 6:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-gun-industry-thinks-women-want/755490/27 "2016-05-24T06:24:28Z")
> [@Flyer](#): > > You claim to be pitting the unthinking use of pink for products. But it seems to me that if you were really upset about that, you would be pitting an industry that is considerably more egregious in that way than the gun industry. The tool industry is a good example. No, no: the tool industry is a **bad** example. There’s a justification for color coding a product that is actually different. Lighter hammers, smaller screwdrivers. The grill industry, on the other hand, might be what you have in mind. Then again, there are [pink boxers](https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&site=imghp&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=1491&bih=1137&q=pink+cement+mixer&oq=pink+cement+mixer&gs_l=img.3..0i24.772.772.0.1299.1.1.0.0.0.0.114.114.0j1.1.0....0...1ac..64.img..0.1.113.JrVnBRw-Ppo#hl=en&tbm=isch&q=pink+boxers), [pink ties](https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&site=imghp&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=1491&bih=1137&q=pink+cement+mixer&oq=pink+cement+mixer&gs_l=img.3..0i24.772.772.0.1299.1.1.0.0.0.0.114.114.0j1.1.0....0...1ac..64.img..0.1.113.JrVnBRw-Ppo#hl=en&tbm=isch&q=pink+ties) and [pink cement mixers](https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&site=imghp&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=1491&bih=1137&q=pink+cement+mixer&oq=pink+cement+mixer&gs_l=img.3..0i24.772.772.0.1299.1.1.0.0.0.0.114.114.0j1.1.0....0...1ac..64.img..0.1.113.JrVnBRw-Ppo). I guess it takes all kinds. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2016, 10:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-gun-industry-thinks-women-want/755490/28 "2016-05-24T10:37:02Z")
> [@Kimstu](#): > > I’m surprised they haven’t got “His and Hers” kitchen spoons and wastebaskets by now. My store actually does have stuff like that from time to time, along with his and her bath towels. ---
**Author:** ![Nava](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/da6949/32.png) [@Nava](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nava)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2016, 10:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-gun-industry-thinks-women-want/755490/29 "2016-05-24T10:52:31Z")
> [@Broomstick](#): > > I respect the right of other people to choose pink, but what pisses me off is when it is the ONLY “option” given to me, or to women. We are not clones or copies. Some of us like pink, some of us prefer other colors. Some of my kitchen utensils are available in hot pink versions (or with some hot pink parts). But they are also available in black, green, cyan, orange or yellow. That I’m fine with. A hammer that’s too small for my brother’s hands but very comfortable for mine? I’ll forgive the flowery pattern while reserving the right to roll my eyes at it. But damnit no, I don’t like pink, and I have a great hate of pastel colors: with me, “it’s pink!” is an anti-marketing point. If an item I need is only available in pink I’ll take it in pink, but I’d rather have other options. ---
**Author:** ![BubbaDog](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bubbadog/32/333_2.png) [@BubbaDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BubbaDog)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2016, 12:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-gun-industry-thinks-women-want/755490/30 "2016-05-24T12:52:22Z")
Wait-a-minute. The pink guns are for girls?! I hope I can return it. ---
**Author:** ![BubbaDog](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bubbadog/32/333_2.png) [@BubbaDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BubbaDog)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2016, 1:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-gun-industry-thinks-women-want/755490/31 "2016-05-24T13:15:20Z")
nm ---
**Author:** ![Kelevra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/97f17d/32.png) [@Kelevra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kelevra)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2016, 2:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-gun-industry-thinks-women-want/755490/32 "2016-05-24T14:09:14Z")
> [@dropzone](#): > > Lavender? Cerise? How about walnut, as God intended? And the metal in dark blue, of course. I know I’ve told this before on the boards but it still cracks me up so here it is again. I was buying a .22 rifle at a local gun store. The salesman was talking to another customer when I was approaching. I don’t know what the conversation was about but the salesman suddenly said “WHEN GOD GAVE ADAM HIS FIRST GUN IT HAD A BLUE BARREL AND A WALNUT STOCK AND THAT’S GOOD ENOUGH FOR ME!” ---
**Author:** ![Damuri\_Ajashi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/898d66/32.png) [@Damuri\_Ajashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Damuri_Ajashi)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2016, 2:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-gun-industry-thinks-women-want/755490/33 "2016-05-24T14:29:21Z")
> [@Flyer](#): > > I’ll believe you when you also pit the tool industry, and the barbecue grill industry. > > [pink tools - Google Search](https://www.google.com/search?q=pink+tools&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi-1Muol_HMAhUeEFIKHRVxCgwQ_AUICCgC&biw=1166&bih=589) > > [pink barbecue grills - Google Search](https://www.google.com/search?q=pink+barbecue+grills&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiguv3Al_HMAhUKElIKHXpBDl4Q_AUICCgC&biw=1166&bih=589) I agree that the article is hyperventilating about pink products but that pink pig smoker grill is not really marketed to women. Most of the times I see men buying and using them. ---
**Author:** ![Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ba9def/32.png) [@Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Just_Asking_Questions)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2016, 2:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-gun-industry-thinks-women-want/755490/34 "2016-05-24T14:51:07Z")
> [@Count\_Blucher](#): > > “Plink Pink”…? > > You can deposit that check into my PayPal, Madison Avenue… I saw that episode. The Panther was trying to plant a little garden but some pesky rodents kept stealing the veggies. So the Panther got an M1 and started after the pests. This being a cartoon, no one was killed, and at the end they sat down to a nice veggie dinner together. Duh dum da dume … ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2016, 3:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-gun-industry-thinks-women-want/755490/35 "2016-05-24T15:08:47Z")
> [@saje](#): > > I will happily pit anyone and everyone who thinks that cute, pink, & frilly is automatically what women want. Agreed. What women want is “cute, pink, frilly **and an automatic**.” No wheel-guns for Today’s Modern Woman! 😛 ---
**Author:** ![Damuri\_Ajashi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/898d66/32.png) [@Damuri\_Ajashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Damuri_Ajashi)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2016, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-gun-industry-thinks-women-want/755490/36 "2016-05-24T15:42:22Z")
> [@Kimstu](#): > > But if pink screwdrivers or pink spatulas get mistaken for toys, the results are usually less lethal. In thought we were pitting the apparent misogyny of the gun crowd rather than the effects of pink guns on society. ---
**Author:** ![armedmonkey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/d6d6ee/32.png) [@armedmonkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/armedmonkey)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2016, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-gun-industry-thinks-women-want/755490/37 "2016-05-24T16:58:19Z")
> [@Kimstu](#): > > But if pink screwdrivers or pink spatulas get mistaken for toys, the results are usually less lethal. wait a sec… > [@davidm](#): > > Exactly. Being whimsical or whatever with tools and cookware is, while possibly insulting to some, at least physically harmless; but there’s no place for cutesy with firearms. If women are really drawn towards “feminized” firearms then the NRA should be educating them against that. I think that’s probably what the old, original, non-lobbyist NRA would have done. I’m assuming you’re both guys, so am I, but really? Cookware? Here’s the thing. You two are probably more guilty of sexism than the gun manufactures. What’s wrong with pink? If a woman wants to paint her 20 gauge pink and go skeet shooting, what the fuck is wrong with that? You two are far more ridiculously sexist than you realize. ---
**Author:** ![Damuri\_Ajashi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/898d66/32.png) [@Damuri\_Ajashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Damuri_Ajashi)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2016, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-gun-industry-thinks-women-want/755490/38 "2016-05-24T17:05:04Z")
> [@Broomstick](#): > > I respect the right of other people to choose pink, but what pisses me off is when it is the ONLY “option” given to me, or to women. We are not clones or copies. Some of us like pink, some of us prefer other colors. And is the lack of availability of colors other than pink a problem when it comes to guns? ---
**Author:** ![Damuri\_Ajashi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/898d66/32.png) [@Damuri\_Ajashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Damuri_Ajashi)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2016, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-gun-industry-thinks-women-want/755490/39 "2016-05-24T17:07:23Z")
> [@Senegoid](#): > > I once asked a young (female) sales clerk at Target where I could find the Men’s Toilet Paper. > > That went totally over her head. > **[Amazon.com: DUDE Wipes - Flushable Wipes - 1 Pack, 48 Wipes - Unscented...](https://www.amazon.com/Dude-Products-Wipes-Flushable-Dispenser/dp/B00L1GHHV2)** > > Amazon.com: DUDE Wipes - Flushable Wipes - 1 Pack, 48 Wipes - Unscented Extra-Large Adult Wet Wipes - Vitamin-E & Aloe - Septic and Sewer Safe : Health & Household ---
**Author:** ![Damuri\_Ajashi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/898d66/32.png) [@Damuri\_Ajashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Damuri_Ajashi)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2016, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-gun-industry-thinks-women-want/755490/40 "2016-05-24T17:09:08Z")
> [@John\_Mace](#): > > I remember the exact moment when it was, not only OK, but actually very cool for a guy to wear a pink shirt. It was in the fall of 1968. And things were never the same. They were big in the 1980’s too. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-gun-industry-thinks-women-want/755490.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-gun-industry-thinks-women-want/755490.md?page=3)