BIC Cristal Fun Ballpoint Pens with 5 Assorted Ink Colours, Wide Point (1.6 mm), Pack of 10

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The introduction of the Bic For Her ballpoint pen opened up a broader discussion on femininity within the realm of stationery. Historically, stationery products, especially pens, have been marketed as gender-neutral items—except for occasional special editions aimed specifically at children. The arrival of a pen explicitly marketed towards women raised questions about why such differentiation was necessary and whether it reinforced stereotypes. a b c Lemon, Michael (28 April 2015). "Bic Cristal Pens | The World's Most Popular Pen". OSU.EDU. Ohio State University . Retrieved 26 March 2017. Supporters countered this critique by highlighting that personal preferences vary across individuals—some might appreciate tools targeted towards specific genders as they cater to different needs or aesthetics. However, it is essential to examine whether those differences are truly significant or simply a result of societal conditioning.

The controversy surrounding the Bic For Her pen prompted a wave of alternative narratives challenging traditional gender norms within the stationery industry. Some brands began to advocate for inclusivity by offering writing instruments in diverse colors, patterns, and designs that catered to individual preferences rather than perpetuating gender-based assumptions. In 1961 Bic Orange pen was introduced, featuring a fine 0.8mm (0.031in) point and an orange barrel instead of translucent. Bic makes this pen at its own plants in Europe. a b c d Fletcher, Alan, ed. (2006). Phaidon Design Classics – Volume 2 (1. publ.ed.). London: Phaidon Press. ISBN 0-7148-4399-7.Ultimately, purchasing decisions are personal choices influenced by an individual’s beliefs and values. Some may choose to embrace products like Bic Cristal Pens for Her as an opportunity for self-expression and empowerment. Others may reject them as nothing more than exploitative marketing tactics aimed at profiting from gender stereotypes. Vinjamuri, David. "Bic For Her: What They Were Actually Thinking (As Told By A Man Who Worked On Tampons)". Forbes . Retrieved 17 April 2017.

Smith, David (14 June 2008). "It's 70 today, but our favourite pen just keeps rolling along". The Guardian.Hauser, Christine; Anderson, Christina (21 April 2017). "At This Museum, Failures Are Welcome". The New York Times. a b Stamp, Jimmy. "The Universal Typeface Project Averages the World's Handwriting to Produce an Incredibly Average Font". Smithsonian . Retrieved 15 March 2017. Apart from its visual appeal, this pen boasts smooth ink flow and a comfortable grip designed for ease-of-use during long writing sessions. Its fine point ensures precision without compromising on legibility. This debate surrounding Bic Cristal Pens for Her extends beyond one brand or product; it reflects larger discussions about gender equality and consumerism in our society. It raises questions about how companies target different demographic groups based on societal expectations rather than actual needs.

a b "Humble Masterpieces" (PDF). New York: The Museum of Modern Art. 27 September 2004 . Retrieved 13 March 2017. In recent years, several brands have embraced inclusivity by expanding their product ranges beyond traditionally gendered lines. They now offer an assortment of stationery items featuring varied colors, designs, and functionalities designed to cater to every individual’s unique preferences without restricting choice based on perceived gender norms. On the other hand, many women viewed these products as unnecessary and patronizing. The notion that women need special pens designed just for them can be seen as infantilizing or trivializing their intelligence and capability. In 1944, near the end of the Second World War, entrepreneur Marcel Bich bought a factory in Clichy, a suburb north of Paris, [2] and with business partner Edouard Buffard founded Société PPA (later Société Bic) in 1945. "PPA" stood for Porte-plume, Porte-mines et Accessoires; pens, mechanical pencils and accessories. During the war Bich had seen a ballpoint pen manufactured in Argentina by László Bíró. Between 1949 and 1950 the Bic Cristal was designed by the Décolletage Plastique design team at Société PPA. [3] [4] Bich invested in Swiss technology capable of shaping metal down to 0.01 millimetres (0.00039in), which could produce a stainless steel one-millimetre (0.039in) sphere which allowed ink to flow freely. [5] Bich developed a viscosity of ink which neither leaked nor clogged and, under a ballpoint pen patent licensed from Bíró, launched the Cristal in December 1950. [3] Furthermore, many questioned whether there was any scientific basis behind the claim that men and women require different types of pens due to physiological differences. It seems highly unlikely that there are inherent writing differences between genders warranting separate products.The Bic For Her ballpoint pen sets itself apart with its sleek and slender design. It comes in an array of vibrant colors like pink, purple, and turquoise with an elegant floral pattern adorning the barrel—a clear nod towards femininity. In 2012, Bic released a new addition to their extensive lineup of pens—the Bic For Her ballpoint pen. Marketed as a writing instrument designed specifically for women, it aimed to provide a comfortable and stylish experience while putting ink to paper. Ultimately, consumers have the power to shape markets through their choices. By supporting brands that prioritize inclusivity and offer a range of options suitable for everyone regardless of gender, consumers can contribute to dismantling harmful stereotypes ingrained within our society. A Book for Her by Bridget Christie review – a hybrid of writing and performance". the Guardian. 20 July 2015 . Retrieved 4 June 2021. The pen's dimensions are 5 + 7⁄ 8 by 1⁄ 2 inch (14.9cm ×1.3cm) with the cap, [10] or 14.5cm ×0.7cm ( 5 + 11⁄ 16in × 1⁄ 4in) without the cap.