The pens which are promoted as “designed to fit comfortably in a woman’s hand” comes in an “attractive barrel design available in pink and purple”. Advertised exclusively for women, one version promises “smooth writing” and comes in a box of 12, writing in both blue and black ink.
While BIC’s intentions are no doubt sincere, the products have inspired a wave of online ridicule as women poke fun at their strategy.
Already attracting wry comment from feminist website Jezebel, the pens have now reached a global audience of outraged women. Website Amazon has been flooded with hundreds of reviews from women, who managed to successfully navigate their computer keyboards to express their appreciation. One happy customer, called bookfiend, wrote: “Before these pens, I was nothing. I was a mere inconsequential woman, stumbling around writing nonsense with big pens that made me look ridiculous.
“I could barely write my name without having to sit down afterwards- it’s nine letters long and thus really takes it out of me when writing with a normal pen designed for men. “But now… the whole world looks different. I cannot recommend this pen enough. It won’t just change your handwriting. It will change your life.”
Ingrid Moon said: “These pens actually make me feel liberated! At last my delicate feminine needs and tastes are being considered!”
One contrite reviewer, calling herself Sparklepony, said: “When I saw these I just had to have them, so I asked my Husband to buy them for me. “He refused, as he said that owning a pen might make me Think, and then have Ideas Of My Own. Then I might start to Write, which would take time away from my wifely duties such as Cooking, Cleaning, and Bearing Children. “Of course he was Absolutely Right, none of these tasks require a pen, and so I have to give these one star.”
Kitchenwench wrote: “I was recently given a box of these as a gift from my husband, but I have no idea what to do with them!
“They’re too thin to make a good rolling pin. I can’t ladle out my soups with them. And the tiny point doesn’t even make a dent when I try to use one to chop veggies! “I don’t get it. If I can’t use it in the kitchen, what the hell am I supposed to do with one???”
The website section suggesting “tags” associated with the pens include “soft brained woman”, “delicate flowers”, “small lady hands” and “sexist”. Other thoughtful users were moved to point out the pitfalls of the products. MJ wrote: “I don’t use pens much – mostly to write the name of my crush on a piece of paper and draw hearts around it.”
Sphericalfruit, said: ““We’re all joking about this, naturally (a woman using a pen – ridiculous!), but this could have serious implications. What’s next, ladies attending universities? Pens to encourage literacy in the lower orders? The modern world is a mad place indeed.
“Amazon, I do hope you’re scrupulous in only selling these to married men to give to their wives. To be used under strict supervision and with a doctor’s note of consent
Gordon Meadows wrote: “I opened the package and was immediately assaulted by question after question. The pink ones wanted to know when I was going to get them an iPhone and wanted $200.00 to get their hair and nails done while complaining about how I don’t make as much money as their friends owners do”
Another, clearly more used to purchasing BIC razors, worried: “These are absolutely rubbish at hair removal. Would not buy again. Now my legs and pits are really overgrown and I’m worried everyone will think I’m a feminist.”
