Summary

The text "The Life of a Lipstick" narrates the journey of a lipstick named Rebel Red Door Red, symbolizing women's empowerment and the fight for voting rights during the Suffrage Parade in New York, 1912.

Abstract

"The Life of a Lipstick" is a narrative from the perspective of a tube of lipstick named Rebel Red Door Red. It recounts the events of May 4th, 1912, during the Suffrage Parade in New York, where the lipstick, representing boldness and rebellion, is distributed by Elizabeth Arden to suffragettes as a symbol of solidarity and defiance against social norms. The lipstick, along with its fellow reds, is personified as a confident, edgy beauty product that boosts the morale and confidence of women fighting for their rights. The story highlights the lipstick's transformation from a mere cosmetic item to an emblem of liberation and a tool in the movement for women's suffrage.

Opinions

The lipstick, Rebel Red Door Red, considers itself superior to other shades, boasting about its ability to instill confidence and make a statement.
The narrative suggests that beauty treatments and cosmetics, while seemingly superficial, can have a deeper symbolic meaning in the context of women's empowerment.
The lipstick views Elizabeth Arden's act of handing out red lipsticks to suffragettes as a significant gesture of support for women's voting rights.
The text conveys a sense of pride in how the lipstick and its red shade became a symbol of rebellion and liberation, not just in the United States but also across the pond in England.
The lipstick perceives itself as a catalyst for change, challenging social expectations and contributing to the momentum of the women's suffrage movement.
The story implies that the lipstick, and by extension, the act of wearing makeup, can be a form of silent protest and a statement of defiance against oppressive societal norms.

THE LIFE OF A LIPSTICK

I’m a Rebel Red Door Red

“I would rather be a rebel than a slave” — Emmeline Pankhurst

Photo by Rodolfo Clix: https://www.pexels

What do you think it’s like to be a tube of lipstick?

Saturday, May 4th, 1912, Suffrage Parade — New York

That day is etched on my mind so well. It’s how I’ve got to be where I am now, and not too long ago — just about a month! It was a beautiful Saturday, being that rain often falls in May in New York, but not that day — it was just glorious!

That particular morning, there was me — I’m Red Door Red: Victory Red, Real Red, Remarkable Red, and Statement Red standing to attention by the counter. We were having a mighty fine gossip, and making bets about which of us gals would be whisked away first — oh by one of those elegant ladies — who frequented the store.

There were a variety of them fine dames, and loaded too! They like to come by for some beauty treatments, and purchase cosmetics — why of course! Cherry Blaze, who I don’t often see, seeing as she lives further up the counter, eagerly told me that some of the richest women in the city have treatments here at the spa. This is where we redheads all arrive — The Red Door Spa & Salon, on Fifth Avenue, owned by the wonderful Ms Elizabeth Arden. Nonetheless, a lady would you believe — few ladies own anything around here!

Living Coral, turned up a little later that Saturday and brazenly joined in on our conversation. We got to start arguing about who was the best redhead, but I knew I won hands down. I got real salty with them: “I’m the cat’s pajamas— seeing as they named me after this swell spa, you chumps!” I know Ms Arden is generous, as she got to create all of us creams and mattes, being that she believes every woman has the right to be beautiful. I guess we need some rights and all, seeing that we ain’t got any other rights in town right now!

I continued to tell the gals that I boost women’s confidence and that I AM astonishing and brave! I was created to give those sweet ladies boldness, maybe even a little of desirability — you know what I’m saying! Remarkable Red and Real Red started to get jealous, making me blush as red as a beetroot — talk about a red flag to a bull!

I wasn’t going to give in, particularly to Living Coral, who isn’t even a real redhead! I was feeling the squeeze trying to prove my symbolic nature of rebellion, but my jacket was a tad on the tight side; being that it was mighty hot in the salon. All those beauty treatments in the spa were creating so much steam. But beauty is our duty.

But beauty is our duty

We carried on like this until the afternoon. The finest of ladies were venturing in, and crawling their plump diamond fingers all over us gals. Statement Red and Victory Red disappeared after some of those ladies left, and more reds turned up as quick as a flash. I am the classy and edgy one — THE booster — why hadn’t I been chosen?

Around about 3 pm it started to get crazily noisy outside, I tell you. We gals were stretching our necks as much as we possibly could, but we were just too petite! By a stroke of luck, Ms Arden started to talk quickly from excitement. She was telling the workers to grab as many of us as possible, “Girls, grab all of those reds for me, I’m joining the Suffrage’s procession — they are heading towards Carnegie Hall!”

Shoot, I can hear marching

And so that’s how I ended up with the lovely lady who owns me now. Ms Arden was giving out all of us reds, no matter the persuasion. This lady on horseback grabbed me, and I felt myself being victoriously painted over her delicious and perfect cupid’s bow.

I could hear the vast crowd of ladies chatting amongst themselves as they slowly marched along Fifth Avenue. Things like — how I intimidate the men — even some stale old gals, the system, and the old paradigm. I could sense how eager they were to change it all. And WOW — I gave them ALL a ton of courage. I was the bee’s knees, painting the morale all lively, among those thousands and thousands of marchers.

I was their symbol of liberation — what an honour! I felt mighty privileged. Those gals aim to defy social expectations, and I know they will. I overheard some drably sidewalk hecklers, so I guess, it was kind of important what them fine ladies were doing. The parade was a peaceful one, with no anger on anyone’s lips — just us reds — as we ended up in torchlight at Carnegie Hall. Those Suffrages are just dandy!

Looking back, I can see how I gained so much popularity — why even Emmeline Pankhurst from England, started getting her gals to wear my red clan. Well, well, we have become mighty symbolic across the pond. I am proud of how I brim with confidence, and I am not ashamed to admit it. I shock men, even women, and their stupid social expectations. I am helping win a referendum here, no time for bad eggs.

The End

Elizabeth Arden marched down Fifth Avenue to support women’s voting rights, handing out red lipstick to fellow suffragettes as a symbol of solidarity.

“I only want people around me who can do the impossible.” Elizabeth Arden

I’m adding this fantastic article, written by the wonderful Sheri Jacobs

To the Young Woman in the Short Skirt

Revel in your power

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Thank you for being you