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DeathStarVet t1_j7gd53e wrote

Keep your eyes open. You'll find them everywhere.

I live in Canton and have at least 3 on display. I've hidden them all over the place in/outside my house so I've kind of lost track.

Part of the reason is what u/Ghoghogol linked (the movie), but part is also the chintzy 1950s "Hon" aesthetic in general which was super prevalent in Baltimore for a long time. It's been kind of dying out, with the exception of Honfest. I think Denise Whiting (blech) had that whole thing on life-support for a while.

We're goofy here in Baltimore. And we think it's cool.

EDIT

Wait until you start seeing Camark Cats everywhere, too.

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gizmojito t1_j7gpknx wrote

I love the Camark cats. There’s a house at Chestnut and 33rd St that has the most amazing collection.

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bookoocash t1_j7h9f7a wrote

There are definitely plenty of us keeping the tacky kitsch alive around here without the blatant profiteering and merchandizing that Whiting is all about.

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IntellectualDarkWave t1_j7he5b3 wrote

There are probably a lot of people for whom it is just a John Waters refereence, but there is a lot more history to it. This is (or at least used to be) a blue collar town and there are a number of lawn decorations that were popular in east coast blue collar neighborhoods dating back to the mid 20th century. For whatever reason, people in Baltimore seem to not give a fuck about trends moving forward and will almost aggressively hold on to things that go out of fashion (see Nike Air Force Ones). At some point we developed a self awareness about it and pink flamingos became a particular point of pride.

Here is a clip from an old documentary featuring local blowhard Dan Rodericks talking about how his mother refuses to give up her garden gnomes despite his condescending complaints about her poor taste.

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paddlebawler t1_j7i89rg wrote

Just a stupid trashy Baltimore tradition, thanks to that poser John Waters.

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