For the last 2 years of high school I exclusively used Bic’s multi-colored pen. It was the ideal writing instrument, allowing me the opportunity to underline in red, green, blue, or black. It offered a convenient path to color, a means of organized note-taking and elevated doodling. I was completely and utterly enamored with Bics, becoming a strong advocate for the writing implement which served me so well.
It was during this time that I became hyper aware of Bic’s presence in the media. The characters in the worlds of film and television seemed to share my dedication to these multicolored pens, similarly employing them for their various dramatic note-taking adventures: TV’s criminal pathologists scribbled theories with Bic; high school drama queens sat in class, Bic’s grasped delicately between their fingers; spell-casting witches made sure never to wield their magic without the presence of their faithful Bics. Yes, this colorful tool was everywhere, subliminally convincing audiences that this was the pen, the product necessary for success and adventure.
Recently, I have become convinced that the American film and television industry is sending the public a subtle message, a consumerist hint. They’re quietly convincing us to buy Bics, to let them into our homes and into the orifices of our hearts. I’ve embarked on a search, determined to illuminate each and every Bic once and for all. Yes, these past few weeks I’ve watched all of Netflix, breezing through anything I suspect features a note-taking or scribbling scene.
I’ve rewatched Stranger Things, scrutinzed all the lectures in How to Get Away With Murder, hoped that the sexy students on Riverdale bring Bics with them to class. I’ve neglected my academics, sacrificed friendships, and delayed sleep. All this to catch a glimpse, a little hint of the tell tale bic tip, itching to prove my suspicion once and for all.
Below, I list several examples, just a few of the many which have led to my theorization.
A) Wet Hot American Summer
On my aforementioned Bic hunt, I watched several movies, skipping through the main points of action in order to find scenes in which characters appeared to be writing. I’ve never seen the entirety of Wet Hot American Summer, but I’ve been told it was very popular with the youth of America in the early 2000s. As pictured above, you can clearly see the colorful pen grasped in the hand of the lady in stripes, let us call her Julia. Julia is just a prop on the path to Bic’s ultimate dominance.
B) Superbad
Jonah Hill’s character talks to Michael Cera’s (who, despite his ever-youthful complexion, is now 31. Congrats Michael!). Hill is describing his previous obsession with drawing the male sex organ (penis). But, what is he using to draw this explicit doodle? A Bic! He’s using a Bic! The number one pen in America, the embodiment of capitalism, a phallic symbol like no other!
C) Goldfish Ad for the Children
On a brief break from my search, I was caught by surprise. I was ambushed by a Bic, astonished by its undeniable pervasiveness. Here, in an ad intended for America’s young, impressionable minds, was a totally unnecessary addition to goldfish propoganda. Yes, the pen of choice was a Bic. A Bic I tell you! A multicolored Bic! They’re targeting the malleable judgements of innocent children, oozing their way into the new generation. Disgusting.
And so, I implore you. Assist me on my Bic hunt. I’m collecting as much evidence as I can, posting the photos on my wall and connecting them with red marker like a detective on the heels of a serial murderer. If you see a Bic on screen, let me know. Please, I ask you all: send me your Bic Pics.