Four years ago I wrote a post on the importance of colour in our lives. Today, on International Color Day, I revisit a favourite subject — but with a twist.
We’re meant to appreciate how colours influence us on this Day. Because colour evokes feeling. It arouses emotion. It affects our mood, behaviour, productivity. We perceive different colours to mean different things; the following list gives an American interpretation of perceived meanings:
- Red: Excitement – Love – Strength
- Yellow: Competence – Happiness
- Green: Good Taste – Envy – Relaxation
- Blue: Corporate – High Quality
- Pink: Sophistication – Sincerity
- Violet/Purple: Authority – Power
- Brown: Ruggedness
- Black: Grief – Fear
- White: Happiness – Purity.
Do you detect all colours suggest positive emotions and traits except black (plus an allusion to the green-eyed monster)? I was reminded of Muhammad Ali riffing on the words white and black during an interview in 1971. Angel food cake is white; devil’s food cake is chocolate. The President lives in the White House. Snow White is a princess; The Ugly Duckling is black. A black cat is bad luck. If I threaten you, I’m going to blackmail you. Ali also recalled that three days after winning an Olympic gold medal for the USA in 1960 he couldn’t get service in a downtown restaurant in his hometown of Louisville KY.
I am not racist. But am I antiracist? That question has preoccupied me for the past year since Black Lives Matter came to the fore. I’ve delved into articles, lectures and books on racism, its history and current state, against Blacks and Asians in particular. I’ve also learned more about microaggressions: “the everyday, subtle, intentional — and oftentimes unintentional — interactions or behaviours that communicate some sort of bias toward historically marginalized groups.” For instance, black men talk about being followed closely in stores or getting on an elevator and seeing women, purses clutched, step nervously away.
In an illuminating Walrus Talks lecture Ritu Bhasin, a Sikh woman and inclusion professional, addresses cultural competence, stating it is wrong not to notice differences, wrong to be colour-blind. Instead, we must embrace the power of asking and sharing about differences. Only then will we understand biases, blind spots, misunderstandings, stereotypes, intolerances and the “isms”: racism, genderism, sexism, etc. She even offers a formula for asking people about their difference. Respectfully. She concludes by affirming resilience and empathy are critical for an inclusive society.
After tennis the other day, our son and I encountered an unlikely looking player coming onto the court: an older, grizzled, long-haired man, slightly high, mumbled a few words to us. Brandon said a white guy who looks like that is called a hippie, a black man’s a crackhead. Sad, but true — and an example of implicit bias.
I will continue to celebrate colour, to absorb its beneficial effects whether I’m observing nature, wearing happy hues, eating the rainbow or accenting our home. And I will mention the colour black positively. For instance, I can report our bank account is in the black. •
P.S. The terms colour-conscious and colour-inclusive casting are replacing colour-blind in the entertainment industry.
P.P.S. “Be colour brave, rather than colour-blind,” advises Mellody Hobson, a black businesswoman and former chair of DreamWorks Animation.
Barbara Richardson says
Thought-provoking Pam. Thanks.
Deborah Etsten says
As much as I love your blog posts, they deserve to be read more widely! Always meaningful and beautifully written!
Pam McPhail says
You’re too kind as always, Deborah. Thank you.
Patricia B says
I am not racist. But am I antiracist? The existence and role of “micro aggressions”. Lots for us to learn. Lots for us to consider changing in our behaviours. Well written article Pam.
Pam McPhail says
Thank you for reading and commenting on my post, Pat. Like you, I am still learning…
Linda Richardson says
I really like the idea of using terms such as “color-brave”, “color-conscious” and color-inclusive” instead of “color-blind”. I hadn’t thought about how much a change to more positive wording can shift our perspective.
Pam McPhail says
I loved hearing Mellody Hobson challenge us to be “colour brave”. Hers is an inspiring call to action. Who doesn’t want to be considered brave?!
Ian says
Great stuff Pam! In some countries white is the preferred colour at funerals and at one wedding I attended the mother of the groom appeared in a black dress. I am used to bright, flowery attire. Some traditions endure, however. Our newest great niece, Violet, was photographed yesterday at age one day in a pink bonnet, and wrapped in a blanket of the same colour. Blue eyes though.
Tim McPhail says
“A rise in hate crimes in BC over the past year”
Ah, Statistics. Try “A rise in THE REPORTING of hate crimes in BC over the past year”
I would argue that there are actually fewer hate crimes today. Similar to the Me Too Movement, victims are no longer too intimidated to speak up. On the other side, perpetrators have second thoughts about abusing others. It can be career ending.
I say this not to criticize Rachna Singh, but to add optimism to the the conversation.
Pam McPhail says
Good point about the reporting of hate crimes, Tim. More difficult to overcome, however, are covert — disguised and subtle, rather than public or obvious — incidents of racism, sexism etc. How and when do we take exception to microaggressions, for instance, since offending individuals are often unaware of them or their effects?
Marilyn RB says
Hello Pam, Thank you for this thoughtful reminder of the power of colour. Being “colour aware” and “colour conscious” instead of “colour blind” enriches all aspects of our lives. Food advertisers know that the colour orange whets the appetite and thus increases sales of their products. Now that I am aware of this marketing ploy, I can make a more “conscious” choice about consumption. It’s the power of colour.
When speaking of skin colour, I sadly admit to having said in the past, “I don’t see colour” when talking about racism and colour with a friend who is black. In doing so, I essentially told her that I didn’t see her. What I really meant, and these words she helped me find, was that I see you, I see your colour, and l love and admire you for who you are and what’s in your heart. While this conversation is sometimes awkward, it’s necessary. Thanks Pam!
Pam McPhail says
Thanks for adding your insights to my post, Marilyn. Pink is my powerful colour of choice to evoke happiness, whether from marketing or my interpretation.
As a white woman of privilege, like me, you’ve already embraced the advice of inclusion experts to ask, share and be brave about colour, no matter how awkward the conversations. More women need to behave as you.
Linda W says
Another excellent and thought provoking post Pam. Thank you.