Our world is ever expanding and shrinking at the same time. The closer our varying cultures mix together, we also risk offending another culture with simple use of colors, symbols, icons, or index. These may have a single meaning in our eyes, but could have a vastly different interpretation to another viewer. It seems that no longer can we design for our single culture; with the advent of the Internet we must be aware of designing for the broader spectrum of our planet’s cultures.
I found these British street signs to be confusing. I think this is supposed to be an index type sign that is meant to either mean, “merging traffic ahead” or “left turns ahead”.
I think it is the latter, but I think our American “hidden driveways” signs serve as a more informative index sign.
Across the globe, colors can have varying meanings both culturally and spiritually. In Thailand the color purple is a symbol of mourning for widows, while in western cultures (and some European historical cultures), it is the color of royalty.
I recently came across an interesting logo/advertisement from the US . This is a fantastic example of different cultures viewing the same image in two very different tones. According to the book I found it in, the image was produced in, Australia while being displayed in San Francisco. It didn’t take too long for controversy among Americans over the blatant display of the middle finger, and not the number 6, of which it was intended to be representin
However another symbol that has raised a lot of controversy over the past 60-70 years, is the swastika. Forever doomed to be an iconic incarnation of evil, because of its association with the Nazi Party. Closer examination can reveal that the symbol is much older than history has led us to believe. It has ties to Sanskrit, Buddhism, and early Indian cultures, and has been debated whether it is a symbol for good or evil, reports suggest it may be dependent upon the right or left facing position of the icon.
While researching a global aspect regarding ignorance in the area of different cultures viewing the same colors, symbols, or icons I found a brewing controversy involving the color of a bakery in Faribault, Minnesota. MARIANO PEREZ, is the owner of Los 3 Reyes Bakery in downtown Faribault.
The downtown area of this Minnesota suburb is old, and thus has traditional old brick buildings. Mr. Perez who is of Latin descent wanted to give his storefront a more eye catching appearance so that he would standout from the rest of the monotone brick buildings. He painted the storefront a shade of pale to bright green. Local business owners near to him, found the color to be distracting labeling it an “eyesore” and petitioned city hall to have Perez change the color. When Perez informed the locals that he could not afford to repaint the entire building front, the business owners offered to pay for it.
Why is this a controversy, because it seems to be an issue of ignorance over who has the right to choose a buildings appearance. Perez, is not angry that the paint must be changed, just confused as to why such a happy color has received such negativity in the community. For my part, I am still confused why he has to change the color, because as you can view below there are other local business that have painted over the monotone bricks in more bold colors.
To read more about this color clash in Faribault, Minnesota please click here.
