In Living Color
When I was in fifth grade, I was called to a meeting with the school Principal, Mr. Murphy. I don’t recall the reason for the meeting, but I clearly remember asking him, “why is your office pink?” To me, pink was girly and I was astounded that a full-grown man would want to spend an entire day surrounded by that color. Mr. Murphy’s answer to my query was to explain that, psychologically, pink was a calming color and it helped to alleviate anxiety in students who had been called to his office.
Did you know that there is an entire branch of the psychology field called Color Psychology, which focuses on how color affects human behavior? This study is certainly fascinating, although it can be influenced by many factors, such as culture, region, context, and personal experience. However, the collective subconscious of society often means that certain colors are related to particular attributes.
One of the earliest theories about what later became Color Psychology came from poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe in 1810. While based on his intuitive perception of the impact of color on mood, Goethe’s insights have been substantiated by modern scientific research. Carl Jung became a pioneer of Color Psychology when he suggested that art could be used as psychotherapy. Even Winston Churchill recognized the effect of color on mood when he stated, “I cannot pretend to be impartial about the colours, I rejoice with the brilliant ones and am genuinely sorry for the poor browns.”
Colors can be used to manipulate our purchasing habits, our sense of time, our health, and even the color of the automobile we drive suggests characteristics of our personality. The following list relates the common properties and symbols associated with various colors:
<strong>Pink</strong>
As I mentioned previously, pink is a tranquilizing color that is representative of understanding and love. The color inspires nurturing, comfort, sincerity, and friendliness.
<strong>Red</strong>
Red is the most intense color and is usually associated with passion and excitement. Red is also attention seeking, which may be why thieves and police officers target red vehicles more frequently. Red is a stimulating color, and researchers have discovered that people’s reaction times are quicker under red light, as well as that sports teams wearing red jerseys have a higher chance of winning. However, red may be overwhelming for people whose nature is more relaxed and the color may trigger confrontations.
<strong>Orange</strong>
Orange is an uplifting, motivational, and warm color. On one hand, it stimulates independence, spontaneity and adventure, but at its extreme, orange may invite assertiveness and competition.
<strong>Yellow</strong>
Yellow is closely related to the intellect. Research suggests that the color enhances concentration, communication, and metabolism. Although it is associated with happiness and joy, yellow is the most difficult color for the eye to take in. As a result, researchers have discovered that tempers flare and babies cry more frequently when in yellow rooms.
<strong>Green</strong>
Green is an emotional color and is closely related to renewal, balance and peace. It is the easiest color for the eye to perceive and generally has a calming effect, which is why guests on television shows relax in the “green room” before their appearances and why formal Colonial gatherings were held in rooms with green walls. Green inspires harmony, but an overload may lead to complacency, boredom, and even hypochondria.
<strong>Blue</strong>
Blue offers tranquility, safety, and reservation. It is frequently presented as a conservative color. Witnesses at trials may be instructed to wear blue, as it lends a feeling of reliability. Blue is emotionally sedating, which is why many hospital recovery rooms may be blue. In 2000, Glasgow installed blue street lights in some of its tougher neighborhoods and subsequently saw a reduction in the crime rates. On the negative side, blue may also be cold and depressing. It is also an appetite suppressant, as naturally blue foods are frequently toxic. Therefore, if you’re dieting, install a blue light in your refrigerator or eat from blue plates.
<strong>Purple</strong>
An inspiring color, purple stimulates creativity, individuality, and spirituality. Traditionally, purple was associated with royalty, so the color also connotes wealth and sophistication. In the negative, purple may be seen as impractical, immature, insincere, or overindulgent.
<strong>Brown</strong>
Brown is reliable and down-to-earth. It suggests authenticity, honesty, and responsibility. However, brown may evoke dullness and it can enhance maudlin feelings.
<strong>Gray</strong>
The most unemotional color, gray is pragmatic and isolating. It feels “corporate” and promotes indifference.
<strong>White</strong>
White is unquestionably the ultimate symbol of purity and innocence. It may also suggest a sterile, fastidious, hands-off personality; think Martha Stewart and her perfectly crisp white button-down shirts.
<strong>Black</strong>
This is a color with very complex associations. In one aspect, black is powerful, authoritarian, elegant, and sophisticated. It can also be serious, intimidating and may elicit fear. Another interpretation is that black is a color of aloofness and submission, like a priest wearing black in submission to God or a widow wearing black in mourning.
What can we learn from this? One way Color Psychology can be used is as an introspective device; what does your favorite color imply about you? Is it correct? Is it the message you want to send? I hope it also makes you aware of how color may be subtly used to manipulate the masses. For instance, be aware of the packaging on products you purchase, political signs, the colors of certain rooms… subliminally, someone may be trying to sell you something, but there’s also the possibility that there’s something from which they’re trying to distract you.
Sources I used:
http://www.brainpickings.org/index.php/2012/08/17/goethe-theory-of-colours/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Color_psychology
http://www.holyorderofmans.org/Color%20Philosophy/ColorPhilosophy/philosophy_of_color.htm
http://www.infoplease.com/spot/colors.html
http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0932396.html
http://www.empower-yourself-with-color-psychology.com/meaning-of-colors.html