Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsPsychological EffectsColorism and Racial AttitudesFeng Shui
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Table of Contents
Psychological Effects
Colorism and Racial Attitudes
Feng Shui
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Black isn’t a primary, secondary, or tertiary color. In fact, black isn’t on the color wheel because it isn’t considered a color. It’s all colors. Or rather, theabsorptionof all colors. Black absorbs all light in the color spectrum.
According tocolor psychology, color-related emotion is highly dependent on your personal preference and past experiences with that particular color. The color black is no different.
The Psychological Effect of Black
Positive Associations
The color black is associated with a number of positive qualities and characteristics. For example, some common associations with the color black is associated include:
The color is often described as strong and elegant.The color oozes sophistication. That’s why many people don black clothing when attending a fancy event. It’s also why high-end brands like Tiffany & Co. and Chanel utilize black in their logos.
The color black has long been associated with power and prestige. From priests to judges, tuxedos to credit cards.
Negative Associations
However, many use the color black to symbolize all things negative. Throughout history, this somber color has been tied to death and all things evil and bad. It evokes strong feelings of anger, aggression, fear, and sadness.
The connection between black and negativity is probably most clearly seen in our language. Just consider these commonly used expressions: Black Monday. Black Plague. Black magic. Blackball. Blackhole. Black-hearted. Black mood. Black sheep. Blackmail. Black market. Blackout. The list could go on.
Cultural AssociationsBlack is the perfect example of how color meaning can differ from one culture to another. In many western traditions, black is associated with death and mourning, whereas in China the color of death is white.
Cultural Associations
Black is the perfect example of how color meaning can differ from one culture to another. In many western traditions, black is associated with death and mourning, whereas in China the color of death is white.
Color Associations and Racial Attitudes
It is important to recognize that how color is used in language can be linked to racial attitudes, racism, bias, and colorism. In some cultures, the colors white and black are often used to represent good and evil. Consider the meaning and use of terms likeblacklistorblack sheep, for example.
While language is always evolving and terms often become detached from their origins, it is important to recognize that the way the color black is utilized in everyday language can reflect attitudes and associations that may have racist or colorist origins.
In one journal article exploring the prevalence of racist language, researchers noted that while many synonyms associated with the word “whiteness” were positive, a significant number of those associated with “blackness” had negative connotations.
Other studies have found that people tend to have automatic associations between blackness and negativity. Referred to as the"bad is black" heuristic, researchers found that people tend to associate criminal or immoral acts with darker skin tones.
While some may argue that these color associations are no longer relevant, it is important to consider how they may still influence attitudes and behaviors. Colorism, or prejudice and discrimination against people based on their skin tone, has been associated with psychosocial, health, and socioeconomic disadvantages.
RecapThese studies suggest that how we use color in language can reflect underlying attitudes and beliefs that may be racist or colorist. It is essential to be aware of these associations and to consider how they may impact our interactions with others.
Recap
These studies suggest that how we use color in language can reflect underlying attitudes and beliefs that may be racist or colorist. It is essential to be aware of these associations and to consider how they may impact our interactions with others.
Using the Color Black in Feng Shui
Infeng shui, a way of harmonizing your home, office, and other environments, each color represents a feng shui element. Black is associated with the water element and evokes power, mystery, and calm. When it’s used sparingly, black has a grounding effect on your environment.
Here are a few tips for using black in feng shui:
A Word From Verywell
People’s preference for certain colors is based on a whole host of factors, including environment,personality, experience, and upbringing. Pay attention to how the color black makes you feel and consider how some of these factors may shape how you feel and respond to this color.
The Psychology of the Color Yellow
11 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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