You must skillfully consider the proportion of the colors and use them to create a visual aesthetic.
The Color Psychology of Black
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Amy Morin, LCSW, is a psychotherapist and international bestselling author. Her books, including “13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do,” have been translated into more than 40 languages. Her TEDx talk, “The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong,” is one of the most viewed talks of all time.
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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, the absorption of all colors. Black absorbs all light in the color spectrum.
According to color 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
Individual reactions to the color black can vary widely. Some of these responses have cultural associations, but other factors can also play a part. Your own reactions might be shaped by your experiences and personal preferences.
According to German scientist Hermann von Helmholz, “Black is real sensation, even if it is produced by the entire absence of light. The sensation of black is distinctly different from the lack of all sensation.”
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:
- Authority
- Elegance
- Formality
- Intelligence
- Power
- Prestige
- Sophistication
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.
And nothing says “bad guy” quite like the color black. Though black is worn (and often preferred) by people from all walks of society, it’s often seen as the stereotypical color for criminals and villains. Why do you think the color of choice for villains (think Dracula and Darth Vader) and other shady movie and TV show characters is almost always black?
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 like blacklist or black sheep, for example.
In a study by Steele and Aronson, they found that when Black students were made to feel that their race was being brought to attention, they underperformed on tests. The threat of being viewed through a racial lens (known as stereotype threat) can result in anxiety and poorer performance.
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.
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.
Black And Yellow
This stunning blend of colors can be used for all seasons. They are exquisitely bold and sophisticated together.
When using these colors for your home, it is best to use black as the background and yellow to accent.
Black And White
Black and white are traditional colors, and they go well together. White colors trick the eyes by making the room look larger and brighter than it is really.
Unfortunately, many people have no idea how to incorporate white into their black decor, which is why they’re reluctant to use it.
A black and white blend for your home decor gives off an elegant and classy look.
Black And Brown
Pairing brown with black formulates a kind of modern aesthetic that is boldly masculine. It sets off a mood of power, confidence, and panache.
