Cultural Considerations in Decorative Arts
Graphics design has long understood that different cultures interpret various graphic and color choices in unexpected ways. It is generally known red is a lucky color for Chinese New Years; however, this is not always true. White, not black, is the color of mourning in Japan. And, for many westerners it is a surprise to learn that Moslem religion prohibits the depiction of animals or people in any decoration. In graphics and other decorative arts cultural differences are a serious consideration when preparing a message to be consumed by another culture.

Gay Decorating Sense Fails To Sell Political Dissident.
Driving in SF I believe I experienced a culture clash when I pulled up behind a car with an average middle aged lesbian couple. Their car was a 1970s very much in need of a bath. In stark contrast were two new and bright stickers. The first one I saw was an anti-Bush bumper sticker. Now, I'm not a fan of George W. Bush—most anti-Bush stickers are actually clever and humorous. What struck me was the other sticker. It was an American flag set up side down in the rear window. It was obviously a statement. Less obvious was the total relation of the two stickers.

Communicating Wrong
An upside down American flag is a boating signal for distress. I first mistakenly read it as "patriotic American who dislikes Bush". Rereading the flag sticker upside down, I was surprised at how much I believed I was reading an anti-American message. Anti-Bush sticker plus upside down flag equals abusive American?

Cultural Faux Pas
I can understand the carefully centered and purposefully inverted flag as suggesting America is in distress. But considering the popular sentiment to decorate your car with truly patriotic display of the flag and "Support the Troops" stickers, the message of distress is easily read as a rejection. With the attention of the war most people are now more aware of how to properly display the American flag, so this act of messaging reads like a prank 911 call.

Berkeley Hippie Shock
We enjoy the spectacle of graven images and plaster our possessions with political messages. Living close to Berkeley everyone in the Bay Area is aware of the ultra left and its disenfranchised citizenry. In peace times messages from the left are meant to shock and dismay—break people out of complacency. Using those same tactics during a stressful time can have the opposite effect. Is that the message, then? Do we prepare in peace to be outrageous in war time? Or are we outrageous all the time, failing to realize the pain we cause each other all the time? Magpie or injured dog?

Regardless, As I said, I was driving. I gave these ladies a quick toot of my horn, even though the light was red. She rolled forward an inch. I did it again and then passed on the right. She gave me a Hitler salute and I waved back like the queen. (>_<)

Wishes For a Better 2006. Be safe. Stay Happy.