The disappearance of colour | Muhammad Aaraiz | TEDxSaltwater P9 College Youth

Key Concepts

• Pakistani Truck Art: A vibrant folk art tradition involving colorful textiles and murals on buses and trucks, intended to attract passengers and enhance well-being.
• Color Psychology: The study of how colors affect human behavior and emotions, with specific colors linked to feelings like energy, calmness, and joy.
• Serotonin Stimulation: The effect of bold, vibrant colors on the brain's production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with happiness and well-being.
• Cultural Identity and Color: The role of color in expressing cultural heritage, personal beliefs, and values, and how its absence can lead to a diminishment of unique identity.
• Color Ritual: A conscious practice of incorporating color into daily life to foster self-expression, connection to heritage, and overall well-being.

Childhood Memories and Cultural Expression in Pakistan

The speaker fondly recalls their childhood in Pakistan, characterized by an abundance of color in everyday life. This vibrancy was evident in market stalls with colorful fabrics, and especially in the "jingle trucks" (buses) and trucks adorned with dazzling murals and textiles. This Pakistani folk art tradition, known as truck art, served a dual purpose: to attract passengers and to contribute to the happiness and well-being of both passengers and drivers. Beyond transportation, traditional Pakistani clothing also featured colorful stitched fabrics and bright embroidered patterns. The speaker highlights that despite being a developing nation, there was a rich expression of self through clothing, transport, and even home decor, citing a purple toilet as an example of this colorful aesthetic.

Transition to Australia and Perceived Lack of Color

Upon moving to Australia, a highly developed country, the speaker felt a sense of something missing. An initial visit to Federation Square in Melbourne, which the speaker had seen online as a lively hub with crowds and vibrant colors, proved to be a disappointing experience. In reality, the square was sparsely populated, with few people engaged, and dominated by seagulls. Over time, the speaker came to perceive Federation Square as "empty, dull, and honestly underwhelming." While acknowledging the possibility of homesickness, the speaker posits that this feeling was not solely due to nostalgia.

Research on Color and Well-being

The speaker references research from the Journal of Environmental Psychology which suggests that bright-colored environments positively impact individuals, particularly children and older adults, by promoting activity and social connection. This research supports the speaker's growing realization that the vivid world of their Pakistani childhood was fading.

The Disappearance of Color in Pakistan

The speaker observes a tangible shift in Pakistan itself. Friends who moved from a traditional wooden Pakistani house with lead light windows and ornate furniture to a modern concrete home found the new dwelling to be characterized by dull, neutral tones and a box-like structure. This observation reinforces the speaker's concern about the diminishing presence of color in daily life.

The "Color Challenge" and Family Connection

A pivotal conversation with their family revealed a shared sentiment: they felt more like their "real selves" when wearing colorful clothes in Pakistan. The family's hypothesis was that in Pakistan, they wore diverse colors daily, either by design or coincidence, whereas in Australia, daily attire for school or work was predominantly dull and monotone, with color reserved for special occasions. This realization led the family to embark on a "color challenge," consciously choosing to wear something bright each day. This practice served to maintain a connection to their Pakistani roots and provided a shared, enjoyable family activity that differentiated them.

The Significance of Color in Self-Expression and Psychology

The speaker emphasizes that chosen colors are a powerful means of self-expression, conveying beliefs and values. Wearing color allows individuals to stand out positively, boosting self-esteem and connecting them to their heritage. The talk delves into color psychology, noting that different colors have specific frequencies and effects.

• Red: Associated with boosting appetite and energy, often used in food branding, and considered a color of luck and prosperity in many cultures.
• Blue: Evokes trust and calmness, frequently used by financial and healthcare institutions.
• Orange: Promotes enthusiasm and joy.

The speaker explains that bold, vibrant colors stimulate the body's serotonin production, the "feel-good chemical," scientifically proving that incorporating color into one's day is beneficial.

The "Color Ritual" as an Actionable Takeaway

The core takeaway message is the adoption of a "color ritual." This is not about elaborate practices but about intentionally integrating color into daily life. Examples include:

• Wearing something different and colorful for a day or week.
• Filling a journal with bright illustrations.
• Designating a corner of the home to add colorful items weekly, allowing it to gradually expand.

Conclusion: Embracing Color for Identity and Well-being

The speaker argues that removing color from daily life diminishes unique cultural identity, often subtly. Personal choices in color reflect feelings about oneself and the world. The concluding message is an encouragement to embrace oneself, stand out, and make a statement through color, ultimately contributing to a more joyful and bright world. The speaker quotes French post-impressionist painter Paul Gauguin: "Color. What a deep and mysterious language. The language of dreams."