April 22, 2021- I was present for a couple of curious conversations, about the colour blue, this afternoon and evening. In the first, during a discussion between an art docent and a group of second graders, one boy referred to “regular blue”. By this, he meant the shade of blue associated with a clear sky. In the second conversation, this evening, a little boy, talking with his sister and grandfather, in a local restaurant, spoke of “real blue”. He was referring to the blue in people’s eyes.
Blue has always been my favourite colour. It is the colour of my own eyes, and I have been partial to any shade of blue in my wardrobe of shirts. Perhaps this is a matter of matching face and torso. In any case, I also find blue, along with yellow, as soothing.
Society seems to be of two minds about the colour. Blue is variously associated with the Democratic Party (“Act Blue”) and American police (“Back the Blue”). The two entities need not be at odds with one another, but some seek to stir up animosity along those lines. Indeed, there was a time when both Democrats and police were associated with the most reactionary elements of American society (i.e. the Birmingham Police & Fire Action of 1963 and the Chicago “Police Riot” of 1968). Now, while the best of the police seek to upgrade their profession’s image, through reasonable reforms, the Democrats have cast reactionary politics aside, opting for an ideological range from moderate to progressive.
Blue has also been associated with melancholia (“the blues”) and optimism (“Blue Skies ahead”). Thus, as with a lot of things in life, the fifth colour in Roy G Biv’s palette can signal different things to different people. There was even a time when blue was regarded as a girl’s colour and pink was for boys.
It’s all good, as long as I can be recognized as true blue, by my family and trusted friends.
A Sagittarian Seeker 
With this, you have given me something to think about. I’ve always hated the color blue. People naturally assume the reason is related to gangs, which I’ve never been affiliated with. Recently while helping w/research for my book, my daughter noticed something I never had. All photos of me in the family album, I was wearing blue as a child. Knowing I grew up in an abusive household along w/ not smiling in the photos, led my daughter to the conclusion of my dislike of the color. Everyone who knows me, knows I despise the color because over the years without realizing it, apparently I’ve made it quite clear. So thank you for another perspective.
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I have no doubt that the association of your childhood experience with the colour is very deep. I trust you have found a colour that IS soothing.
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Oh Yes Yes Yes, RED!!!! Lol
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May red long bring you solace and healing.
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With a huge smile & hugs, thank you!
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As humans we are designed to be able to recognize colors as part of the ability to distinguish food, safety, friend, and foe… We have specific names for all different shades of color. However in modern society we shouldn’t allow perceptions of color to tint our acceptance of true hearts (no matter their color)…
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I have come to appreciate the beauty of many colours and hues. While blue remains my favourite, I do vary my wardrobe quite a bit more now.
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Color associations can work for us or against us! I wonder what the world would be like if humans were all the same color?! You are a true blue writer, and I say writer because I don’t know you as a person. Your posts are eloquently written and unbiased.
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Thank you for this, Eugenia. I will say that my writing mirrors who I am as a person. Of course, no one really knows someone else, without years of up close and personal observation.
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You’re welcome, Gary.
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