Pretty in Pink for Red (in the face) Party

Harriet Harman’s attempt to lure more female voters was criticised by the media last week and caused a storm across social media, with people taking offence over the use of pink.

They cited her campaign tactic of touring the UK in a pink van as 'sexist' and 'patronising', whilst pointing out that it didn’t even have eyelashes on the front - an oversight surely?!

 

 

Do they have a point with their colour criticism? Is pink a condescending stereotypical colour for marketing purposes?

 

According to Karen Haller Colour and Design Consultancy brands use pink to show that they are sweet or sexy, depending on the pink.

Pink stands for femininity, as well as love, nurturing and caring. A lighter pink is sweet, usually marketed to girls, whereas a brighter pink holds sex appeal.

Many trusted brands use pink in their marketing - and are not deemed sexist, condescending or patronising as a result. But they are more likely to be marketing fashion, cosmetics, cars and charities ….…not campaigning for political parties?

Not only was offence caused by the Pink Barbie battle bus, news broke yesterday claiming the van is in fact registered as a white vehicle with the DVLA. Reports claim that a change in the colour of a vehicle should be registered with the DVLA and failure to do so is a serious offence. 

'Any failure to inform the DVLA about changing the colour of the vehicle can be punishable with a £1,000 fine,' confirms a DVLA spokesman.

Looks like this gimmick recruitment tactic may have ‘backfired’ for the Red (in the face) party.

#PurePoint