Pantone makes several strong assertions about their New York Fashion Week color palette; for example, “These colors encourage creativity as well as pragmatism…” The report, however, doesn’t offer any examples or supporting evidence. Are the claims plausible to you? Why or why not? Why might Pantone have decided that their assertions needed no supporting facts or evidence? In your response, consider their rhetorical situation: purpose, audience, and stance. Explain your reasoning.
The color called “green sheen” is described as “optimistically rebellious.” Could that description apply just as well to any of the other colors? Why or why not? (What does “optimistically rebellious” mean, anyway?) Remove the color name clues from all of the descriptions (“orange,” “red,” “pink,” etc.) and try mixing them around. Is there another color, for example, that “adds gravitas” or “…exudes self-assurance and poise”? Which ones? Why do you think so? Are any of the descriptions so unique to their color that they couldn’t be changed around? Which ones? Why do you think so?
Pantone’s report is intended for the fashion industry. In what ways, if any, would the descriptions be different if these exact same colors were being promoted for house paints? For cars or trucks? Write an essay addressing each of these alternative applications, and explain your reasoning.
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