Favoured Colour

At some point in a budding friendship, I, inevitably, come to realise that my new friend has a favourite colour.  My friend's preferences may be so strong that even casual acquaintances note the dominance of the colour in their life. Having a favourite colour in the sense of hue or tint is quite harmless so it is readily revealed. There is nothing wrong with preferring one colour above all others. But the word, "colour" is one of those words in the English language that have multiple meanings. For some of these meanings, having an exclusive preference is misguided and dangerous.

The idea of a "favourite colour" when colour signifies race, nationality, ethnic group, religion or political affiliation is not as readily disclosed as a favoured tint is, but it is only too real around the globe. When these meanings of colour are accompanied by intolerance for and hatred of other groupings, human beings degenerate into inhumane behaviour. History records that some of the worst atrocities of human history were committed because one group of people defined by race, nationality, ethnicity, religion or political views hated another. This is a reality that I feel very strongly about and cannot help but add my voice to the millions of brave people who tirelessly speak up for love and unity in the human family. 

Our choice of hue or tint may be based on the general symbolism of the colour or what it means to us personally but whatever the reason for the preference, our choice is part of what makes us all special. If a group of people are gathered in a room and an item in different colurs is being shared, people invariably voice their preference for one colour or another. There is no shame in that. Each person has the privilege of choice and each person's choice is usually respected. Differences in selections seldom give rise to anything more than good-natured bantering. But how should we react when people shamelessly favour one human group above another? Acceptance should never be an option. When "colour" means race, nationality, ethnic group, gender, religion or political affiliation we must never cease to speak out against favouritism. 

The vehement rejection of other "colours" betrays trust, destroys friendships, engenders hate, divides people and destroys lives. To counter these destructive consequences,  each race, nationality, ethnic group, gender, religion and  political ideology ought to be given equal opportunities in every situation. This is a fundamental principle that we should never be silent about because every human being is of equal value. This is not to say that there are not important differences and fundamental strengths in various groupings but these are no grounds for elevating one group above another. Embracing our differences and valuing each other's strengths engenders growth. Countless opportunities for creative synergies are lost when we separate and isolate because of our differences.  Separation on the grounds of race, nationality or ethnic groupings is misguided; this kind of insularity dehumanises us and robs us of opportunities to celebrate our diversity and achieve great things.

Globally, political and religious ideology seem to be the most divisive choices that people make. Differences of race, nationality, and ethnic group seem to dissipate under political and religious banners and often, so does common sense. What is the benefit of hating your fellowmen because they espouse opposing political or religious views? Rejection and hatred of others because of the views they hold annihilates any possibility of sharing and celebrating what we have in common. It is unjustifiable. Admittedly, some people hold views and make choices that are harmful to the collective good of society . The headlines abound with the heinous crimes that are commited under the banner of beliefs but even those individuals ought to be loved even though their views are not respected and valued.  The great Mahatma Gandhi is credited with the words, "Whenever you are confronted with an opponent, conquer him with love". Rather than violent verbal or physical assaults on political and religious opponents, we should seek to win them over with kindness and reason.  

When we look at nature, it is evident that God has prepared clear guidance for us on the subject of diversity. In the sky above and here on earth, in furs and feathers, fruits and flowers, the azure sea and metals rare, God's love of colour is so clear. In His wisdom, he created a marvellous variety to enrich our lives and teach us to appreciate diversity. I believe this is particularly true when colour equals race, nationality or ethnic group.

 If I were to ask, "what's your favourite colour?" and mean, "what's your favourite nationality, ethnic group or race, what would your answer be?  Would you actually have a selection to name? Think about it, is such a choice justifiable?  My view is that there is no logical basis for human beings to exclusively favour one race, nationality or ethnic group above others. There are situations such as in an olympic competition when choices have to be made but these choices should be based on merit and not on favour. We should never choose a competitor merely because the individual is one race or another, one nationality or another or one ethnic group or another. In fact, any favour we bestow should mirror the fluidity of my selection of a favourite colour meaning tint, hue or shade. 

When I was a little girl, my favourite colour was yellow. Probably because banana was my favourite fruit, I would gravitate to anything that was a bright banana yellow. I cannot recall the colour evoking any special feelings for me or having any particular significance other than it being the colour I liked and would select if asked for my favourite colour.

Later, my preference switched from yellow to sapphire blue. Although it is not a colour that abounds in my wardrobe, sapphire blue intrigues me. Although the sapphire shade is my favoured shade of blue, the colour of the sky on a brilliantly sunny day and the colour of the sea also fill me with immeasurable joy. When I look at the sea and the sky, I am always inspired to express praise to the Creator of these two features of nature.

 I also have a distinct attraction to black. Wearing black makes me feel strong and beautiful so my wardrobe is an ode to black. Because of the many negatives associated with the colour, I have often told myself that I really must brighten up my wardrobe but more often than not, another black garment is what I select when I go shopping.

Much as I like black, there are days when I prefer white or fuschia or green or orange or magenta or teal. My preference aligns with my mood, my activities or the particular message I wish to project. The absolute truth is that each of the colours has a special significance and purpose on different days and seasons of my life. In essence,  the colour I favour at this moment, may not necessarily be my hue of choice later today. The point is, I have no absolute favourite colour. When it comes to people, race, nationality, gender, political affiliation or religion do not exist to me. I have no favourites. Neither should you.

Now, what's your favourite colour? 

Years ago, I wrote a poem entitled, "Favoured Colour". I hope someone finds this extract interesting:

What colour is the joy of birth,
faith, a mother's prayer?
Whose colour is a baby's smile,
love, a touch of tender care?

What colour is a brother's hate
shame, the stroke of pain?
Whose shade is a trust betrayed
loss, the stain of fear?

God placed the rainbow in the sky _
note its symmetry
it blends true colours from on high
that mortals all may see

These colours have the same design
no form or substance better
a fading time; season to shine
fickle breath; mere matter

  So, let's try to be tolerant and love our fellowmen. We might not have anything else in common but our shared humanity but that is reason enough for us to celebrate our diversity and live in harmony.