How effective is eye black for reducing glare in sports. What are the reasons athletes use eye black. Are there better alternatives to eye black for glare reduction. How does eye black impact player performance and appearance.
The Origins and Purpose of Eye Black in Sports
Eye black, a dark grease or paint applied under the eyes, has been a common sight in various sports for decades. Athletes, particularly in American football, baseball, softball, and lacrosse, have long used this distinctive marking. But what exactly is the purpose behind this practice?
The primary claimed benefit of eye black is glare reduction. The theory suggests that the dark color absorbs light that would otherwise reflect into the athletes’ eyes, potentially improving vision in bright conditions. However, the effectiveness of eye black for this purpose has been called into question by recent studies.
Historical Use of Eye Black
The use of eye black dates back to the 1930s when professional baseball player Babe Ruth reportedly used grease under his eyes to reduce sun glare. Since then, it has become a widespread practice across multiple sports, evolving from burnt cork to specialized grease and stickers.
The Science Behind Eye Black: Does It Really Work?
Despite its widespread use, scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of eye black in reducing glare is limited. Several studies have attempted to measure its impact on visual acuity and glare reduction, with mixed results.
Research Findings on Eye Black Effectiveness
A study published in the Archives of Ophthalmology found that eye black did reduce glare and improve contrast sensitivity. However, other studies have failed to replicate these results consistently. The variation in findings suggests that the effectiveness of eye black may depend on individual factors and specific conditions.
Do athletes experience a measurable visual benefit from wearing eye black? While some athletes swear by its effectiveness, the scientific consensus remains inconclusive. The perceived benefits may be due to a combination of minor glare reduction and psychological factors.
Alternative Methods for Glare Reduction in Sports
Given the questionable effectiveness of eye black, athletes and sports organizations have explored alternative methods for reducing glare and improving visual performance.
- Polarized sunglasses
- Tinted visors
- Anti-glare coatings on eyewear
- Specialized contact lenses
Are these alternatives more effective than traditional eye black? In many cases, yes. Modern optical technologies offer more consistent and measurable benefits in reducing glare and improving visual acuity under bright conditions.
The Psychological Impact of Eye Black on Athletes
While the physical benefits of eye black may be debatable, its psychological impact on athletes should not be underestimated. Many players report feeling more confident and intimidating when wearing eye black.
The Intimidation Factor
Does eye black make athletes appear more intimidating to their opponents? Some players and coaches believe so. The dark markings can create a fierce, warrior-like appearance, potentially giving athletes a psychological edge on the field.
How does this perceived intimidation factor affect player performance? While difficult to quantify, the confidence boost from feeling more intimidating may translate to improved performance for some athletes.
Eye Black and Team Identity
Beyond individual use, eye black has become a part of team identity and sports culture. Many teams have incorporated unique designs or patterns into their eye black application, turning it into a form of self-expression and team unity.
Creative Uses of Eye Black
Athletes have taken eye black beyond its original purpose, using it to display messages, logos, or symbols. This creative use has turned a functional item into a canvas for personal expression, though some sports organizations have implemented rules to limit this practice.
How has the creative use of eye black impacted sports marketing and fan engagement? The distinctive look created by eye black has become iconic in sports imagery, often featured in marketing materials and merchandise.
Potential Risks and Considerations of Eye Black Use
While generally considered safe, the use of eye black is not without potential risks. Athletes should be aware of these considerations before applying any substance near their eyes.
Skin Irritation and Allergic Reactions
Some individuals may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions to the ingredients in eye black products. It’s essential for athletes to test new products on a small area of skin before full application.
Can eye black cause long-term skin damage? When used occasionally and removed properly, eye black is unlikely to cause lasting skin issues. However, frequent use without proper cleansing could potentially lead to clogged pores or other skin concerns.
Proper Application and Removal
Correct application and thorough removal of eye black are crucial for minimizing potential skin issues. Athletes should follow product instructions carefully and use appropriate cleansing methods to ensure all residue is removed after use.
The Future of Eye Black in Sports
As sports technology continues to advance, the role of traditional eye black may evolve. New innovations in sports eyewear and protective equipment could potentially render eye black obsolete for its original purpose of glare reduction.
Emerging Technologies in Sports Vision
What new technologies are being developed to enhance athletes’ visual performance? Advances in smart contact lenses, augmented reality visors, and other high-tech solutions are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in sports vision enhancement.
Will these new technologies replace eye black entirely? While technological solutions may offer superior functional benefits, the cultural and psychological aspects of eye black may ensure its continued presence in sports for years to come.
Eye Black in Different Sports: Variations and Regulations
The use and regulation of eye black vary across different sports and leagues. Understanding these differences is important for athletes and fans alike.
Football
In American football, eye black is widely used at both collegiate and professional levels. The NFL has specific regulations regarding the size and content of eye black applications, particularly limiting personalized messages.
Baseball and Softball
Baseball players often use eye black, especially in outdoor day games. Major League Baseball has rules about excessive eye black use and prohibits personalized messages.
Lacrosse
Lacrosse players frequently use eye black, with some creative applications seen at collegiate levels. Professional leagues may have stricter regulations on design and messaging.
How do these variations in eye black use reflect the cultural differences between sports? The differences in eye black regulations and styles often mirror the overall culture and traditions of each sport.
The Cultural Significance of Eye Black in Sports
Eye black has transcended its original purpose to become a cultural icon in sports. Its presence in sports imagery, from action photos to video games, has cemented its place in popular culture.
Eye Black in Media and Entertainment
How has eye black been portrayed in sports movies and television? The distinctive look of athletes wearing eye black has become a visual shorthand for intensity and athleticism in media portrayals of sports.
What role does eye black play in sports video games and merchandise? Many sports video games include eye black as a customizable feature, and replica eye black stickers are popular merchandise items for fans.
Eye Black and Fan Culture
The use of eye black has extended beyond athletes to fans, who often wear it to show support for their teams. This adoption by fans further emphasizes the cultural impact of this simple cosmetic application in the world of sports.
How has eye black contributed to the ritual and tradition of sports fandom? For many fans, applying eye black has become part of the game day ritual, creating a sense of shared identity with the athletes they support.
The Economics of Eye Black in Sports
The popularity of eye black has created a significant market for specialized products. From traditional grease to innovative stickers and custom designs, the eye black industry has evolved to meet the demands of athletes and fans alike.
Market Size and Growth
What is the current market size for eye black products? While specific figures vary, the global market for sports eye black products is estimated to be worth millions of dollars annually, with steady growth projected in coming years.
How has the eye black market diversified in recent years? The market now includes a wide range of products, from basic black grease to colorful, reflective, and even glitter-infused options, catering to various preferences and uses beyond traditional sports applications.
Sponsorship and Branding Opportunities
Eye black has also opened up new avenues for athlete sponsorships and brand visibility. Some companies have developed branded eye black products or incorporated their logos into custom eye black designs worn by sponsored athletes.
How do these branding opportunities impact athlete endorsements and team sponsorships? The visibility of eye black in close-up shots and highlight reels makes it an attractive option for subtle yet noticeable brand placement in sports broadcasts.
Environmental and Ethical Considerations of Eye Black
As with many consumer products, the production and use of eye black raise certain environmental and ethical concerns that are worth examining.
Environmental Impact
What are the environmental implications of eye black production and disposal? Traditional petroleum-based eye black products may contribute to plastic waste and environmental pollution. However, some companies are developing more eco-friendly alternatives using natural ingredients and biodegradable packaging.
How can athletes and teams reduce the environmental impact of eye black use? Opting for reusable or biodegradable eye black products and proper disposal of single-use items can help minimize the environmental footprint of this sports tradition.
Ethical Production and Testing
Are eye black products tested on animals? Many modern cosmetic companies, including those producing eye black, have moved away from animal testing. However, consumers concerned about this issue should research specific brands and their testing policies.
What labor practices are involved in eye black production? As with any consumer product, there may be concerns about labor conditions in the manufacturing process. Ethically-minded consumers and athletes may wish to seek out brands that prioritize fair labor practices and transparency in their supply chains.
Eye Black in Youth Sports: Benefits and Concerns
The use of eye black has trickled down from professional sports to youth leagues, raising both opportunities and concerns for young athletes and their parents.
Potential Benefits for Young Athletes
Can eye black help young athletes develop confidence and team spirit? Many youth coaches believe that the ritual of applying eye black can help young players feel more like “real athletes” and foster a sense of team unity.
Does eye black use in youth sports encourage interest in sun protection? Some argue that introducing eye black can serve as an entry point for discussions about broader sun safety practices in outdoor sports.
Concerns and Considerations
What are the potential drawbacks of eye black use in youth sports? There may be concerns about skin sensitivity in young children, the promotion of appearance-based confidence, or the emulation of professional athlete behaviors that may not always be appropriate for youth settings.
How can parents and coaches approach eye black use responsibly in youth sports? Emphasizing the functional aspects of eye black, ensuring proper application and removal, and balancing its use with other sun protection methods can help create a positive experience for young athletes.
The Role of Eye Black in Sports Photography and Memorabilia
Eye black has become an integral part of sports imagery, influencing photography, art, and collectibles in the sports memorabilia market.
Impact on Sports Photography
How does eye black affect sports photography? The stark contrast created by eye black can enhance the dramatic effect of sports action shots, particularly in close-up portraits of athletes.
Has eye black influenced photographic techniques in sports coverage? Photographers may consider the presence of eye black when composing shots, using it to draw attention to an athlete’s eyes or to enhance the overall intensity of an image.
Eye Black in Sports Memorabilia
What role does eye black play in sports collectibles and memorabilia? Game-used equipment or uniforms bearing traces of eye black may be particularly valued by collectors, adding to the authenticity and perceived connection to a specific game or moment.
How has eye black been incorporated into sports art and graphic design? The distinctive look of athletes wearing eye black has become a common motif in sports-themed artwork, graphic design, and branding materials.
The Future of Eye Black: Innovations and Trends
As sports technology and consumer preferences evolve, the future of eye black may see significant changes and innovations.
Technological Advancements
What new technologies might be incorporated into future eye black products? Possibilities include UV-sensitive formulations that change color to indicate sun exposure levels, or smart materials that adjust their light-absorption properties based on ambient conditions.
Could augmented reality technology replace or enhance traditional eye black? Future sports equipment might include AR displays that provide the benefits of glare reduction along with additional visual information for athletes.
Changing Attitudes and Regulations
How might changing attitudes towards appearance modification in sports affect eye black use? As discussions around body autonomy and self-expression in sports continue to evolve, regulations surrounding eye black and similar cosmetic applications may shift.
Will environmental concerns lead to new standards for eye black products? Growing awareness of environmental issues may drive the development of more sustainable, eco-friendly eye black options and influence consumer choices.
In conclusion, eye black remains a fascinating aspect of sports culture, blending functional claims with psychological impact and cultural significance. While its effectiveness in glare reduction may be debatable, its role in sports imagery and athlete identity is undeniable. As sports continue to evolve, so too will the practices surrounding eye black, reflecting broader trends in technology, environmental consciousness, and cultural attitudes towards sports and athleticism.
Why Do Football Players Put Black On Their Cheeks?
Eye black is not effective for reducing glare and it’s not recommended for use by American football, baseball, softball or lacrosse players. It is sometimes used under the eyes to mitigate the effects of bright sunlight or stadium floodlights, but it’s not always effective.
There are other products that are a better choice when looking to reduce glare from light sources. Eye black can be costly and some people find that it doesn’t work well enough to justify its price tag.
Why Do Football Players Put Black On Their Cheeks?
Eye black is not effective as a glare-reducing product for American football, baseball, softball and lacrosse players. It is applied under the eyes to mitigate effects of bright sunlight or stadium floodlights.
eye black can irritate skin if it’s not properly applied, so be sure to use gloves when you apply it. Some people believe that eye black has medicinal properties; however, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim.
Always consult with your doctor before using any type of cosmetic product on your skin – even if it’s something as simple as eye black.
Eye Black is not Effective
Eye black is not effective when worn on the cheeks because it absorbs into the skin and can be difficult to remove. Instead, football players use dark shades of makeup or face paint that stay on longer and help them look menacing on the field.
Some people believe that darker makeup makes players appear tougher and more intimidating to opponents, which can lead to wins in games. Wearing eye black isn’t mandatory for all football positions, but those who play linebacker or defensive back often wear the most makeup because they’re often required to make tackles in close quarters with other athletes.
People who are new to playing football may find it helpful to experiment with different types of eye shadow before settling on an aesthetic that works best for them.
American Football, Baseball, Softball and Lacrosse Players Use It to Reduce Glare
American football, baseball, softball and lacrosse players use black to reduce glare on their faces.
It’s a way for them to stay focused in the game and avoid eye injuries.
Black eyemasks help protect the eyes from damage due to impact or sunlight exposure during games. Some players even dye their hair black so that it doesn’t interfere with vision while they play sports.
You can also try using sunglasses or a hat when playing outdoors to keep your face shielded from harsh light.
It Is Applied Under the Eyes to Mitigate Effects of Bright Sunlight or Stadium Floodlights
Black is applied to the cheeks of football players to mitigate the effects of bright sunlight or stadium floodlights. The color helps protect the eyes from harsh light and reduces glare in photos and videos taken during games or other events.
It also improves night vision, which is important for athletes who play in dark stadiums at night. Some people believe that black makes a player look tougher on television because it absorbs more light than other colors do. If you want to try this makeup style yourself, be sure to use a shade that matches your skin tone closely so it looks natural.
Why do football players blacken their cheeks?
Most football players blacken their cheeks when they are celebrating a touchdown or making an interception. This is done because it makes them look more serious and intimidating on the field.
When football players are on the field all day, they need to take extra precautions to stay safe. One of these precautions is wearing sunscreen and face protection. When the sun shines on their skin, it causes oils to be released which can cause blackening of the cheek area due to hyperpigmentation.
Another common precaution for football players is using ear plugs and sunglasses when playing in bright sunlight. Sunglasses offer a degree ofprotection from both UV radiation and glare. They also help block out reflections that could distract you while playing football.
Finally, many football players will apply lip balm or chapstick before heading onto the field in order to protect their lips from chapping or drying out.
Why do football players put paint on their cheeks?
Football players use paint on their cheeks to intimidate their opponents and absorb the sun away.
They believe that it looks fun, and they like the way it makes them look in photos afterwards.
It also helps keep them cool during games because the paint reflects sunlight away from their skin. Finally, painting their faces can help protect them from injury as they play football.
What is the black stuff on football players faces?
Eye black grease is a type of makeup that many football players use to enhance their appearance on the field. No-glare stickers help preserve detail and contrast in sunlight or stadium lighting, which can affect how your photo looks when you share it online.
The way light reflects off of a player’s face can also change over time, depending on where they are playing and under what conditions. To get the most accurate photo, try photographing your subject in natural light as often as possible.
What do football players put on their cheeks?
Football players often put Vaseline or petroleum jelly on their cheeks to help prevent chapping.
This protects the skin from becoming dry and cracked, which can lead to infection.
Eye Black
Eye black is a type of makeup that football players use to protect their eyes from the sun and wind. It’s made up of black powder which absorbs sunlight and helps reduce glare.
Grease
Grease is used by football players to keep them moisturized during intense training sessions or games. It also acts as an insulator, protecting the player’s skin against extreme temperatures.
Stickers
Stickers are pieces of paper with pictures or messages on them that are placed on the cheeks of football players in order to motivate or communicate with one another during games or practice sessions.
Sweat
Why do football players wear bras?
Football players wear bras to track physical data such as heart rate and distance traveled during training or a test match. A training or test match bra is specifically designed for tracking these types of physical data, so it’s important that it fits well and provides adequate support.
Wearing a properly fitted bra can help keep your body healthy while you’re working out, and may even reduce the risk of injury.
What does face paint do in football?
Face paint is a common item used in football. It is worn by players to protect them from injuries and also to make them more visible on the field. Face paint can be made of various materials, including oils, waxes and acrylics.
Face paint can help protect players from sun damage and glare. Black paint reduces the player’s exposure to UV rays, while facemasks reduce their exposure to eye radiation. Helmets also protect the head and neck by stopping blows to these areas in collisions.
Why do quarterbacks put black under eyes?
Under eye circles are a common problem for people of all ages. They can occur as the result of many different things, such as genetics or poor sleep habits. However, there is another reason that quarterbacks may start to develop these circles under their eyes – they’re using too much eye makeup.
To Reduce Glare
The eyes are one of the most important parts of the body and need to be protected from the harmful effects of bright sunlight or stadium floodlights. By applying black under eyes, quarterbacks can reduce glare and help avoid eye fatigue during long seasons.
To Mitigate the Effects of Bright Sunlight or Stadium Floodlights
As mentioned before, these lights can be very damaging to your eyesight and if you’re a quarterback, protecting them is essential for your health and safety. Grease or strip applied under the eyes will help block out some of this light while you play.
Grease or Strip Applied Under The Eyes
Another way to reduce glare is by applying grease or strip to your eyelids. This will help deflect sunlight away from your eyes and protect them from damage caused by stadium lights.
What are the strips hanging from football players?
The strips hanging from football players are called “towels.” They’re made out of a moisture-wicking material that helps keep players’ hands dry during games.
Towels are available at stadiums, and some stores sell them in packs of 10 or more. If you want to buy your own towel, make sure to get one that’s large enough to cover the whole hand.
Does black paint under eyes really work?
While black stripes under your eyes can make you look more awake, they do not actually reduce glare and may even make it worse. Eye black is a better solution because it helps to improve the ability to differentiate between light and dark, which is key for avoiding fatigue in the morning.
If you are looking for an effective way to reduce eye fatigue during the day, try using some natural remedies like omega-3 fatty acids or taking breaks occasionally.
To Recap
Football players may put black on their cheeks to enhance their appearance, or to make them more visible in the dark.
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Why do Football Players wear Eye Black? We take a look!
Today, eye black is commonplace in all levels of football. From elementary school kids playing in their first Pop Warner game to pros in the NFL suiting up on Sunday’s eye black is everywhere.
Despite how common it is, many do not know where eye black originates from or the purpose for wearing it.
There are countless reasons why players choose to wear eye black for football, but let’s take a look at some of the top reasons as well as the different type of eye black that is used by youth football players up to the NFL level.
Contents
- Top 3 Reasons why football players wear eye black
- 1. Reduces Glare
- 2. Improves visual contrast
- 3. Gives players confidence
- What are the different types of Eye Black?
- 1. War Paint
- 2. Roll on Eye Black
- 3. Eye black stickers
- What is Eye black made out of?
- Does Eye Black actually do anything?
- Why do football Players put black under one eye?
- What is football war paint?
- Do baseball players wear eye black?
- Summary
Top 3 Reasons why football players wear eye black
Below are some of the main reasons football players wear black paint on their faces:
1. Reduces Glare
The first reason that football players wear eye black is to reduce glare.
This is something that is especially important for players that play positions like quarterback, running back, wide receiver, cornerback, safety, and return kicks.
At times without eye black, the ball can get lost in the sun or bright lights making it a lost cause for the player to even try to make the catch. With eye black, it helps reduce the glare of the sun making it easier to see.
2. Improves visual contrast
A second reason why players wear eye black is to help improve the visual contrast. Along with reducing the glare, improving the visual contrast makes it easier to see the ball and differentiate which player is on which team.
3. Gives players confidence
The final major reason why football players wear eye black is to give them confidence. At times players will have their eyes black done in a certain design that makes them more confident in how they will perform or to kill some of the stress of playing in front of a crowd.
Others will wear eye black for fashion similar to wearing cleats and arm sleeves from designer brands.
When eye black is worn, for this reason, it is not to give the player a tactical on-the-field advantage, however, it does add some fun to the game and makes the players more comfortable.
What are the different types of Eye Black?
Here are a few of the most popular types of eye black you will see football players wear:
1. War Paint
The first type of eye black we will be covering is war paint. War paint is more of a liquid that gives a smeared look when it is applied to a person’s cheek.
Earlier in the history of the NFL some, hard hitting defensive players would wear this kind of eye black as a form of intimidation and to play into the tough guy look. This is still a popular look today and one that likely will not be going away anytime soon.
2. Roll on Eye Black
The next form of eye black is roll-on eye black. This eye black is similar to paint in how it looks and feels. However, roll-on eye black is applied almost like lipstick right on the upper cheekbone.
It comes in a similar shaped tube to lipstick as well.
3. Eye black stickers
The final form of eye black that we will be looking at is the adhesive eye black stickers. This kind of eye black is pretty self-explanatory. It comes in packs just like stickers and is applied the same way. With the eye anti-glare stickers, you just apply them under your eyes and you are good to go.
What is Eye black made out of?
Anti Glare Eye black has been used for centuries and has gone through many renditions on what ingredients are used. The current ingredients used in the making of modern eye black according to Jere Longman from the New York Times are, “beeswax, paraffin and charcoal powder, while antiglare stickers are made of patented fabric with a dull, matte finish”. Throughout the history of eye black, it has kept a natural formula, even in the modern recipe that is used today.
Does Eye Black actually do anything?
Since it has been introduced to football, many have had their doubts about eye black and how effective it is in truly reducing the glare from the sun, if it even helps at all.
The jury is still out on this argument.
There are some who refuse to use it and claim it is “stupid” and “doesn’t” work. While on the flip side, other players swear by eye black and would not be caught dead suiting up without it.
According to Dr. Brian M. DeBroff in an interview with the New York Times, “We were surprised to find a benefit from the grease. Certainly, in football and baseball, where tracking a ball at high speed is an important aspect, any competitive advantage could be beneficial, but I would be highly doubtful that it would have much of an effect if any,” Fuld said.
Why do football Players put black under one eye?
There is no competitive edge to wearing eye black under only one eye. If a player is doing this, they either did not feel like putting it under the other eye or they are only wearing the eye black on one eye as a fashion choice.
What is football war paint?
Football war paint refers to the act of wearing eyes black in a way to intimidate your opponent.
As previously mentioned, this was something very common in earlier eras of football where big-hitting players would “put on war paint” in the form of eye black. This would further add to the myth behind them as a player and make them even more feared by their opponents.
Do baseball players wear eye black?
Yes, it’s not just football players who wear eye black, but also in other outdoor sports like baseball. Athletes wear eye black in baseball for the same reason as they do for football.
While you will likely see standard eye black designs in the major leagues, the youth levels have taken their creativity to the next level with their designs.
Summary
In conclusion, eye black is something that football players wear to help reduce glare, improve visual contrast or for personal reasons to make themselves feel more confident. There are three popular forms of eye black, war paint, roll on eye black, and eye black stickers.
Although there has not been much scientific evidence to back up the effectiveness of eye black, players still swear by it and wear it every game.
Whether it is something that actually does help players see or simply a placebo effect that makes them more confident, eye black is something that spices up the game of football and makes it more exciting.
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Black face paint and bananas: a racist scandal in Sochi before the Confederations Cup
Vladislav Voronin – with a revealing story about the stupidity of Russian officials.
At the end of May and beginning of June, everyone was so caught up in worshiping Real Madrid for the Champions League that they might have missed a rather awkward moment from Sochi. A bright and massive city carnival took place there – in order to connect it with the upcoming Confederations Cup, the organizers dressed several people in costumes associated with the national teams who will come to Sochi for at least one match. Thus was born the image of the Cameroonian: a national team jersey, black painted face, black curly hair, a bunch of bananas attached to the body.
An important detail: the procession was led by Sochi Mayor Anatoly Pakhomov, so the juicy photo, which shows that the dark face is like paint, quickly found its way into all the big Western newspapers – from the Daily Mail to The Washington Post. Still: almost a month before the tournament in Russia, and here it is.
The photo was originally tweeted by Nigerian journalist Lolade Adewui, who studies in Sochi. It almost became a PR disaster for the city. The Guardian newspaper immediately wrote about the problem of racism in Russian football – in particular, the Hulk’s complaint about the regularity of such antics among fans was mentioned.
Adewui himself first sent a disrespectful letter to the Sochi mayor’s office, as he felt that the city lacked experience in communicating with Africans. He noted that if there are several universities in Krasnodar where Africans study, then in Sochi he is still regularly stopped on the streets with a request to take a picture.
“I decided to write to the city administration so that those responsible for this carnival receive reprimands, so that educational work can begin,” he said.
Adewui later told AP that he didn’t think the black makeup was being used for racism, it was more of a carelessness and a misunderstanding of how perception works in the West: “They don’t understand that it can be perceived as a problem if you paint black face and add a banana to it. They don’t see it.”
The press service of the Sochi administration explained that the carnival participants portrayed representatives of different continents and the whole action was supposed to show Russia’s tolerant attitude towards world traditions. But as the mayor of Sochi said, “one of the participants was let down by an elementary sense of taste.”
To make amends for the scandal, Sochi Mayor Anatoly Pakhomov invited Lolade Adewui to a meeting.
“I am very sorry that your feelings were hurt, but I want to assure you that this isolated incident in no way characterizes the multinational Sochi and its residents, who have always been distinguished by hospitality and tolerance,” the mayor said.
Adewui replied that he was happy to be in Russia, but it was important for him that there were no misunderstandings in such matters. “We want to not be associated with who we were 200 years ago, when we were presented only as black people with bananas. I like everything in Sochi, very sincere people. Now I understand that your people don’t take it so negatively.”
At the end of the meeting, the mayor gave the student a ticket to the semi-final of the Confederations Cup and a book about Sochi in English.
The story was closed by FIFA, which condemned the use of black face makeup: “We understand that the purpose of the parade was to welcome the participants of the CC-2017, but the image was chosen inappropriate. Darkening the complexion is perceived as discrimination, we will not turn a blind eye to this in the stadiums.
Photo: vk.com/carnavalsochifest; facebook.com/lolade.adewuyi; vk.com/sochigov; Gettyimages.ru/Laurence Griffiths, Joe Raedle; vk.com/Dmitry Matveev
Why is it only possible to write with a blue pen at school?
Have you ever wondered why we write with blue pens and not black ink? Finding an answer to this question was not so easy.
There are many interesting theories according to which only blue ink is used in school. The Gala Center decided to dig deeper and figure out why a blue ink pen is the most important attribute of every student. So, blue or black pen: what are the differences and which one to choose?
There are many assumptions about this. The only thing people agree on is a long-standing tradition that we follow year after year. Here are some interesting versions:
- Blue ink for a ballpoint pen was the most common in the Soviet era due to its cheapness.
- The composition of the ink matters: blues do not fade, while blacks fade to yellow.
- Dark colors contrast best with white paper, but if black creates too much contrast, then blue is the most comfortable for the eyes. From the neutral indigo color, the eyes do not get tired, and therefore vision does not deteriorate. This is very important given that children write every day at school and then do their homework.
- When mass production of ballpoint pens began, only one ink color was available. Hence the tradition of writing in blue ink at school.
- Text written in blue is easier for teachers to check even if the child has poor handwriting.
- This color not only has a calming effect on the eyes of a person, but also helps to remember information.
- Blue paste is easier to erase with an eraser, black leaves a dark spot, and red ones are the most resistant.
- This color is also associated with performance. It helps intellectual and creative thinking.
Why can you only write with a blue pen and not a black one at school?
The blue ink ballpoint pen is considered the accepted standard because it is the most comfortable for long-term writing. It is clearly visible in notebooks of any line, does not strain the eyes, does not damage vision, has a calming effect on the nervous system and helps to remember information. In addition, the indigo color of the handle does not fade compared to the competitor.
It is convenient for teachers who have to check several dozen notebooks every day. On the other hand, black creates too strong a contrast that hurts the eyes. According to a study, a person’s eyes get tired more from reading a black manuscript than a blue one.
The opinion of printers confirms the above. Here’s what printing workers say: high demands are placed on children’s literature. Paper in children’s books should not be too white, as the printed text creates strong contrast and harms the eyes. It is for these reasons that at school students write with blue ink, not black.
Blue ballpoint pen “Alpha”, with a tinted trihedral body, 0.7 mm, ind. marking
10.62₽ /piece
Gel pen with rubber grip 0.5mm, blue
10.62₽ /pc.
Gel pen 0.5mm, blue
8.14₽ /pc.
Erich Krause Ballpoint pen blue/violet. U-11, 1mm, oil-based ink, yellow 3-sided short, plastic
Erich Krause Black ballpoint pen. U-11, 1mm, oil-based ink, yellow 3-part body, plastic
ClipStudio Gel pen blue “Alpha”, with increased ink supply, 14.
5cm, 0.5mm tip, plastic
Erich Krause Blue gel fountain pen “R-301 Original Gel Matic”, 0.5mm, tinted body, 46460, 46812
If blue ink is effective in teaching, why is textbooks black?
This is an equally popular question that deserves a detailed answer. The reason is simple – economy. Printing in black type requires only one ink, while blue ink requires mixing two inks – cyan and black.
But still, it cannot be denied that black on a white background creates the best contrast. And if blue ink is better perceived by the eyes, then why don’t websites use the font of the same color? Human handwriting and perfectly shaped printed letters, located at the right distance from each other, are two big differences. If a person with poor handwriting writes in black ink, the text will be difficult to read, which will lead to unnecessary eye strain. Handwritten writing is better perceived when written in blue ink.
However, many people are still inclined to believe that the blue pen in school is a tradition that we have been adhering to for many years.
Just an established long-term standard. In a university or office, you can write with any type of ink—these two colors are best suited for writing and handwriting readability. Headings are better to highlight in other shades, because structured text with colored blocks is better perceived and remembered.
What about purple paste? Many used it in school. The purple manuscript has been heavily erased over the years. It is quite difficult to read documents or abstracts after a few years, and therefore such pastes do not even participate in the confrontation of colors.
When to use the blue pen
A pen with blue ink is required for filling out forms and signing documents. The reason is simple: this color is harder to fake. In an age of first-class digital technology and the best printers, it’s almost impossible to distinguish an original document from a copy if it’s signed in black ink. The blue pen makes it easy to distinguish genuine documents from photocopies.
This point is especially important in the professional field when working with contracts, bank checks and contracts where security is important. Signature in blue pen will protect you from fraud. As for everyday office life, there is not much difference between pastes, it all depends on your personal preferences.
Also read:
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• How to choose high-quality felt-tip pens for a child? 7 secrets you didn’t know about
Ballpoint pen 0.7 mm, blue, 4 body colors
6.38₽ /pc.
Blue ballpoint pen, black body with colored trim, 14.5cm, plastic, 4 finish colors
Erich Krause Blue ballpoint pen “R-301 Original Matik”, 0.7mm, tinted body, plastic, 46768
Erich Krause Blue ballpoint pen “R-301 Matic”, plastic, 46761, 46756
Erich Krause Blue ballpoint pen set “R-301 Neon Matic Grip”, 4pcs, plastic, 46770
Erich Krause Ballpoint pen blue “Joy Neon”, 0.
7mm, oil based ink, slip, square, 46788
When to use the black pen
A ballpoint pen with black ink is used to fill out many official documents in banks, government and educational institutions. Just recently, it was recognized as the official written instrument of the Unified State Examination. The reason is that the materials are scanned, checked and stored electronically, and therefore it is very important that all data be clearly visible. Blue ink is difficult to scan and often causes the machine to malfunction. No less important in the exam is the type of writing instrument. The core of a ballpoint pen leaves blots, and therefore it is best to buy gel pens. In addition, black paste does not shine like its main competitor. For this reason, students should use gel pens with black ink in the exams, which make clear and clean notes without smudging.
The reason black ink pens are used for USE, Olympiads, and official documents is the ease with which they are read by many electronic devices and the fact that they scan better than blue ones, which tend to appear lighter.
