While most people don’t care about the meaning of colours, red is so strongly tied to the sex industry that it’s nearly impossible to avoid! From the general sex appeal of red lipstick to the high-class seduction of red-bottom heels, the colour red is tangled up in our presentation. Whole streets or suburbs are called “red light districts” if they are known to be popular locations for brothels or sex workers. But why is the colour red so powerful?
Blushing Babes
Whether you’re at the gym or burning calories in a much more fun way, our bodies react by blushing pink. The association between physical activity and a warm glow is hardwired into our brains.
Blood rushes to the skin upon contact too, which can be quite suggestive… Like the handprints made when spanking or being spanked.
Attention
The colour red is eye-catching, like berries hidden amongst the green jungle. Being able to spot particular colours might have been helpful in finding food or identifying possible danger. Today it’s used in stop signs and traffic lights; it certainly makes a statement!
Subtle and Not-So-Subtle Advertising
Across the world, sex work has been the subject of centuries of debate. At times, engaging in sex work was taboo or downright illegal which forced the industry into hiding. So, the use of literal red lights allowed for discreet advertising for where people could find sex workers. While those lights first appeared in Europe, the practice is now used across the world.
Since then, mainstream media has expanded the meaning to include all sorts of intimacy. For example, Valentine’s Day is usually celebrated with red roses and hearts. High-class brands have incorporated the colour into their signature looks to appeal to sexual desires like the bottoms of designer heels.
While actual red lights aren’t so common anymore, the term red-light district remains an iconic part of sex history. Today the colour is broadly linked to all sorts of things, from designer heels to lipstick stains. There aren’t any rules about what colours mean but it’s interesting to see just how much of our society is impacted by colour!
