The disappearance of colour | Muhammad Aaraiz | TEDxSaltwater P9 College Youth

Quick Overview

Muhammad Aaraiz argues that the vibrant colors and artistic expression present in Pakistani culture, evident in everything from bus art to textiles, positively impact happiness and well-being, contrasting sharply with the dull, monochromatic environments he observed in Australia after moving, which research suggests can negatively affect mood and identity.

Key Points: The speaker fondly remembers the vibrant colors of Pakistani streets, markets, rickshaws, and textiles during his childhood. The Pakistani folk art tradition known as Truck Art is specifically designed to encourage passengers to take the bus, contributing to happiness. Upon moving to Australia, the speaker found the environment, including buildings and clothing, to be predominantly dull and monotonous, leading to feelings of longing for Pakistan. Scientific evidence suggests bright colors boost serotonin (the 'feel-good chemical'), while dull colors can negatively impact mood and energy. The speaker notes that traditional Pakistani homes, despite being simple, were filled with color through lead-light windows and ornate furniture, contrasting with the dullness in Australia. Color choices reflect beliefs and values, and the speaker challenges the audience to embrace color in their daily lives to enhance well-being and self-expression. The speaker concludes by urging listeners to incorporate bright, colorful elements into their daily routines to make the world a better place.

Context: Muhammad Aaraiz, a youth speaker at TEDxSaltwater P-9 College, delivers a personal reflection contrasting the vivid cultural landscape of Pakistan with the perceived dullness of Australia after his family relocated. The talk centers on the profound psychological impact of color, drawing parallels between the rich visual culture of his homeland and scientific findings about color psychology.

Detailed Analysis

Muhammad Aaraiz begins by vividly describing his childhood memories of Pakistan, highlighting the streets, market stalls, rickshaws, and trucks covered in dazzling, colorful fabrics and murals—a visual 'kaleidoscope of culture.' He specifically mentions Truck Art as a tradition intended to promote happiness and well-being for both passengers and drivers. After moving to Australia, he experienced a stark contrast, finding the environment—from buses to homes—to be overwhelmingly dull, gray, and muted, which he found underwhelming and disappointing. He recalls his family's old Pakistani home being filled with color, even in simple elements like lead-light windows and ornate furniture. Aaraiz then connects these observations to scientific research from the Journal of Environmental Psychology, which indicates that bright colors stimulate serotonin, the 'feel-good chemical,' boosting mood and energy, whereas dull environments can lead to feelings of malaise. He argues that colors like red stimulate appetite and energy, while blue creates trust and calmness. He challenges the audience to recognize that their daily color choices, whether in clothing or home décor, reflect their beliefs and significantly affect how they feel about themselves and the world, urging them to intentionally add color to their lives to stand out and make the world a better place.