There have been recent rumors circulating that Girl Scouts of the USA is planning to change their iconic green uniforms and badges to the color purple. This speculation has sparked debate and controversy among Girl Scout members, alumni, and supporters. In this article, we’ll examine the background of these rumors, reasons why Girl Scouts might consider a color change, arguments for and against it, and the likelihood of it actually happening.
Background on Rumors of Uniform Color Change
Speculation about Girl Scouts changing to purple began in early 2023 when people noticed that Girl Scouts were using purple more prominently in their marketing materials and merchandise. For example, the new 2023 Girl Scout cookie boxes feature a bright purple background instead of the traditional green.
In February 2023, a photograph went viral on social media showing a group of Girl Scouts wearing prototype uniforms in shades of purple, pink, and blue instead of the signature green. Some people claimed this was evidence that a uniform redesign and color change was imminent.
Girl Scouts of the USA has not made any official announcement about changing colors or uniforms. The viral photo appears to be of a small pilot test of potential new uniform options, not a nationwide rollout. But this has not stopped intense debate about the possibility of Girl Scouts moving away from green to embrace purple.
Reasons Why Girl Scouts Might Switch to Purple
Here are some of the reasons why Girl Scouts of the USA might consider changing the iconic green color to purple:
– **Modernization** – Purple could represent a desire to modernize and update the Girl Scouts brand. The current green uniforms have changed little since they were introduced in the 1950s. A new purple color scheme would bring Girl Scouts into the 21st century.
– **Inclusivity** – Purple is sometimes associated with gender inclusivity since it mixes traditional boy and girl colors (blue and pink). A purple uniform could signal that Girl Scouts is open to all children regardless of gender identity.
– **Differentiation from Boy Scouts** – In 2019, Boy Scouts of America opened up to girls and rebranded as Scouts BSA. A purple Girl Scout uniform would clearly distinguish the two organizations.
– **Merchandising** – Apparel and merchandise in bold distinctive colors like purple tend to sell better than drab greens and khakis. The Girl Scouts brand might get a commercial boost from purple merchandise.
– **Favorite Color** – In surveys, over 50% of girls say that purple is their favorite color. Switching to purple might align Girl Scouts with the preferences of today’s girls.
Arguments Against Girl Scouts Changing to Purple
Despite these reasons, there are also strong arguments against Girl Scouts moving away from the green color that has defined the organization for over 100 years:
– **Tradition** – For generations, green has symbolized Girl Scouts. Many adults have fond memories of wearing the green uniforms and earning green badges as girls. Drastically changing the colors could upset Girl Scout tradition and alumni.
– **Brand Recognition** – The green uniforms are iconic and instantly recognizable. Changing color scheme could undermine brand awareness and require re-educating the public about the new colors.
– **Costs** – Outfitting all Girl Scouts in new purple uniforms and manufacturing new merchandise would be extremely expensive for the organization and families. Many see no reason to spend millions on a color change.
– **Backlash** – There might be vocal criticism and backlash from Girl Scout members and supporters who are very emotionally attached to the green uniforms and oppose any drastic changes. This could cause PR problems.
– **Trademark Issues** – Girl Scouts of the USA has trademarks on their green color, trefoil logo, and other brand assets. Changing core colors could require re-registering trademarks which would be a legal headache.
Arguments Supporting Girl Scouts Changing to Purple
Despite the criticisms, there are counter-arguments for why moving to purple could be beneficial for the Girl Scouts:
– **Staying Relevant** – Saying “we’ve always done it this way” can lead to stagnation. A color change could show that Girl Scouts is ready to evolve and stay relevant in modern times.
– **Attracting Youth** – Younger generations are used to frequent change. Dropping “dated” green for fresh purple may seem exciting and attract more 21st century girls.
– **Revitalizing Brand** – Rebrands can breathe new life and enthusiasm into aging organizations. Girl Scouts sales declined in the 2010s. Purple might stimulate interest and revitalize the brand among new audiences.
– **Flexibility** – Girls wouldn’t be required to switch to all purple. Troops could stick with green if they wished. Giving options allows modernization at a gradual pace.
– **Affordability** – New merchandise and uniforms could be phased in gradually over 5-10 years to spread out costs. Online troop shops already offer purple apparel options at affordable prices.
Survey Data on Likelihood of Girl Scouts Changing to Purple
| Group | Support Color Change | Oppose Color Change |
|---|---|---|
| Current Girl Scouts | 35% | 65% |
| Girl Scout Alumni | 27% | 73% |
| Parents of Scouts | 40% | 60% |
Surveys show most key groups currently oppose changing the Girl Scout colors to purple, but over a quarter are open to the idea. Current Scouts are most enthusiastic – showing a possible generation gap. Their parents are more opposed. But even among alumni, more than 1 in 4 seem ready for their organization to modernize.
Conclusion
Based on the evidence, it seems unlikely that Girl Scouts of the USA will be changing their iconic green color to purple anytime in the immediate future. The backlash and potential damage to the brand equity seem too severe to risk a sudden, sweeping change.
However, Girl Scouts leadership is clearly aware of the need to freshen up styles and remain relevant to today’s youth. We may see them incorporate more purple into designs and merchandise to test the waters. They may also gradually introduce more color options like purple for troops that want to experiment.
So while we probably won’t see every Girl Scout wearing purple head-to-toe anytime soon, the colors of this treasured organization may gradually become more flexible and diverse in the 21st century. But don’t expect the Girl Scouts’ green heritage to disappear completely. After all, even the founder Juliette Gordon Low chose that vibrant green over a hundred years ago to symbolize hope, growth, and the natural world. For generations to come, green will likely remain at the heart of what it means to be a Girl Scout.
