Black is a popular color that is found in many common objects. In this article, we will explore some of the most notable things that are black and why the color is so prevalent.
Common Black Objects
Here are some of the most common things that are black:
- Tires – Car and bicycle tires are almost always black because carbon black is added to rubber to strengthen it.
- Televisions – Older TV sets had black plastic casings to reduce glare on the screen.
- Pianos – Grand pianos are traditionally glossy black to contrast with the white keys.
- Scarf – A classic black silk scarf can dress up any outfit.
- Little black dress – A LBD is a wardrobe staple for women.
- Shoes – From dress shoes to sneakers, black shoes are widely available.
- Handbag – Black handbags are easy to match with different outfits.
- Umbrella – A folding black umbrella can be easily stored in a purse or briefcase.
- Pen – Black ink ballpoint pens are the most common.
- Tuxedo – A man’s formal black suit jacket and matching trousers.
As you can see, many everyday items come in black. It’s a versatile color that works well in a variety of products.
Black in Nature
Black is also a prominent color in the natural world. Here are some black things found in nature:
- Raven – These glossy black birds are found worldwide.
- Black panther – A melanistic variant of leopards and jaguars.
- Black widow spider – Known for the red hourglass on its abdomen.
- Black bear – Found across North America.
- Killer whale – A black and white ocean predator.
- Black cherry – A dark purple fruit used in pies and jams.
- Black rhino – Large African mammals poached for their horns.
- Black pearl – A rare gem created by oysters.
- Black mamba – One of the fastest and deadliest snakes.
- Black truffle – An expensive culinary fungus.
Black pigmentation provides many benefits in nature including camouflage, heat absorption, and communication signaling. Black is a major color in the animal kingdom.
Reasons for Black’s Popularity
There are several reasons why black is so extensively used in manufactured goods and appreciated in nature:
- Luxurious appearance – The deepest dye absorbs all light for an elegant look.
- Slimming effect – Black can make people and products appear thinner.
- Color contrast – Black offsets lighter colors like white.
- Authority – Black conveys power, strength, and seriousness.
- Sophistication – Black is refined and fashionable.
- Formality – A black outfit suits serious occasions.
- Rebellion – Black symbolizes anti-establishment attitudes in clothing.
- Camouflage – Black animals blend into dark surroundings.
- Heat absorption – Black efficiently absorbs warmth from the sun.
- Threat display – Black patterns can warn off predators.
This versatility gives black an enduring appeal across cultures and uses. It has become the “everycolor” that works with anything.
Black in Art and Media
Black has been prominently featured in art and popular media over the decades:
- The Little Black Dress – A famous 1926 Vogue magazine cover.
- The Rolling Stones – Rock band named after the Muddy Waters song “Rollin’ Stone”.
- Breakfast at Tiffany’s – Audrey Hepburn’s iconic black Givenchy dress.
- Batman – The caped superhero’s black costume fits his brooding persona.
- Zorro – He wore a black hat and cape as his signature look.
- Johnny Cash – Known as “The Man in Black” who wore black clothes.
- Sin City – Frank Miller’s stylized noir comic books.
- Death metal – Extrem metal music scene favoring black clothing.
- Schindler’s List – Steven Spielberg uses black and white filming.
- American Gothic – Grant Wood’s famous painting of a dour couple.
From high fashion to comic book heroes, black has conveyed many meanings in the arts. It can project sophistication, rebellion, mystery, or solemnity based on the context.
Everyday Uses of Black
Beyond iconic works of art, black saturates regular contemporary life:
- Basic black tee – A casual staple that goes with anything.
- Little black cocktail dress – Still in fashion for evening wear.
- Black leather jacket – Versatile outerwear for men and women.
- Slimming black pants – Flattering on most body types.
- Film noir – Crime dramas using black and white cinematography.
- Newspaper print – Times, ink costs, and readability favor black text.
- Goth fashion – Black lipstick, nail polish, and clothes.
- Black sunglasses – Reduce glare and hide eye contact.
- LBD undergarments – Black bras and underwear avoid showing through light clothing.
- Tuxedo black tie events – The default dress code for formal occasions.
Life today would look very different without all these black apparel choices, printing conventions, and cultural associations. Black shapes aesthetics and utility.
Advances in Manmade Black Materials
Manufacturers have developed new black materials that offer advanced properties:
| Material | Uses | Properties |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon black | Pigments, car tires | Increases strength, durability |
| Black 3.0 paint | Coatings, optics | Absorbs up to 99.9% of visible light |
| Vantablack | Telescopes, cameras | One of the darkest black substances |
| Black silicon | Solar cells | Extremely light-absorbent |
Ongoing innovations in black materials optimize them for applications like energy absorption, stealth technology, and efficiency.
Psychological Effects of Black
Research has uncovered how black can affect human psychology and behavior:
- Authoritative – People in black clothes seem more credible and persuasive.
- Confident – Wearing black can boost self-esteem and perceived power.
- Sexy – Black is linked to sexuality and sophistication.
- Artistic – Black conveys creative depth and seriousness.
- Dangerous – Black animals and objects appear more menacing.
- Sad – Black evokes grief, morbidity, and gloom.
- Rebellious – Black clothing conveys anti-establishment views.
- Threatening – People perceive blacks as more hostile and violent.
- Mysterious – Unknowable darkness creates fascination.
- Slimming – Black outfits can make wearers appear up to 5lbs lighter.
Black elicits powerful reactions due to associations rooted deep in the mind. Designers and artists manipulate these effects.
Cross-Cultural Meanings of Black
Black conveys different symbolic meanings across cultures:
| Culture | Black Meaning |
|---|---|
| Western cultures | Death, evil, mystery |
| Eastern cultures | Water, fertility, life |
| Egyptian culture | Rebirth, fertility |
| Greek culture | Death, the underworld |
| Christianity | Sin, death, mourning |
| Islam | Strength, dignity |
| Rastafarian | Support for black identity |
| Chinese culture | Water, winter, north |
| Japanese culture | Formality, tradition |
| Malay culture | Mourning, spirituality |
While black retains symbolic power across cultures, its precise meanings reflect each society’s history and values.
Conclusion
Black is a fascinating color that touches every corner of life. Its prevalence across nature, culture, and manufacturing arises from useful physical properties and deep psychological associations. Black shapes experiences ranging from everyday fashion choices to major ceremonial events. Dramatic applications in art and literature contribute iconic images and meanings that perpetuate black’s popularity. Ongoing innovations also optimize black materials for new functions. The ubiquity and appeal of black color make it a universal staple of existence.