When New Zealander Byron Clark created a Google Chrome extension earlier this year which automatically turned all online instances of the phrase "political correctness" into "treating people with respect", it caused quite a stir
When in action, PC2Respect generates newspaper headlines and political quotes such as "The real danger of treating people with respect" and "NC Senator compares treating people with respect to Nazi book burnings". Pretty damning, right?
The extension draws attention to some rather big concepts: above all, words have meaning, and their perception can be harmful, even when it is presented under the guise of free speech.
At DesignCrowd, we were immediately drawn to questions of aesthetics in this debate – Could it be that ugly meanings can be hidden behind beautiful design?
To answer that, we gave our designers the challenge of taking something ugly and turning into something that is not only acceptable, but beautiful. See for yourself how they did!
Somehow the beautiful typography does take the sting out of it
Normally when we see hand letters, they're associated with something promoting creativity, charity or community, so somehow this feels inspiring
Beautiful may not be the right word here, but it's certainly well designed and more fun
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This would make a great tattoo
One of the most hated words, made slightly less repulsive
This design turns the PC2Respect concept on its head, by revealing the beauty hidden within the unsightly
A clean and fresh execution of this word
A more positive appearance
Friendlier than the usual meaning
Not so disgusted
Want More?
DesignCrowd contests are great for putting a spin on the generally accepted order of things. Have a look at our previous creative insights:
Rival Brands Nike, Adidas, Apple, Android and Google Combine Logos
If Famous Logos Were Honest
DesignCrowd Photoshop Contest: Politicians At Home
Written by Jane Murray on Wednesday, November 4, 2015
Jane Murray is a freelance copywriter based in Sydney. Apart from writing up a storm for the DesignCrowd blog on anything from logo design to Michael Jackson's shoes, she enjoys reading literary science fiction and hanging out with most animals except wasps. Get in touch via LinkedIn.
