Walking around campus and asking, “What color is each subject?” sparked lively debates among student groups. It turns out, everyone has an opinion on subject colors, and while some views are common, others are wildly unique. To gauge these perceptions, the M-A Chronicle conducted a survey of over 100 students to uncover the prevailing color associations within the student body.
History emerged as the mostColor associations for Social Studies, or History, proved to be the most diverse. The survey revealed an almost even split across five colors, each chosen by 14–20% of students. When asked to explain their choices, students offered a range of fascinating reasons. Sophomore Gerardo Ortiz suggested, “History is definitely yellow because vintage stuff always has a yellow or orange tint to it.” In contrast, junior Yaritza Elizondo offered a darker perspective, stating, “History is red because there is a lot of death in it.”
Senior Mezzy Epidendio offered a different rationale, moving away from subject content and focusing on a process of elimination. While agreeing with Ortiz that history is yellow, she reasoned, “History is yellow because it just matches the vibe. Yellow is the default; it’s not used for anything. Red is math, green is science, blue is English, and then yellow is the only one left.”
However, while history’s colors are widely debated, opinions on other subjects showed more consensus, especially when considering the question: What Color Is Math?
Math: Red or Blue? A Polarizing Palette
The survey indicated that math is predominantly seen as either red or blue. Interestingly, both Elizondo and Ortiz linked their color choice for math to their personal feelings about the subject, albeit for opposing reasons. Elizondo, who enjoys math, associated it with a color that resonates positively for her (though the specific color wasn’t mentioned for her math association in the original article). Ortiz, however, declared, “Math is red for no other reason except that I hate it.” This split suggests that the perceived color of math might be strongly tied to individual emotions and experiences with the subject, dividing students based on whether math evokes positive or negative feelings. The question of what color is math appears to tap into a deeper emotional response to the subject itself.
Science: The Undisputed Green (Mostly)
Science stood out with remarkable agreement; over 85% of students surveyed color-coded science as green. Ortiz explained this widespread association by pointing to biology: “Science is green because of biology, and biology is life, which is green.” Epidendio echoed this nature-based connection, classifying nature itself as “scientific.”
Despite the overwhelming green consensus for science, dissenting opinions exist. Sophomore Joanna Ramirez presented an alternative perspective, arguing, “Science is blue because Biology starts with a B for blue.” She further supported her blue science theory by referencing classroom experiences: “Have you ever mixed chemicals together? What do they make? Blue.”
Close-up of blue liquid being poured into a beaker, representing the dissenting opinion that science is blue due to chemical reactions and biology, as described by a student in a survey about subject colors.
English: Blue and Yellow Hues
Similar to math, English color associations leaned towards two main colors: blue and yellow. The article does not delve into the reasons behind these choices, but it indicates a less polarized view compared to the red/blue divide in math.
The Unending Debate on Subject Colors
These color debates appear to be a constant and passionate topic among students. Elizondo shared, “I have these discussions really often with my friends, every time the school year is about to start. Everyone has different opinions on what color the subjects are.” This suggests that the question of what color is math, or any subject, is a recurring conversation starter and a point of friendly contention.
Interestingly, despite these ongoing discussions and exposure to different viewpoints, students seem remarkably steadfast in their color choices. “I have not changed my opinion on the colors once,” stated Epidendio, highlighting the deeply ingrained nature of these subjective associations.
This exploration into subject colors reveals a lighthearted yet persistent debate, akin to other classic unsolvable questions like pineapple on pizza or socks in bed. So, whether your math folder is red, blue, or any other color, the fun lies in the ongoing, colorful debate.
