Coloured plasters

I’m fairly confident everyone here is white ...

I think it’s pretty difficult for us, having grown up in a culture where everything affirms who we are, and is designed for our convenience, to see things from the point of view of someone for whom the culture does not.

Medical companies have for ages made basic pink flesh toned plasters. The colour they chose to use is an average approximation of a white person’s skin. So there was always a subtle attempt to provide plasters that aren’t obtrusive. But until now, nobody has acknowledged that a black man or woman might likewise want a plaster that’s unobtrusive. Now they have. It’s a small thing in itself, but it’s thoughtful and affirming of people’s place in our shared culture.

I can’t see anything wrong with being thoughtful towards someone else, nor in someone taking joy in being thought of.

[papa smurf]

Will there be orange plasters for spray taned skin.

[nomadking]

Most of the plasters available are nowhere near the colour of "white" skin. They are not designed to be invisible. Brown wouldn't have been the choice of colour for them, because of the association with mud/dirt etc. Why the need to go and produce a hundred different shades? Not exactly environmentally friendly with all the excess production required.

Originally Posted by nomadking

Most of the plasters available are nowhere near the colour of "white" skin. They are not designed to be invisible. Brown wouldn't have been the choice of colour for them, because of the association with mud/dirt etc. Why the need to go and produce a hundred different shades? Not exactly environmentally friendly with all the excess production required.

Hence “average approximation”. Plasters have never been invisible - just less visible.

Given the doubtless huge number of plasters produced annually, I doubt there’s a significant difference in the cost or complexity of production, or wastage. No more than producing any product in various colours, surely? After all, plasters are already produced in a range of novelty patterns and also bright blue for catering environments.

[Pierre]

Bottom line is, it’s a non-story.

Make black plasters, brown plasters, orange plasters for people from Essex, make any colour plaster you want.

From the link:

People welcomed the news on Twitter, although some questioned why it had taken so long.

Exactly, and I’m sure we’ll find that others have been doing it for years, but Tesco are cashing in on the publicity.

Seriously ? Who the hell cares what colour plaster they use ?
I can safely say its never crossed my mind (and Ive never seen a plaster thats the same colour as my skin).

I'd rather not need a plaster, than worry what frigging colour it is.

You're all a bit too worked about this. It's going to be another option on the shelf for people in stories and Tesco is banking on the fact people will go for the closer option to their skin tone.

Nowhere is anyone demanding angrily that their plasters don't match their skin tone. The biggest reaction online that I have seen to this story is this very thread. Don't worry about it.

[denphone]

Originally Posted by Damien

You're all a bit too worked about this. It's going to be another option on the shelf for people in stories and Tesco is banking on the fact people will go for the closer option to their skin tone.

Nowhere is anyone demanding angrily that their plasters don't match their skin tone. The biggest reaction online that I have seen to this story is this very thread. Don't worry about it.

All a fuss about nothing as the most important factor at the end of the day is that the plaster does its job and it can be all the colours of the rainbow for all l care but if it does the job l am not worried about what colour it is.

I mean if it was on my face I would prefer a flesh coloured one rather than a bright blue one or whatever. I usually for the clear ones in fact.

Originally Posted by nomadking

The issue isn't whether they are forced to buy X, but the inevitable complaints from others, if they were forced to buy "their" plasters.

I see - you matter, they don’t...

[tweetiepooh]

I can imagine the problems for retailers though if they don't stock enough of the "right" colour.

[Julian]

Of course the simple answer is to buy THESE

BTW shouldn't it be Plasters of Colour?

Good grief! How is this an issue?

[pip08456]

Originally Posted by Maggy

Good grief! How is this an issue?

Exactly!

[Mythica]

Originally Posted by Damien

I mean if it was on my face I would prefer a flesh coloured one rather than a bright blue one or whatever. I usually for the clear ones in fact.

Nelly used to wear white on his face