Central Rat Race: Signs Analysis

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Signs Used in the Central Rat Race

The Central Rat Race primarily uses three signs in its promotion. Following the events central theme, its primary sign is an animal mascot, the rat in business attire, and running shoes (Central Rat Race, 2018). This is complemented by the use of a cheese wedge shape and the color yellow, generally associated with positivity and optimism (Central Rat Race, 2018; Kauppinen-Räisänen & Jauffret, 2018). These signs are visual, literally denoting a foot race, while figuratively having connotations with a rat race, a pointless pursuit. Furthermore, Central Rat Races award ceremonies use large bank checks that feature the logo of Mindset, a major charity organization, to communicate significant sums of money being given to charity (Central Rat Race, 2018). The use of this sign conveys generosity and success as both business executives and charity donors.

Evaluation and Suggestions

The primary strengths of the Central Rat Races signs are their conveyance of the chosen theme. The signs are also colorful and cartoon-like, highlighting the fact that the event is not entirely serious. Moreover, the rat is a positive symbol in Hong Kongs culture, symbolizing positive qualities such as intelligence and ambition. By associating the races participants with this symbol, the event ascribes these positive qualities to them. However, the lack of an obvious textual component can make understanding the events context or content challenging for someone who isnt already familiar with it. Furthermore, the rat is a primarily negative symbol in most European cultures, associated with deceptiveness and disease. However, this fact is not as relevant for an internal event.

Based on the above observations, two suggestions can be made to improve the events signs. First, a textual component can be introduced to make communicating the events context easier, especially for those who are not aware of it. Second, the rat mascot, while recognizable, changes from event to event. Although some amount of change is expected, a more consistent design would improve recognizability. Finally, if the events organizers choose to expand internationally, they may examine the mascots design in more detail.

References

Central Rat Race. (2018). Photo Gallery. Web.

Kauppinen-Räisänen, H., & Jauffret, M.-N. (2018). Using colour semiotics to explore colour meanings. Qualitative Market Research: An International Journal, 21(1), 101-117.

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