Why this design sucks

 

 

 

 

As I tried to convey on my english book design: Meanings are in people, not in words (Or Symbols). Because I have been raised in a largely christian society I do see a cross when I look at the shirt that was designed for Penn State spectators. If I saw a group of 20 college students standing side by side, all wearing the shirt, I would probably assume it was some kind of student christian organization or something. 

 

That's just what I see. I suspect that there are a lot more than 6 people who would see the same thing. This shirt will pass because its in the shape of a cross. If it were in the shape of the star of david or a crescent moon holding a star  then it would probably be a different story. 

 

I find the explanation by the girl who designed the t-shirt very likely. I doubt that she had some hidden agenda to convert everyone into christianity by sneaking a cross on their shirts. From what I understand this design was voted on by students and it sold out. That means the majority of people are either christian, don't see a cross, or they just don't care. Swell! If I were a student who was being forced to purchase or wear this shirt I would have serious problems with that not only because of the cross but because of its correlation with college sports which I'm not a huge fan of. But nobody is being forced to buy this shirt or wear it. There are probably other options and if there aren't then you could just wear a blue shirt. 

 

Does it look like a shirt you got at church camp? Yes. Would I buy it? No. Do I think they should stop making them? I don't think that is necessary even though it is undoubtably a bad design. That is the bottom line. Its like the pepsi symbol. People are going to start seeing a fat guy whether they want to or not. Especially now that someone brought it up. For that reason I wouldn't use this design or purchase it.