Ribbons

There are surely entire cities in China that owe their existence to the export of magnetic cause ribbons. When did the cause ribbon become a punch line? Yes, we want to show that we care, but the rainbow of causes has become so diluted with this icon that its soul is on the verge of extinction. There is not a lack of concern for these causes as much as a recognition that we have been gorging ourselves at the ribbon trough for too long, and maybe it's time to purge.

Fortunately, there are designers who have stepped in to offer CPR to this flagging icon. Many of the best logos that base themselves on the ribbon were created at the early end of this trend. There are still novel opportunities and unique application to be found with the ribbons, but they will be fewer and farther between. It will be interesting to see if the sustainability trend crosses paths with this trend. Then we'll figure out a great recycling plan for the ribbons, so our landfills aren't knee deep in magnetic rubbish.

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