Pantone’s response to Cloud Dancer backlash is now getting its own backlash.The off-white shade was announced as their 2026 Color of the Year last weekend critics called it everything from “tone-deaf” to a “colorless recession indicator.” Some even pointed to the rise of White nationalism in mainstream politics, arguing the choice couldn’t be separated from cultural context. And when Pantone’s president admitted at a launch event that she knew the pick would be “controversial” and leaned into the debate, saying the program’s power is that “it sparks a conversation,” that response didn’t land well. Users accused the company of “rage-baiting” for attention. If true, it’s far from the first time a brand intentionally sparked outrage and called it “conversation.” But lately, audiencs are labeling everything they’re put off by as purposefully bad. (Glamour)
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