The Olympic Google Doodle on the front page of the Google search page takes a poke at Russian un-just anti-gay politics that have the world buzzing.
The Google Doodle was made in honor of the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics, and at first glance, it looks like a typical Google logo. However, the strategically chosen colors resemble the gay pride flag. One day before the opening ceremony, Google changed the websites front page.
The rainbow-themed image features various sports athletes in action; below the picture, section six of the Olympic charter is quoted. The section 6 charter advocates against discrimination in any form. Google is a Sochi Olympic sponsor, and rightly so, is trying to make a point that it does not condone Russian laws that limit free speech and the safety of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered individuals. The Google is making a not-so-subtle point aimed at Russia.
The rainbow-themed Olympic Google Doodle is advocating equality and gay-rights on a large scale, and letting Russia know that its laws are unacceptable.
What's Driving This Trend
- Advocacy-driven Design
- Designing visual elements with the intention to raise awareness and promote social justice causes, like the Olympic Google Doodle's advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights.
- Corporate Activism
- Businesses engaging in social and political issues to create positive change, as exemplified by Google openly expressing opposition to Russian anti-gay laws.
- Intersectionality in Design
- Emphasizing the connections between multiple social justice issues and incorporating them into design choices, as seen in the multi-sport athlete representation in the Olympic Google Doodle.
Who This Affects Most
- Technology
- Opportunities for tech companies to use their platforms and designs to support social justice causes and take a stance against discrimination, as Google did with the Olympic Google Doodle.
- Advertising and Marketing
- The rise of advocacy-driven designs presents opportunities for marketers to create campaigns that align with social justice causes and engage with conscientious consumers.
- Sports and Entertainment
- The integration of social justice values in sports events and entertainment platforms, encouraging inclusivity and challenging discriminatory policies, as demonstrated by the Olympic Google Doodle.
