

65: Drunk Tank Pink by Adam Alter
Apr 12, 2019
Explore how subtle environmental cues shape our thoughts and behaviors, from colors impacting performance to the power of labels in shaping identity. Discover the complexities of individualism versus collectivism and how these cultural frameworks inform our social interactions. Delve into the influence of digital decluttering on meaningful connections, and examine the intriguing dynamics between male behavior and attraction. This discussion uncovers the fascinating interplay between context, emotion, and societal patterns.
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Drunk Tank Pink
- In a 1979 study, men who stared at pink cardboard showed reduced strength compared to those who stared at blue.
- This led to prisons painting cells pink ("drunk tank pink") to reduce violence, with some reporting significant drops in incidents.
Drunk Tank Pink in Practice
- After a study, two officers at a US Naval Correctional Center painted a cell pink, resulting in no violent incidents for seven months.
- This practice spread, leading to the term "Drunk Tank Pink," and other organizations experimented with pink's effects, like increased donations for United Way employees.
The Case of "Botch"
- A couple named their child "BOHDV VF 2602002" to avoid inherited meaning, calling him "Botch."
- They aimed to free him from his father's legacy, but the hosts question this approach.