New York City Unveils Controversial “We ❤️ NYC” Logo
The authorities of New York City and the state, along with the New York City Foundation, revealed a new logo on Monday, March 20th. The logo, “We ❤️ NYC,” is an obvious reference to the iconic “I ❤️ NY” design and was created as part of a communication campaign aimed at encouraging civic engagement and volunteering in the city’s five boroughs, according to the specialized media outlet Hyperallergic. However, this initiative has sparked controversy for all the wrong reasons.
The famous “I ❤️ NY” design was created by graphic designer Milton Glaser between 1975 and 1976, during a difficult economic period in America. Glaser designed the logo at the request of the Deputy Commissioner for Commerce of the State, as part of a tourism communication campaign launched in 1977.
The “We ❤️ NYC” campaign is intended to signify a renewal, with the hope of a “renaissance of the city and its neighborhoods after the pandemic,” notes Hyperallergic. Maryam Banikarim, the marketing director of the New York City Foundation, stated that the new logo was “designed to coexist with the iconic original logo and specifically represent the city [as opposed to the state of New York].”
However, New Yorkers have criticized this new graphic proposal and expressed their surprise, confusion, and even anger on Twitter. Political journalist Grace Segers, for example, commented that the “We ❤️ NYC” logo could have been made on Microsoft Paint.
Despite the widespread rejection, it seems that the “We ❤️ NYC” logo has fulfilled its mission. Journalist and author David Colon pointed out the irony of the situation, noting that “there is nothing more beautiful than the unity of New Yorkers against a work or graphic design of poor quality,” as reported by Hyperallergic.
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What is the purpose of the “We ❤️ NYC” logo and how does it differ from the original “I ❤️ NY” logo?
New York City Reveals Bold “We ❤️ NYC” Logo, Sparking Controversy
New York City and the state, alongside the New York City Foundation, recently unveiled a new logo that has gotten people talking. The logo, “We ❤️ NYC,” is a clear nod to the iconic ”I ❤️ NY” design and aims to promote civic engagement and volunteering in the city’s five boroughs. However, this initiative has not been without its critics.
The original “I ❤️ NY” logo was created by graphic designer Milton Glaser during a challenging economic period in the United States between 1975 and 1976. It was commissioned by the Deputy Commissioner for Commerce of the State and became part of a tourism campaign that launched in 1977.
The “We ❤️ NYC” campaign signifies a fresh start and hopes to usher in a renaissance of the city and its neighborhoods following the pandemic, according to Hyperallergic. Maryam Banikarim, the marketing director of the New York City Foundation, explains that the new logo is meant to coexist with the iconic original logo and specifically represent the city itself, as opposed to the state of New York.
Despite its intentions, the “We ❤️ NYC” logo has faced criticism from New Yorkers who have taken to Twitter to express their surprise, confusion, and even anger. Political journalist Grace Segers remarks that the logo resembles something that could have been created on Microsoft Paint.
Interestingly, the logo has managed to accomplish its mission despite the widespread rejection. Journalist and author David Colon points out the irony, highlighting how New Yorkers can unite against a design of poor quality.
Controversy aside, it remains to be seen how this new logo will be received by New York City residents and visitors alike.
“The new ‘We ❤️ NYC’ campaign may not be winning over all New Yorkers, as opinions remain diverse.”