Seeing Red, Sociologically

Social conditioning of symbols compels us to STOP at the sign and we expect others to abide too

Human culture is theoretically a collection of symbols to which we assign shared meaning. This shared meaning allows our brains to efficiently categorize information, and enables us to work together as groups that make up society. Symbolic Interactionism is the sociological school of thought that focuses on the micro-level view of society, and seeks to rationalize how humans assign subjective meaning to symbols, people, events, place and supernatural phenomena etc through social experience. It is as George Herbert Mead posited—our sense of self  ("I" and "Me") is constructed by how others react to our person and behavior.

Ubiquitous symbols in our daily lives are of course traffic signs, especially red ones such as STOP, YIELD or NO TRESPASSING that forewarn us of danger if we do not obey them. The scientific explanation for them being red is the color has the longest wavelength in visible spectrum and hence can be seen from farther away than other colors. This, however, does not explain why traffic police officers manning night checkpoints usually wear bright yellow vests with reflective stickers.

Viewing traffic signs through Interactionism reveals the color red has a deep history in our cognitive and sociological evolution. Red is the color of blood, which few humans desire to see, whether theirs or others. This subsequently translates to red being assigned the color of danger in our collective psyche. Hence, when we see a red STOP sign on the road, we automatically relate it to the potential for physical harm and traffic laws that carry penalties if flouted. This is what makes us stop on cue. 

In a nutshell, if we did not through our acknowledgement and conformity to societal norms and values, assign meaning to the STOP sign and furthermore could not ascertain the rewards and repercussions of conformity or rebellion, then the sign would simply be a red shape with letters on it. The symbol, then, would hold no subjective meaning for us and hence be disregarded. However, through social experience, we not only understand its value to keeping order on the road and preventing accidents, we also expect others to behave similarly and frown upon them when they do not abide. 

References:

Ibanez, N. (2012, July 4). How to Read Traffic Signs: Recognizing Shapes and Colors. Retrieved January 20, 2018, from https://www.dmv.org/articles/how-to-read-traffic-signs-recognizing-shapes-and-colors/

Symbolic Interactionism Theory: Summary. (2011, April 19). Retrieved January 20, 2018, from https://smashtyn.wordpress.com/2011/04/19/symbolic-interactionism-a-closer-look/