After doing some more research, I have become interested in the idea of a typeface having an ethnic identity.
There are multiple examples where a family of typefaces has been designed specifically for use in a certain language, such as the Gaelic faces I spoke of in earlier posts. There are other typefaces that in the past were used as defaults in a certain country, or used widely in one area.
Some designers may believe that this idea is inherently racist or derogatory. However, I believe this can simply be seen as a part of a culture's history. If we were to label it racist, would our art history classes titled 'African Art' or 'Italian Art" be racist as well, since they typify an artistic style?
In future posts I will be looking at certain cultures that have identifying typography and how this may have come about.
