By The Way, Which One's Pink?

A teacher's solidarity movement is the right idea invoking the wrong color.

Pink Floyd infamously sang "We don’t need no education," in the seminal rock anthem “Another Brick In The Wall.”

That would be the antithesis to Pink Friday. That’s what today has been designated by the California Teachers Association. Students, teachers and parents are asked to wear pink to protest the potential firing of thousands of state teachers as more budget cuts loom.

Let’s save the teachers. It’s ultimately for the good of the kids. The kids are our future. But the color pink is getting over-huesed.

Pink ribbons are already claimed by the Breast Cancer 3-Day organizers. Even though this magnificent event (a 60-mile walk to raise awareness and money to find a cure) isn’t until November 20-22, our local airwaves are already awash with ads showing marchers wearing every shape and shade of pink clothing imaginable.

The gay community has long-used the pink triangle as a symbol of their rights movement. On a less inspirational level, Pink is a name claimed by a pop rocker, and is part of the several hotel nicknames (Pink Lady of La Jolla—La Valencia; Pink Palace of the Pacific—The Royal Hawaiian). There is a Pink Panther, songs about pink Cadillacs and Victoria’s Secret has a line called Secret Pink.

Today’s show of solidarity takes its colorful theme from the pink slips that might be issued to teachers. But it’s possible the message could get lost or misinterpreted. Up with teachers. Down with pink over-exposure. It’s too late to switch to apple red, isn’t it?

 Ron Donoho, formerly executive editor of "San Diego Magazine," is a regular contributor to NBCSandiego.com who covers local news, sports, culture and happy hours.

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