I recently rented the movie "Helvetica" and was impressed at how the font seemed to insight such conflicting views from the designers interviewed. Expressions of extreme altruism contrasted with polar-opposite hatred associated to the simple, quiet font Helvetica. In the interviews, Paula Scher likened the font to the Vietnam war, while Sagmeister pointed out its lack of flair, calling it boring. In contrast, there was all over praise from typeface designers, as well as certain firms that thought it was the solution to most visual problems.
What the movie failed to point out, or the viewpoint that was brazened over, was that of an average designer and Helvetica's practical use, which speaks nothing necessarily to the designer's personal view of the font, or personal style, but more to the needs of the client they are servicing.
I think there is an idea worth exploring here. Someone should make "Helvetica Part II," about starting a religion (or cult), based on the extreme love:hate ratio of Helvetica. The font correlates so easily to the overarching ideas of major religions. It has a passionate following (Helveticans), and an equally passionate group of anti-helvetites. Not to mention, Helvetica has strong financial backing and a long standing history to support its theories, and has become an ingrained visual in popular culture.
So, I say, LIVE ON HELVETICA!
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