If you’ve lived any amount of time in the U.S., you’ve noticed bumper stickers on cars. These adhesive labels state a message that may be commercial, religious, humorous, or, especially during U.S. presidential campaigns, political.
Some trucking or delivery companies might place a bumper sticker on their vehicles that says, “How’s my driving? Call 1-800-555-6666.” If one of their drivers is driving too fast or otherwise dangerously, people who see such a bumper sticker can call to report this driver. That way, the company can warn or even dismiss this driver and, by doing so, minimize the likelihood that he would cause an accident that would result in the company incurring financial liability or facing lawsuits.
Some cars display a fish symbol, which is also known by the Greek names “Ichthys” and “Ikhthus.” The fish was used by early Christians as a secret symbol. Now it’s known as the “sign of the fish” or the “Jesus fish.” A Christian, especially in the South, might display this symbol on the bumper of his or her car as a demonstration of his faith.
Other vehicles might put funny sayings or slogans on their bumpers, such as “My other car is a Mercedes.”—especially if the car that they’re driving is a cheap or poorly-maintained one, also known slangily as a “junk heap.”
Lastly, and perhaps most popular are politically-oriented bumper stickers. These slogans may simply announce that the driver is supporting a candidate—such as “Obama” or “W in ’04.” Or, such bumper stickers may make a stronger political statement, such as “Don’t blame me. I voted for Gore.” In any case, these labels reflect Americans’ right to free speech, and during political campaigns, some actively take advantage of this right.
No matter where you were born, if you’re living in the U.S., you may wonder whether you should put a bumper sticker on your car. Although Americans can argue the pros and cons of displaying these labels, before you put a sticker on your car, you may want to consider the following:
- If you work for a company whose executives and others espouse a political philosophy that’s different from yours, might a bumper sticker that announces your support for a political candidate who has a philosophy that’s radically different from your company’s personnel alienate your colleagues or even cause you problems at work?
- If you run your own business and your client is very liberal and you’re quite conservative, might a bumper sticker that advocates a position that’s contrary to your client’s—such as being anti-abortion—irritate your client and even jeopardize your relationship with him?
- Might colleagues find your humorous bumper stickers childish or even in poor taste and decide to treat you accordingly?
- Given the phenomenon of “road rage” (very aggressive and dangerous driving), might your bumper sticker somehow cause someone to “go off the deep end” (act irrationally) and result in your being in an accident?
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