I’m a bumper sticker reader. When I’m behind a car, I find it interesting to see how the bumper stickers sum up what the driver thinks about life.
But, sometimes I almost wish I hadn’t read one. Yesterday I had that happen.
The bumper sticker said, “My Heroes Always Kill The Cowboys,” and it included a sketch of an Indian Chief. Before I was close enough to see what the sketch was, I thought maybe it was meant to be humorous and was talking about a football team that has a rivalry with the Dallas Cowboys. But, when I saw the sketch, I knew that wasn’t it. It was a woman driving the car, who had the coloring that could have made her American Indian. But, I can’t imagine what thinking would have made her put that sticker on her bumper. Just an observation — I think if someone had a sticker that said “My Heroes Were The Cowboys Who Killed the Indians,” there would be a verrrrry big stink.
The other instance like this that comes to mind happened about a year ago. I pulled up behind a pick-up truck that had a bumper sticker that said, “Jesus Hates Me.” I suppose that was supposed to be funny and a take-off on “Jesus Loves Me,” but it bothered me to read that on his bumper. When I passed him, I looked at him and he looked “normal” — but, I’m sorry, I don’t think that bumper sticker is “normal.”
I guess this could be a reminder to those who put stickers on their bumpers. Think carefully about what you “say” on your bumper because you might be surprised at how many are “listening” and you might not like the impression you’re making.
July 19, 2008 at 12:48 pm |
Some bumper stickers, that I see, make me wonder if the person was really thinking, when they stuck them on!
Like one young girl I know, who stuck ‘Honk if you want my phone number’ on her bumper. She thought it was ‘cute’ at the time, but has now removed it, as she got fed up with the honks and unwanted attention. I mean, what did she think was going to happen??
A neighbour used to drive around with bumper stickers that sid things like ‘Make grass legal’ ‘I love pot’ and stuff like that. He couldn’t understand why the police pulled him over so often. DUH !!!!
July 19, 2008 at 3:47 pm |
Karen — I agree — do people think they put those stickers on, but that no one reads them? I wonder if sometimes they actually forget that they’re put one on, and just wonder why they get strange looks from other motorist sometimes. (Kind of like leaving a meeting with your name tag on, and then going to lunch. And wonder why the waitress knows your name!
July 19, 2008 at 11:49 pm |
I am not a fan of bumper stickers at all, anymore. But, when I was younger, I didn’t put much thought into it. I had a bumper sticker of a kid peeing on something, mind you this was 10 years ago (before the kid peeing on things was popular and out of hand), and when I finally realized the “true meaning” or how others might take it, I damaged my rear window defroster taking it off!!! Hind sights 20/20! I know what your saying about bumper stickers, but sometimes we have to take it with a grain of salt and chalk it up to immaturity!!
July 20, 2008 at 6:02 am |
SO FUNNY and so very true.
and Ive never stickered my bumper for that reason!!!
July 20, 2008 at 11:20 pm |
I think the only bumper sticker I ever had was one promoting Wisconsin. I’m with you; some people might as well just paint, “I’m an ignorant fool with cotton for brains” painted on the back of their cars…
July 21, 2008 at 5:35 am |
Chrissy — our best lessons come from our own bad experiences, don’t they? Thanks for sharing your experience. It may keep someone else from damaging THEIR rear defroster!
MizFit — I’ve never “stickered” my bumper either! Thanks for stopping by.
HPKT — I’m guessing there is one of those “ignorant fool” stickers available our there somewhere if someone wanted it! And, probably some “ignorant fool” who would actually put it on their bumper too!
July 22, 2008 at 11:44 am |
I think what is astonishing is the amount of anger and hate portrayed on one’s car. I admit to getting a kick out of some of the funny ones, but why do they have to ruin my day with their tired rants?
July 22, 2008 at 1:10 pm |
Amen, New Diva. Although, I guess they would tell us, “Well, you don’t HAVE to read it!” But that’s like telling someone to not look when they pass an accident — it goes against our natural tendencies, even when we know we probably aren’t going to like what we see!