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Tell us what you really think, with bumper stickers Posted by on Jun 18, 2013 in Culture

I think it is fair to say that Americans, on the whole, really like bumper stickers. Bumper stickers, are large stickers with short messages written on them that attach to the back of a car. They are just another way for people to express themselves and share their opinion, which really fits with the American belief in freedom of speech. Just like people’s thoughts and beliefs, bumper sticker messages are quite diverse including messages that are: religious, political, humorous, sports related, regionally affiliated, and more. People can even have their own unique bumper sticker made to say whatever they want if they can’t find one that already has the right message. Bumper stickers are also a way for Americans to assert their individuality when driving in a sea of similar looking cars. (America after all also has a very strong driving culture and the average American commuter spends 38 hours a week in their car!) Drivers use the bumper stickers they see on cars to judge other drivers.

Bumper stickers have been a part of American culture for a while and they only seem to gaining in popularity as well as spreading to drivers/cars around the world.  Bumper stickers first made their debut in the United States around World War II, when they were most often in the shape of flags. They soon became a way of advertising, and then started to become political. In the United States around election season you will see bumper stickers for political candidates all over the road on the back of cars. Now there is a bumper sticker for just about every group, cause, or idea.  Some bumper stickers are quite creative even.  More than anything I appreciate a funny bumper sticker, something that makes me laugh, especially when I’m sitting in traffic for a while.

Below are some pictures of common bumper stickers seen in the United States. The best part about these bumper stickers is you don’t have to try and read them while in a moving car!

Here is a creative sticker with a message about the beauty of the earth, as art.

People commonly put this bumper sticker on their car to let others know they have run a marathon, which is 26.2 miles long.

Here is a sticker associated with a place. People often get bumper stickers like from their favorite vacation spots or when traveling to new places.

Here is a sticker associated with a cause.

This bumper sticker promotes peacefulness among people of different faiths and spiritual beliefs, by encouraging everyone to “coexists.”

Lastly, here is a picture of the car of a person who really likes to speak their mind through bumper stickers!

 

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About the Author: Gabriele

Hi there! I am one of Transparent Language's ESL bloggers. I am a 32-year-old native English speaker who was born and raised in the United States. I am living in Washington, DC now, but I have lived all over the US and also spent many years living and working abroad. I started teaching English as a second language in 2005 after completing a Master's in Applied Linguists and a Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults' (CELTA). Since that time I have taught ESL in the United States at the community college and university level. I have also gone on to pursue my doctorate in psychology and now I also teach courses in psychology. I like to stay connected to ESL learners around the world through Transparent Languages ESL Blog. Please ask questions and leave comments on the blog and I will be sure to answer them.


Comments:

  1. Kathleen:

    HI Gabriele, I am thrilled to have found your blog about bumper stickers. What you wrote is just PERFECT for me to share with my ESL class (and give you credit). I have been looking for a topic for Writing/ Culture that is “outside the box” of typical mundane topics, and today while sitting in the late summer Montana sun by a river with my elderly father, I suddenly thought of “bumper stickers” and began brainstorming with my father (a retired teacher) as to how I could use this topic in my Adult ESL class. Bless you! Kathleen

    • gabriele:

      @Kathleen Hi Kathleen,
      Glad to be of help!
      -Gabriele