Get stuck behind a car or a truck these days and you will probably spot a bumper sticker. They are very popular and appeal to all ages, male and female. They are sometimes funny and sometimes make a serious statement. Some are timeless and some are topical. There are many outlets that retail the stickers and some companies supply customized ones with a personal message.
The best selling ones include the ever present yellow Smiley Face and the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament peace slogan. End Gun Violence is another top seller, as is the United States Flag bumper sticker. Tie-ins with the music and movie industry are available too. With a reference to sightings of Elvis, there is a Honk If You’re Elvis slogan and Bob Marley’s picture is alongside the words, One World, referring to one of his songs. Beatles fans can display a brightly colored Yellow Submarine. In the world of film, fans of the cult Star Wars can buy stickers of Yoda and a Storm Trooper. There are also stickers depicting the four different crests of the Hogwarts School from the Harry Potter stories.
In this world of conflict, some people find comfort in the bumper sticker that has a harmonious message, such as Tolerance - Believe In It and Co-exist. Other stickers show Christian images and words. Pictures of Christ and the cross are popular and slogans include I Pray - Deal With It and Jesus Loves You. Bumper stickers are probably more popular in America than anywhere else and there is a wide range of patriotic images of stars and stripes flags and Bald Headed Eagles. Many other flags from across the world are represented, along with various flags of different USA states. For pirate fans, there is a flag with a Jolly Roger, aka the skull and crossbones.
Sports fans like to show their loyalty and showing a bumper sticker in support of a favorite team is one way to do it. Football and baseball teams have their logos and heroes on family vehicles and trucks up and down the highway. In contrast to the peace stickers, popular since the 1960s, there are pro-military sentiments expressed as Support Our Troops and Proud Marine Parent.
Political stickers are in support of and sometimes against election candidates and current leaders. These are, of course, most prominent in the months leading up to an election as people choose a side. Some bumper stickers are used by corporations, particularly ones that ask the question, How’s My Driving? These invite motorists to report positive comments or negative ones on the quality of truck and delivery van drivers in front of them on the road.
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