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Bumper Sticker Philosophy

I like bumper stickers. Some say some very witty things, some are wise, and some just piss me off. There are two that have bugged me for a long time, and I think I’ve finally gotten it. You see, while I like bumper stickers, I don’t necessarily approve of the pithy sayings on them just because they’re catchy…I like to apply a bit of critical thought to them. The first, ‘Minds are like parachutes, they only function when they’re open,’ is a load of hoohaa to me. Sure, it’s cute, and we’d like to believe it’s true, but to me it just shouts naive, it is too catchy, and not really arguable (the comments are there…). On the other hand, I’d had difficulty with ‘No one is free when others are opressed’ also. It seemed pithy, but arguable. This morning on my way in to the workplace I saw that sticker again and gave it some actual thought. And it struck me what it means, at least, what it means to me. Sure, you may feel free, but as long as some persons are being opressed you are not truly free because the opression may spread and envelope you, and while the opportunity, the threat of opression exists, you are affected by it, the shadow looms. If you are one of the oppressors you are not free because you are as obligated to the oppressed as they are to you, as you have no freedom to let things fall apart…if they do, you may well find yourself running. Makes sense to me.

Posted in Mouthinkin.

10 comments

By rick – 17 Sep 03

  • http://www.beerdrinker.org rick

    funny…at about the same time I was writing this, Annie was listing some clever stickers as well.

  • http://www.beerdrinker.org rick

    errrmmm….that is, if I could read a calendar. She was busy on it yesterday.

  • http://ojingo.beerdrinker.org Sean

    I know what you mean… that Gregorian calendar confuses and frightens me too. I just can’t bring myself to upgrade from my time tested Julian calendar. Anything created after October of 1582 AD is just too newfangled for me.

  • http://www.illusionaire.com Jenn

    I mentioned bumper stickers on my site today, but you beat me to the rant I was planning about them. I’m amazed by how much the bumper sticker population in my neighborhood goes up on Sumdays – “Jesus is my co-pilot” and all that. I read someplace once that Americans are the only self-important culture to list our alma maters on our vehicles, be it Harvard Alumnus or My Child is an Honor Student at Podunk Elementary.

  • http://www.beerdrinker.org rick

    I had my alma mater ’round my license plate for awhile, and even salvaged the frame when the car threw a rod, but haven’t stuck it back on. But that’s not why I’m replying. I’m replying because I really really want a ‘Dog is my co-pilot’ bumper sticker so if you know where they are or just want to mail me one, you’ll be a butt-kicker either way, and I’ll happily hook you with a pint of my favorite beer, or yours, whatever. cheers.

  • http://ojingo.beerdrinker.org Sean

    Rick you can now make what doesn’t yet exist:
    http://www.makestickers.com/home.asp

  • http://ojingo.beerdrinker.org Sean

    However “Dog is my Copilot” will be here in about a week.

  • http://www.illusionaire.com Jenn

    I saw the “Dog is my co-pilot” book at Powell’s the other day, but haven’t seen the sticker recently – I’d check some of the dog enthusiast shops.

  • http://thebark.com claudia

    the bumpersticker, Dog Is My Co-Pilot with its trademarked slogan (the motto of our magazine) is available from our online store, http://www.thebark.com.
    Claudia
    Editor, The Bark

  • http://www.beerdrinker.org rick

    thank you Claudia! I’m checking out the various purchasing options, as, as you are aware, there are several. So, if you are ever in Portland you should drop a line so that I can make good on my pint offer! My lady is already familiar with the mag, so I’m thinking the subscription option looks like a winner ;)

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