I am starting to find the sticker more of a hyporcritical and navie statement rather than one of influence (like almost all bumbper stickers I see). It is fine to support a great "idea" but in reality the driver probably cares more that people regonize him or hers peaceful intentions. Stickers are never going to stop war, end poverty, save the enviroment, or solve world hunger...they never have. Its time people start taking ACTION rather than hiding behind little sayings and t-shirts that promote world peace. I have recently started to volunteer for the International Refugee Committee as a family mentor. I am working with a family that has recently come over from Bhutan, in fleet of the political turmoil. The roots of the political turmoil are found in multi-ethnic groups and religion. Their religion has created a caste system, where those of lower caste are highly subjected to torturing and genocide. I am greatly appreciated to be living a life where I have not experienced such hatred, but am also greatly appreciated to be aware of the fact there are those less fortunate who are in a constant battle with society's corruption. I do believe its possible for Co-Existence, and although there are many ugly truths to our world, I still think we can change. Working with this Nepalese family has been a wake up call for me, and realize that our "good ideas" or "good bumper stickers" are simply ideas. It is going to take creativity and action for any chance of seeing "Coexistence".
Monday, December 7, 2009
Idealism Verus Reality
I started out loving this bumper sticker, and until creating this blog I found myself to dislike it more and more. I am talking about the very popular bumper sticker "CoExist" that purposes the idea to accept all religions, beliefs, and customs around the world in hopes of living peacefully. Well, it would be nice if mankind actually abide by the saying, however we do not live in anything remotely close to "CoExisting". 
I am starting to find the sticker more of a hyporcritical and navie statement rather than one of influence (like almost all bumbper stickers I see). It is fine to support a great "idea" but in reality the driver probably cares more that people regonize him or hers peaceful intentions. Stickers are never going to stop war, end poverty, save the enviroment, or solve world hunger...they never have. Its time people start taking ACTION rather than hiding behind little sayings and t-shirts that promote world peace. I have recently started to volunteer for the International Refugee Committee as a family mentor. I am working with a family that has recently come over from Bhutan, in fleet of the political turmoil. The roots of the political turmoil are found in multi-ethnic groups and religion. Their religion has created a caste system, where those of lower caste are highly subjected to torturing and genocide. I am greatly appreciated to be living a life where I have not experienced such hatred, but am also greatly appreciated to be aware of the fact there are those less fortunate who are in a constant battle with society's corruption. I do believe its possible for Co-Existence, and although there are many ugly truths to our world, I still think we can change. Working with this Nepalese family has been a wake up call for me, and realize that our "good ideas" or "good bumper stickers" are simply ideas. It is going to take creativity and action for any chance of seeing "Coexistence".
I am starting to find the sticker more of a hyporcritical and navie statement rather than one of influence (like almost all bumbper stickers I see). It is fine to support a great "idea" but in reality the driver probably cares more that people regonize him or hers peaceful intentions. Stickers are never going to stop war, end poverty, save the enviroment, or solve world hunger...they never have. Its time people start taking ACTION rather than hiding behind little sayings and t-shirts that promote world peace. I have recently started to volunteer for the International Refugee Committee as a family mentor. I am working with a family that has recently come over from Bhutan, in fleet of the political turmoil. The roots of the political turmoil are found in multi-ethnic groups and religion. Their religion has created a caste system, where those of lower caste are highly subjected to torturing and genocide. I am greatly appreciated to be living a life where I have not experienced such hatred, but am also greatly appreciated to be aware of the fact there are those less fortunate who are in a constant battle with society's corruption. I do believe its possible for Co-Existence, and although there are many ugly truths to our world, I still think we can change. Working with this Nepalese family has been a wake up call for me, and realize that our "good ideas" or "good bumper stickers" are simply ideas. It is going to take creativity and action for any chance of seeing "Coexistence".
Isabel Allende
I have seen this bumper sticker a few times driving around campus, and it has recently reminded me of Isabel Allende's speech she made on campus last Wednesday. Isabel Allende is a Chilean-American writer (The House of Spirits, Zorro) who has also been described as the world's most widely read Spanish-language author. Many of her works are based on her real-life experiences, those of being a political refugee and suppressed minority. Her speech on Wednesday not only moved me, but strongly inspired me to speak out more. She discussed the on-going brutalities woman face all over the world, including the aids and rape issue in many African nations. Opening our minds, standing up, and residing power for love are just a few points she mentioned during her speech about woman. She is an amazing person, and encouraged everyone to demand for change in hopes of a better and more peaceful world.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Broccoli is the new pork
So being a vegetarian for seven years, I actually found this bumper sticker to be quite amusing.
Absurd..rude...naaaah
Monday, November 23, 2009
In-N-an hour later Out
Since when did fast food take twenty minutes to order and another thirty minutes for the food to come out? Well...since an In-N-Out, a highly well off burger franchise started in Irvine, California opened up this past weekend in Draper, Utah. Sunday, I decided to make the twenty minute drive to the fast food restaurant with a buddy of mine. I first experienced In-N-Out in San Diego California, during a summer spent at surf camp. I remember the fries being incredibly fresh and the Neapolitan shakes giving three rich flavors in one cup. When we arrived however this past weekend, I had no idea In-N-Out had quite the reputation! The line to dine in was well beyond out the door, with heat lamps provided for the eager, shivering customers. The drive threw line was two-three blocks long, flooding into other shopping centers and parking lots. Despite the wait, the patrons looked excited and patient.
Two of the franchise's employees awaited the customers outside the doors with free bumper stickers and hats.
One of the employees even took the time to explain just how big of a deal this new burger joint was. Apparently, most of the employees were recruited from other In-N-Outs across the West. They take very good care of their employees, even offering health care!! Exceeding minimum wages by far, to flip burgers there, one would probably have to serve two or three years at the restaurant before claiming such a title. The nice employee from Arizona also explained to us that he had encountered families visiting from Idaho and even from California earlier that day. WOAH...for burger and fries??? Don't people have anything better to do? I guess not...
Being a vegetarian, I ordered their classic grilled cheese and regular fries (the animal fries seemed to intimidating at the time) and received by order number:46, which was exactly 78 numbers away from being called. We finally received our food and ate contently outside. The meal was quite satisfying, and as we drove away I realized the ten cars in front of us to all have In-N-Out bumper stickers.
Was it good? Yes. Worth a twenty minute drive? Sure why not, it was a mellow Sunday. Worth a 12 hour drive? Probably not. Putting their sticker are on my car? Definitely not, I think I'll devote my passions and interests elsewhere. =)
Two of the franchise's employees awaited the customers outside the doors with free bumper stickers and hats.
One of the employees even took the time to explain just how big of a deal this new burger joint was. Apparently, most of the employees were recruited from other In-N-Outs across the West. They take very good care of their employees, even offering health care!! Exceeding minimum wages by far, to flip burgers there, one would probably have to serve two or three years at the restaurant before claiming such a title. The nice employee from Arizona also explained to us that he had encountered families visiting from Idaho and even from California earlier that day. WOAH...for burger and fries??? Don't people have anything better to do? I guess not...
Being a vegetarian, I ordered their classic grilled cheese and regular fries (the animal fries seemed to intimidating at the time) and received by order number:46, which was exactly 78 numbers away from being called. We finally received our food and ate contently outside. The meal was quite satisfying, and as we drove away I realized the ten cars in front of us to all have In-N-Out bumper stickers.
Was it good? Yes. Worth a twenty minute drive? Sure why not, it was a mellow Sunday. Worth a 12 hour drive? Probably not. Putting their sticker are on my car? Definitely not, I think I'll devote my passions and interests elsewhere. =)
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Reading is Sexy
This weekend, waiting in line at a drive threw coffee shop I had noticed the black Cherokee jeep's bumper sticker: Reading is sexy!
Hmmm... While I have always loved to read, I had never really considered it sexy? Either way, I took the bumper sticker as a compliment and also came to the realization that I love nothing more than discussing a common book or article with someone else. I admit, I usually am the annoying one in the group constantly asking if you have ever read, or you should read. And whenever someone replys, I have read that! I can not help but take a particular liking to that person! Since I have moved into my apartment this fall, I have not had the T.V. or internet. Eventually I would like to have the internet, I just haven't gotten over the fact that I can not bum it off my neighbor this time...however I have noticed a major change in myself overcoming this society's dependence on the two technologies. I have read an increasingly amount of books in the past two months, have spent the majority of my time outside, and have taken up other hobbies such as cooking and painting. I may not be up to date on who got voted off Dancing with the Stars last week, but instead share a compelling classic I just read or the latest ideas from new scientists such as Micho Kaku that are constantly publishing books on their latest work. I think it is important to take a break from the T.V/facebook/video games and become more creative with your time!
Monday, October 26, 2009
Girls Rule Boys Drool =)
I love this bumper sticker, and completely forgot about it until I was driving down 4th the other day.
Monday, October 5, 2009
The Penis Issue
Okay..this one definitely caught me off guard.
Driving home the other day, I once again had to maneuver three lanes and dodge a yellow light just to catch up to what I thought and actually DID see... CIRCUMCISION- his body, his rights.
Who honestly cares (was my initial reaction), with so much going on in the world today do we really need to add another issue. Everything is always a debate, an opinion, just another thing for people to agree/disagree.
okay, okay..my second initial reaction? what exactly is this bumper sticker talking about? What exactly is the issue of whether or not a male should be circumcised? It was time for some reasearch...which i found to be quite intriguing and a great conversation starter ;)
Circumcision dates all the way back to Ancient Egypt, adopted as a religious sacrifice. It was a rite of passage marking a boy's entrance into adulthood. The most common reason for the procedure began as a means to suppress sexual pleasure and method of treating and preventing masturbation (usually from an authoritative religious aspect).
Circumcision was eventaully accepted in the English-speaking world by the early 1900s. The main theory behind it was the "Germ Theory of Disease". Like anyother news media scare, the theory suggusted the operation acts as a preventative medicine for dirt and bodily secretions that could be harmful to the males health. Besides being a common method for religious faiths, most notably the Jewish and Islamic ones, studies have shown circumcised men have a lower rate of contracting HIV or other sexually transmitted disease. Studies still remain skeptical, and moreover issues such as the pain factor and the loss of sexual nerves are more prominent.
HIS BODY, HIS RIGHT? - so whats the controversy?!
From 1930 the number of new born American boys being circumcised jumped from 32% to about 65% in 1987. Recent studies show that parents choose circumcision over "concerns about the attitudes of peers and their son's self-confidence in the future." Stumbling upon this research I realized there was just not one debate, but numerous ones! Whether or not it was just a social norm and we were depriving sexual sensation to parts that males are intially entilted too when born...to whether or not it could prevent penile cancer! The bumper sticker I saw on the red 19990 chevy truck however stated a different question, one of personal rights. Although the procedure might be an immense amount of pain when old enough to make the decision for oneself, shouldn't we have control over our own bodies? As a strong advocate for pro-choice, should men also be entilted to these claims when it comes to, well circumsion? Apparently the chevy truck infront of me felt very entitled!
Driving home the other day, I once again had to maneuver three lanes and dodge a yellow light just to catch up to what I thought and actually DID see... CIRCUMCISION- his body, his rights.
Who honestly cares (was my initial reaction), with so much going on in the world today do we really need to add another issue. Everything is always a debate, an opinion, just another thing for people to agree/disagree.
okay, okay..my second initial reaction? what exactly is this bumper sticker talking about? What exactly is the issue of whether or not a male should be circumcised? It was time for some reasearch...which i found to be quite intriguing and a great conversation starter ;)
Circumcision dates all the way back to Ancient Egypt, adopted as a religious sacrifice. It was a rite of passage marking a boy's entrance into adulthood. The most common reason for the procedure began as a means to suppress sexual pleasure and method of treating and preventing masturbation (usually from an authoritative religious aspect).Circumcision was eventaully accepted in the English-speaking world by the early 1900s. The main theory behind it was the "Germ Theory of Disease". Like anyother news media scare, the theory suggusted the operation acts as a preventative medicine for dirt and bodily secretions that could be harmful to the males health. Besides being a common method for religious faiths, most notably the Jewish and Islamic ones, studies have shown circumcised men have a lower rate of contracting HIV or other sexually transmitted disease. Studies still remain skeptical, and moreover issues such as the pain factor and the loss of sexual nerves are more prominent.
HIS BODY, HIS RIGHT? - so whats the controversy?!
From 1930 the number of new born American boys being circumcised jumped from 32% to about 65% in 1987. Recent studies show that parents choose circumcision over "concerns about the attitudes of peers and their son's self-confidence in the future." Stumbling upon this research I realized there was just not one debate, but numerous ones! Whether or not it was just a social norm and we were depriving sexual sensation to parts that males are intially entilted too when born...to whether or not it could prevent penile cancer! The bumper sticker I saw on the red 19990 chevy truck however stated a different question, one of personal rights. Although the procedure might be an immense amount of pain when old enough to make the decision for oneself, shouldn't we have control over our own bodies? As a strong advocate for pro-choice, should men also be entilted to these claims when it comes to, well circumsion? Apparently the chevy truck infront of me felt very entitled!
Monday, September 28, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
I <3 Sluts and Gays
Since I have started this blog I have been receiving constant phone calls from friends and family exclaiming their encounters with a great sticker I could comment on. It was just earlier today my sister's boyfriend (Kevin) met us for coffee, sharing his sighting of a gigantic white truck with "the best bumper sticker" he has yet seen. First off, the driver was apparently dressed in a pimp suit. No tall tee, no bling, but a straight "pimp costume you see in Halloween stores". After hearing this, I was not shocked to hear the sticker read: I HEART SLUTS! offended? no. shocked? no. hysterical laughing? yes! THANK YOU FOR HAVING A SENSE OF HUMOR!! now... I only have to drive up and down 5th south to find this character and document it myself! I mean really...a pimp suit in September?
On a not so much lighter note, another bumper sticker that has caught my attention this past week are the Equal, blue and yellow stickers.
No bigger than 2 by 2 in, these stickers reveal equal rights for gays, thus emphasizing on the right to gay marriage. I have and always will support gay rights, but it wasn't my activist emotion that this particular sticker brought out. Instead, my first reaction was contemplating a situation where I was the one being targeted. What if someone, or some religion, or in this case now a law, was telling me "I" did not have the "right" to marry someone I loved. What if it was "I"that so many hated or misunderstood based on my own personal decisions, or yet rather my biological being. I could not imagine, I was truly devastated.
It is a shame history keeps repeating and repeating itself. Is gay rights still an issue? It was only less than fifty years ago the civil rights movement...and not much longer than that the women's right movement. How long is it going to take for our society to ACCEPT everyone, and realize "separate is not equal!!"
On a not so much lighter note, another bumper sticker that has caught my attention this past week are the Equal, blue and yellow stickers.
No bigger than 2 by 2 in, these stickers reveal equal rights for gays, thus emphasizing on the right to gay marriage. I have and always will support gay rights, but it wasn't my activist emotion that this particular sticker brought out. Instead, my first reaction was contemplating a situation where I was the one being targeted. What if someone, or some religion, or in this case now a law, was telling me "I" did not have the "right" to marry someone I loved. What if it was "I"that so many hated or misunderstood based on my own personal decisions, or yet rather my biological being. I could not imagine, I was truly devastated.
It is a shame history keeps repeating and repeating itself. Is gay rights still an issue? It was only less than fifty years ago the civil rights movement...and not much longer than that the women's right movement. How long is it going to take for our society to ACCEPT everyone, and realize "separate is not equal!!"
Monday, September 14, 2009
Support our Troops
It all started a couple of years ago. At first they were too subtle to take notice of, but after appearing on every soccer-mom's bumper in America I finally squinted a little bit harder. The apparently growing popularity of "Support Our Troops" ribbons had finally caught my attention. I had never really thought much about them. Just another bumper sticker among the many. It wasn't until getting cut off by a supersized SUV the other day that I was forced to contemplate the sincerity of these stickers. I'm all for supporting the troops, but seriously, does throwing a five dollar purchase on your vehicle really classify you as an ambitious supporter? It seems to me like these stickers are more of a trend than a genuine outcry. Not to mention the type of vehicles that sport the ribbons. Apparently you need an SUV to buy one of these things. If irony hasn't slapped these sticker-bearers in the face, then maybe I should break it down for them. Driving a four-ton SUV around that gets 10 mpg is NOT supporting your troops. Has it not crossed these peoples minds that the reason we are in a war is because mindless consumers cant cut dependence on foreign oil? But no, thinking like that is trouble, I mean how fun is watching a DVD in the backseat of a 4-wheel drive tank when you feel guilty about it. I'm sure when Private Jones gets back from Iraq with his legs blown to bits he's gonna look at the back of that Hummer and say, "Wow, look at that sticker. I'm glad the citizens i'm risking my life to protect are supporting me in every way they can!" Maybe I'm being to harsh, but this is just one of the many hypocrisys that seem to linger in our modern society. We are all hypocrites in some way or another. lets face it, we are a society fixated on over-consumption. And until we can stop lying to ourselves, and ditch the luxeries in life that we all feel so entitled to, maybe none of us are better than those a#$h*@s with ribbons on their Hummers.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Bumpin Bumpers
It wasn't until the other week I had not only first heard the term "bumperwhore", but I had also been dubbed the title. A "bumperwhore" according to the web's popular and apprehension Urban Dictionary is a:2. "A person that puts their car too close to yours."
So though I was at fault, when trying to capture the Subaru's (above image) erratic hatchback, I realized that these labels not only convey a message but also intend for a reaction.
Bumper stickers range from all fields of different interests, whether it be political campaigns, commercial slogans, religious purposes, or very often just for laughs. In the weeks to follow I will document my reaction to particular bumper stickers I encounter. I have frequently found most bumper stickers to be hypocritical or excusable for the apathetic. Other I have found to be insightful, and even a few worth calling up a friend hysterical laughing reciting, "I just saw the best bumper sticker ever!" Whatever the sticker may be, I find myself to be more opinionated, curious, and fascinated in an infinite amount of events taking place during our times, and have finally found a way to creativly express these thoughts through numerous slogans that spark the beginning of an idea.
My first reaction to the above picture...wouldn't it be easier to just have an electronic marque, than everyone would really get the idea of how devoted and represented the driver is with the short words and pictures on their bumper!
(I might have also just been bitter about being announced a bumperwhore that day)
;)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)