The opposite attitude toward driving is embodied by the bumper sticker "Let Go of My Ears," which suggests either that the driver dislikes tailgating or loud honks. Either way, the driver uses humor to convey his or her personal attitudes toward driving.
Finally, bumper stickers sometimes convey messages of general importance even if those messages are cloaked in humor or sarcasm. For example, the slogan "Trucker's Wife" draws attention to labor issues, lifestyle and gender, all issues of overall importance. The slogan "Evolution is Intelligent" is another example of bumper stickers of general importance. On the one hand, the driver acknowledges the theory of evolution but on the other hand he or she pays homage to the theory of intelligent design. Another example of bumper stickers that are generally important include those that are specifically written for political campaigns such as "Vote No on Prop 142" or "Bush/Cheney 2004." Similarly, the slogan "You're a Republican and that's Sad!" sends a strong political message. Bumper stickers that simply state "My child is an honors student" are also examples of a bumper sticker which has a message of general importance, one that is neither purely humorous nor attitudinal.
Bumper stickers are a huge class of quips that are designed specifically for the backs of cars. Because there are so many bumper stickers in the popular arsenal, it can be immensely helpful...
Based on the types of bumper stickers donned by American drivers, the slogans can be divided into those that are humorous, those that are attitudinal, and those that are generally important. Humorous bumper stickers comprise the largest of the three divisions. Humorous bumper stickers can be frivolous or serious and can indicate political, religious, or social values as well as lifestyle choices. Bumper stickers that indicate personal attitude comprise the next-largest division of bumper stickers. Many people enjoy proudly proclaiming their personality traits on the backs of their cars. Although most of these attitude slogans are humorous, they differ from purely humorous stickers because of their focus on the ego of the driver. Finally, some bumper stickers are plain and simple: these generally important bumper stickers can draw attention to some political or social issue or they might suggest something more personal. Many bumper stickers will fall into more than one division. For example, the slogan "You're a Republican and That's Sad" can be placed into any of the three divisions: humorous, attitudinal, or importance: the saying definitely indicates issues of political importance and also sends a deeply sarcastic message to persons from the opposing camp. Therefore, bumper stickers can be as significant as they are amusing and are an integral part of American car culture.
