Smart Senior

You likely grew up in an age when discussing politics and religion at social gatherings was taboo. Things haven’t changed all that much except that the popularity of bumper stickers, and the anonymity of Facebook, have made social niceties easier to ignore. Have you given any thought to what your FB posts and bumper stickers say about you?
Our democracy grants us the right to free speech, but bumper stickers often send mixed messages. Little decals, in all their glory, often range from humorous to hostile. Think twice before you post or plaster messages that are practically impossible to remove.
Bumper stickers have been around for a long as we can remember. Most of them are comical, and some are thought provoking, but others come across as downright offensive. Like internet activity, or trashy tattoos, they can come back to haunt you.
You have every right to share your feelings, but a snarky bumper sticker, devoid of facts, may not seem so cute to everyone else. Bumper stickers are meant to be a lighthearted way to boast of accomplishments, share opinions, and advertise special interests. They are normal and apt to elicit smiles and thumbs up gestures.
From the beginning, bumper stickers caught on; they are an inexpensive way for people to convey their feelings. Think of them as a lazy way to voice patriotism, unity, and even skepticism, but keep in mind that not everyone shares your opinions. There are many more positive ways to support your favorite team, your school, your political candidates, your church, or any of your other passions.
Today feeling run high, about practically everything, and your bumper sticker may be saying more about you than you thought. Did you really want to announce to the world at large that you are uneducated, aggrieved, a racist, a misogynist, or that you are prone to violence? Your choice of bumper stickers reflects on your character; don’t be surprised if the very people you might like invite into your homes start avoiding you.
Make bumper stickers fun again; pick something that is neutral, friendly, and uplifting, like “world peace.”