1 minute read
Car Culture
by Mark Llewellyn
Stick It Where The Sun Does Shine!
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What better way is there to convey your emotions or beliefs than plastering a “bumper sticker” on your car? There it is, you can put it right out there for the world to see. Some are funny, some crude! Some religious, some political/ one thing for sure, there is one out there for you!
Bumper Stickers came about in the late 40’s and early 50’s. Forest P. Gill, a screen printer from Kansas City Kansas is credited with the invention.
They came about originally as souvenirs of travel and sporting events. It was not until the presidential election of 1952 between EisenhowerStevenson that they found their voice as a means of political expression. They even found their way into Hollywood movies, with a scene dedicated to a bumper sticker in the movie “Forrest Gump”! Remember the scene, a pick-up truck with a bumper sticker that says “S*** Happens” starts out into the intersection only to be ran into by another car.
Early bumper stickers were printed on paper. They were screen printed and used daylight florescent inks so they would glow. Vinyl has replaced the paper sticker in most cases due to the fact it holds up so well against the elements.
“Bumper Stickers” have found their way into the American persona. There are many libraries and institutions across the nation that has collections of them. There is no doubt they have become part of the American Pop Culture.
