On a daily basis, we encounter disturbing, startling, discomforting, angering, humorous, ironic, sarcastic, irreverent, uplifting and insightful words and images related to social justice.
Though one may be led to think I'm referring to the media as the source, I'm actually referring to cars and their bumper stickers.
Once a year as a simple way to teach media literacy, I ask my students to pick a bumper sticker that has justice themes and share it with the class. One student chose the bumper sticker that spelled out the word "coexist" using the symbols of the various world religions. The student explained: "Obviously many of these ways of thinking are controversial and have caused much violence and pain in the world and between themselves. This bumper sticker pleads with various religions and beliefs present in the world to put aside differences and get along for a better way of living. It does not ask for full acceptance of other views, but it asks at least for respect and tolerance. To do this the holders of each of these beliefs do not need to give up their faith or way of life, but must be flexible in the ways they treat others unlike themselves."
An important question that bumper stickers raise is whether they create dialogue for a culture in dire need of conversation or just allow someone another opportunity to put forth an unchallenged monologue? As one of my students, wrote: "Bumper stickers are good communicators because they are catchy and capture people's interests. …. One person may be in agreement with the message and feel a communal bond toward the person in the car in front of him. Another may be insulted. Most bumper stickers that I have seen are more of an attempt at political humor that pokes fun at politicians than real stances on important issues. However, clever ones can impress people and get them thinking about the issue. Effective or not, a bumper sticker is a fun elaboration that can add character to an otherwise lackluster transportation vehicle." In an America of increasing polarization, it is one thing to be able to get one's own views across. It's an entirely different undertaking to listen to the views of someone else. Bumper stickers, if taken seriously, can take someone beyond their own viewpoints.
Mike Daley
St. Xavier High School
Cincinnati, OH
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