"Anything but Bush," "Go Vegan," "No on Measure D" or "Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy." These are just a few opinions expressed around Chico. But people aren't voicing their beliefs and opinions at rallies or demonstrations; they're doing it with decals on the bumper or back window of their cars.
A decal is a decorative sticker on special paper that sticks to metal and glass -- perfect for cars.
A decal is a form of expression used to show feelings and emotions without speaking. Decals can be amusing, serious, angry and sympathetic. Sometimes the message can be misinterpreted. "Keep honking, I'm reloading" is funny, but may seem violent.
"Some stickers are too bold," said Tamara Hobgood, a manager at Starbucks Coffee. "What if you get run off the road?"
Her stickers include, a "Water Man" and "University of California, Davis".
"My stickers are for advertising, not to shock people," she said.
Driving around Chico is a great opportunity to see who likes what. You may see who's a Democrat, who likes cats, and who hates war. Stickers such as, "Support our Troops," "Cat Lover on Board" and "War No More" reflect these views.
John Grant, professor of journalism and communication design at Chico State, said he believes decals and bumper stickers have a strong impact.
"The stickers give a sense of identity as well as a platform for advertising," said Grant, who has no stickers on his current vehicle but collects political bumper stickers.
"My collection started during the 1960s, during John F. Kennedy's term," he said. "Now I have a stack of hundreds."
Not all stickers are political. Dave Perkins, 46, supervisor at Starbucks Coffee, supports his love for disc golf with "Rather Be Disc Golfing" on the back window of his car.
"I won the sticker at a disc golf tournament," Perkins said. "Not many people know about the sport disc golf, maybe the sticker helps."
Kara Finnegan, a 21-year-old Chico State student, has a Chico State decal on her back window. She thinks they're fun to read.
"I drive to Roseville every weekend," she said. "Reading the stickers makes the time go by."
Stephanie Carmichael can be reached at:
stepcar2001@yahoo.com
Other stories in this series:
Once a graduate, always an alumnus
Be the first to comment on this article!