« The Future Of Books | Main | Seattle Bar Quiz»

January 13, 2004

Bumper Stumpers

You know those white oval country code bumper stickers? They were originally developed in Europe to display the country to which the car owner belongs. Since I don't live in Europe, I can only comment on the use of these stickers in Canada and the United States.

Canada (Toronto area):

I've seen a lot of different country codes, mostly European countries, which, presumably, pertain to the ethnic background of the car owner (I, D, F). There, of course, is also a Canadian sticker (CDN), and I've seen a good many novelty stickers (BNL, DMB, LNX), but I'd say the vast majority were of European countries.

The United States (Seattle area):

The only country sticker I have seen since I moved to the US in April has been, perhaps not surprisingly, USA. The rest were novelty stickers like in Canada (popular rock bands, operating systems), but there are also a large number of obscure abbreviations from small bands, political organizations, local shops, American vacation spots, etc. Since the number of stickers that actually represent country codes is so small here, I'm forced to wonder if most Americans know where these stickers originated, and what they're actually for.

Perhaps this demonstrates a more fundamental difference between Canada's multi-culturalism and the American Melting Pot, or maybe it just means Americans bumper sticker manufacturers know their audience.

07:27 | America

Comments

There's a strong tendency south of the World's Longest Open Border to display one's affinities, educational achievements, et al on your car: perhaps an update on the whole "club tie" thing. Strange for a country that takes pride in its egalitarian roots . . . .

Posted by: paul at January 13, 2004 9:49 AM

I'm not sure how "club ties" contradict egalitarianism. Individualism, yes, but our sense of individualism has always been inaccurate and distorted.

The "OBX" stickers are lame, granted, but not an attempt to make class distinctions.

Posted by: Teresa at January 13, 2004 10:53 AM

My family has done a fair amount of traveling over the years, and my dad commemorates each new country he visits by adding a new country code sticker to the back of his Jeep ( http://www.hanscomfamily.com/gallery/johnsjeep/P9070028 ). Frankly, I'm half surprised he can see out of the thing anymore…

Posted by: Michael Hanscom at January 13, 2004 10:57 AM

IBRK4HKRR

Posted by: ian at January 14, 2004 2:55 AM

The views and opinions expressed on this website are those of Chris Lyon and do not reflect those of his employer. This site is provided as-is, with no warrantees or guarantees. For entertainment purposes only.