Image via Peace Resource Project
Since cars have driven on roads, their bumper stickers have given brief insight into the driver’s beliefs and personality. A person must really care about an issue to stick it on something that cost him or her thousands of dollars. Politics is one of the topics that people are often willing to be very open about (via their cars). The bumper sticker above uses logos to make a strong statement against both major political parties.
The bumper sticker states, “There’s only one political party: The Corporate One.” The sticker plainly argues that there is no difference between America’s two major political parties: they are both after the same thing. Usage of the word “corporate” suggests that the parties are not even parties; they are big businesses. The sticker relies on its audience’s knowledge of past corruption in both the Democrat and Republican parties. In addition, the dollar signs on both the donkey and the elephant suggest that money is a symbol of both of the parties.
The sticker comments on an ideology prevalent in today’s politics: that both parties are corrupt and after money. For years, it was commonplace to support either the Republicans or Democrats. Now, supporting neither party is a growing ideology in our society. Just look at last year’s political election: it was a battle between “outsiders” (such as Trump, Sanders, and Johnson) and “insiders” (like Clinton, Cruz, and Bush). Both political parties use Super PACs during elections. Politicians of both parties have been accused of making decisions, not for the people, but to put money in their own pockets. Both parties have been linked to big businesses, big unions, and big media groups. The sticker’s statement can be backed up by years of corruption and corporate attitudes.
A 2016 poll revealed that 81% of Americans believe that the average person continues to have less and less say in our country’s choices as politicians make decisions to protect and benefit themselves only. This belief can be backed up by facts and patterns that have persisted for years. The bumper sticker above reflects the ideologies of many Americans. The sticker relies on its viewer’s knowledge of politics to argue that the Democratic and Republican parties are no different from each other: they are both corrupt and after money.
Isn’t it a fascinating thing; the system that was set up for the governing of the people is now used for politicians to gain fame, wealth, and to make themselves appear as larger human beings than the “average American” that they’re trying to gain support from.
It’s all pretty backwards, but I appreciate how you’ve painted that picture in your article. The political system is now becoming increasingly more corrupt every year, and it is most prevalent–as you touched upon–during the changing of administration/campaigning season. Politicians are willing to do anything to gain funds and fame, and if one falls away from them, at least they have the other, right?? Crazy.
Overall, I really enjoyed your article, and appreciate the informed opinions you put into it. The bumper sticker was an excellent and twisted method that you dissected extremely well.
I enjoyed you post for two reasons. First of all your analysis of the logic and message of the sticker is well developed and articulate. Second because I like that you elaborated on the issue that the simple message of the sticker represents. I personally am a fan of the message of the sticker and enjoyed reading your interpretation of it.