Stop with the Ribbons!
Thursday, August 9th, 2007Magnetic car ribbons are a pet peeve of mine. It wasn’t always like this. There was a time where the odd ribbon here or there, tacked onto the back of a car was a nice accent, a reminder for something special. These days, everyone has one of those things on their car, and the only theme not yet covered is “Potty Trained Baby on Board” (do not get me started on the ‘Baby on Board’ signs).
Give it up already!
Why do I get so worked up by the ribbons? It likely has to do with the limited ‘activism’ the practice encourages. People buy a freaking magnet, stick it on their damn car, and think they’re making a positive change - they figure because they have a “Support the Troops” slogan on their car, that they’ve done their share; that it somehow absolves them from the real responsibility. The insanity doesn’t end there. “Rest in Peace John Paul II”, “Keep my Husband Safe”, “Support the Earth”… how about “Will You Be My Brain Donour” instead?
Added to the insult is the total lack of creativity in expressing a message. Bumper stickers have the potential to be clever, or funny. Here, we have a cookie cutter solution, where the action stops. The ribbons are a placebo, where often a real cure is needed.
Please, do your part and move all ribbons from the back of your vehicle, to the home refrigerator. When you’ve done that, consider an action that makes a real difference, before you feel all fuzzy and warm inside.