Bumper stickers pique people’s interest through short messages contained in the fewest of words. Some stickers may have messages that are on the green side, some are just sarcastic and with pure malice, but there are also some which present good arguments. Personally, I appreciate stickers that are witty and can send the message across without being too direct. However, there was one simple bumper sticker that caught my attention because despite its simplicity, its message is something that most people forget.
Bumper stickers have been accepted as a workable means to advertise several ideas, thoughts, products, services, likes and dislikes of people (Thomas). While riding the car with a friend, I saw a black bumper sticker that has a yellow smiley face and a message that states “Take it easy, life is short.” Since it was posted on the bumper of a car, I knew that the message is a reminder for motorists to drive slowly and safely. The phrase “life is short” is a very strong argument that appeals to the pathos of drivers.
Life is short, especially if drivers will not be responsible on the road. In the past years, the issue of responsible driving has included calls for drivers not to drink and drive and to avoid texting while driving. Although there are bumper stickers that speak of such messages, a simple reminder that “life is short” reminds people that there is no need to hurry. Moving towards a destination in full speed is hurrying life, which is useless since life does not last that long.
This message can also be a reminder for people to take time and enjoy life because it is too short to spend in worrying and stressing. The smiley face brightens up the message, and together, the whole bumper sticker conveys a simple fact of life that people must not forget.
Work Cited
Thomas, Maggi. “Why bumper stickers are an effective advertising method.” InsideBusiness
360. RR Donnelley. 19 June 2009. Web. 17 May 2014.
