In the bustling city of Los Angeles, bumper stickers have long been a popular means of self-expression for residents. However, in recent times, these stickers have taken on a whole new level of creativity, humor, and quirkiness. Renée Reizman, a contributor for the Times, notes that this trend has shifted towards self-deprecating jokes and representing niche fandoms, offering a wide array of options for drivers to showcase their individuality. From declarations of love for John Cage to humorous statements like “I’d rather be slowly consumed by moss,” these stickers have become a unique reflection of Angelenos’ collective consciousness.
As a resident of the city, I have come across a myriad of amusing bumper stickers that never fail to bring a smile to my face. Whether it’s a witty quip about a Buick rusting on a quiet night or a simple yet profound statement like “Dreams Happen,” each sticker adds a touch of personality to the streets of Los Angeles. Alone, these stickers may seem random or bizarre, but together, they create a colorful mosaic that captures the essence of the city.
To celebrate these quirky little decals that adorn the bumpers of cars across Los Angeles, we reached out to locals and visitors to share their favorite finds. The submissions we received ranged from clever wordplay to cultural references, each one offering a glimpse into the diverse and eclectic tastes of Angelenos.
Memorable Bumper Stickers From Around Los Angeles
One standout sticker that caught the eye of Robert Grenader in Los Feliz read, “THICC DADS WHO VAPE FOR CHRIST.” Located on Glendale Boulevard in Atwater Village, this sticker struck a chord with Grenader, prompting a pause and a chuckle as he passed by.
Another unique find was spotted by Lee Bridges in Laurel Canyon. A sticker that read “2PMFaun” on a Honda Prelude near Melrose caught his attention, drawing a connection to the composer Claude Debussy and his famous piece, “Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun.” The clever wordplay and musical reference made this sticker a standout for Bridges.
From Clever Quips to Thought-Provoking Messages
One particularly witty bumper sticker that resonated with Ben Elder in La Crescenta was the statement, “YOUR HONOR STUDENT IS MERELY A PAWN IN MY POMERANIAN’S PLOT FOR WORLD DOMINATION.” Placed on Foothill Boulevard, this sticker elicited a sense of amusement and irony, poking fun at the competitive nature of parents and their achievements.
In West L.A., Dave Kopplin came across a simple yet profound sticker that read, “who needs poetry” on Barry Street. The minimalist design and lack of punctuation added a poetic quality to the statement, prompting Kopplin to appreciate the depth of meaning conveyed in just a few words.
As a resident of Silver Lake, Ted Walker encountered a sticker that read, “I ❤️ DYING AND AGING” parked in front of Maury’s Bagels. The dark humor and existential theme of the sticker resonated with Walker, leading him to ponder the complexities of life and mortality.
In Topanga, Roger Pugliese encountered a bumper sticker created by the Topanga Association for a Scenic Community that read, “DON’T CHANGE TOPANGA LET TOPANGA CHANGE YOU.” This message reflected the organization’s mission to preserve the natural beauty and character of Topanga, urging residents and visitors to embrace the essence of the community without imposing urban influences.
From literary references to clever puns, the bumper stickers found on the streets of Los Angeles offer a glimpse into the diverse and creative minds of its residents. Whether it’s a humorous quip or a thought-provoking message, these stickers serve as a unique form of expression that adds a touch of personality to the city’s bustling streets. So next time you’re stuck in traffic, take a moment to look around and appreciate the colorful and quirky world of bumper stickers that surround you. Who knows, you might just find a sticker that speaks to your soul or tickles your funny bone.
