Debate: Are those "Coexist" bumper stickers actually making a difference or just virtue signaling?

I used to think those Coexist bumper stickers were just a feel-good thing people slapped on their Subarus, but after seeing a truck with a massive American flag and a Coexist sticker at the same rest stop off I-75 last month, I started questioning it. On one hand, maybe it sparks a conversation when someone's stuck in traffic and actually reads it, right? Like a gentle reminder. But on the other hand, I've seen the same sticker on a Prius that cut me off and flipped me off, so how much does it really change behavior? Does anyone actually have a story where a bumper sticker like that changed their mind on something, or are we just decorating our cars?

2 comments

2 Comments

thea8571mo ago

Prius that cut me off and flipped me off" - wait, that actually happened? That's the most ironic thing I've ever heard, almost feels like a setup for a bad joke.

clark.robin1mo ago

Nah, I get the joke angle but honestly it tracks for me. Prius drivers are just as aggressive as anyone else, they just feel more righteous about it. The whole eco-friendly thing makes some of them act like they own the road because they're saving the planet. I've seen more Priuses run red lights than any other car brand lately, no joke.