Fender Philosophers

The bumper sticker is the status update of the highway: a means of identifying oneself by association with political philosophies, religious beliefs, or even dirty jokes. This film explores America’s love affair with the bumper sticker.

Premiere Date
May 1, 1998
Length
30 minutes
Funding Initiative
Open Call
  • Award laurels-r Created with Sketch.
    1998 National Educational Media Network-Bronze Apple
  • Award laurels-r Created with Sketch.
    1998 San Diego Press Club-Best Documentary
  • Award laurels-r Created with Sketch.
    1998 National Social Science Association-Honoree
    • Producer

    Lisa Leeman

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    The Film

    Fender Philosophers browses bumpers, ponders parking lots, and hits the road to meet drivers with something to say. Along the way, we encounter hundreds of bumper stickers and dozens of Americans, painting a portrait of our diverse citizenry, our varied convictions, and our passionate belief in exercising freedom of expression.
    Bumper stickers are the status updates of the interstate, popular on American cars since Forest P. Gill invented them after World War II. We use them to shape other drivers’ perceptions of us, to proclaim our beliefs, and to express our senses of humor. Fender Philosophers dives into the impulses that compel some American drivers to let it all hang out … on their fenders.

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