Worst sticker on a vehicle ever *sexist*

[Caoimhe]

I went grocery shopping today and in the parking lot was one of those tricked out 4x4 trucks with a gleaming paint job and big new tires and wheels. In the back window was a big black and white sticker that said MY OTHER TOY HAS TITS

I was shocked. I had never seen anything like that. When I got home I mentioned it to my husband, who is a teacher at a local middle school. He said OH YEAH, I know that truck, whoever drives it works at my school. That truck with that sticker, sits in the parking lot of the Middle School every day, all day. He said that the kids think it's hilarious and repeat it in the hallways constantly.

Now, I don't believe in stifling free speech, but what the hell is this ignorant person thinking? What happened to having couthe? I told my husband I thought the School Principal should talk to whoever it is, and ask them if they could remove the sticker while at school. Is that wrong? I don't know how I would handle it but I just find it awful. Am I too sensitive? What if a teachers car had a bumper sticker with a large penis and balls? Would anyone care?

Am I just being a nag?

[Clark2008]

1. Maybe his wife/girlfriend has a sticker that says,

"My other toy has a cock."

I tease my hubby and call him my toy since I live in Tennessee where they are considering banning dildos, though, so maybe my sense of humor about this is more laughing in the face of stupidity than anything else.

But, no, you're not being a nag. :hi:

[johnaries]

51. His wife's sticker should read "my other toy is a dick".

Take it as you will......

[wakeme2008]

65. OR "My boy toy's dick is bigger than my husband's"

"rofl:

[BoneDaddy]

150. Yeah

that's real funny, not.

[beyurslf]

73. Bannings dildos? I want watch that debate from the statehouse

[Caoimhe]

84. I think his wife/girlfriend has the sticker

"I haven't had sex in years" at least in her diary

[Laelth]

2. Is it a public school?

If so, the 1st amendment is implicated, because a public school is "the government" and the 1st amendment limits what "the government" can do.

If it's a private school, no problem. Private entities can restrict speech however they like, especially on their own property.

-Laelth

[Caoimhe]

8. Yes, public school, with kids grade 4 through 8.

It's just tacky as hell, don't you agree? I don't know if it's a teacher, classified staff, an aide or what. I guess all the women and girls that see it should just accept the fact that whoever drives that monster, considers them objects, and the boys who see it, well how nice for them to reinforce the stereotypes of women being nothing but toys with tits. ugh.

[Laelth]

60. Sure, it's tacky.

But the 1st amendment protects freedom of speech (and that means all speech, including tacky speech). Now, having said that, the SCOTUS treats different kinds of speech differently. Political speech gets the most protection (strict scrutiny). If that bumper sticker is political speech, the court would be inclined to protect it (though the fact that children regularly see it might sway the court toward restricting the speech). Personally, though, I don't think that bumper sticker is likely to be classified as political speech. The SCOTUS gives a kind of medium protection to "artistic expression," and that's how I think this bumper sticker probably would be classified. As such, it's a tough call. Hard to say whether the Court would find that the government (the school) had violated the truck owner's 1st amendment rights by banning the bumper sticker (if, in the end, that's what the school decided to do).

But let's face reality. How likely is it that the owner of this truck is going to take the case to court? If the school makes a ruling and limits his freedom of speech, that's likely to be the end of the story.

That's my legal analysis, for what it's worth. :)

-Laelth

[Caoimhe]

70. oops

grade 6 through 8. Still inappropriate IMHO.

[proud2BlibKansan]

19. I disagree

I am a teacher and that bumper sticker is obscene and offensive. The school district has every right to ask that it NOT be displayed on their property.

Look at it this way - if this employee wore a t-shirt that had the word 'tits' on it, he would be sent home pronto to change clothes.

[Bigmack]

89. All public schools ARE private schools!

Public schools own the land and buildings, have Boards of Directors, and have control of what happens on their property. For example: all visitors must register at the front office.

Our district used their control to keep gang members out... some parents, too. It is the duty of the schools to protect the kids and insure the atmosphere for learning.

Any employee can get canned for having booze on campus, for example... or porn.

Caoimhe should bitch to district administration.

[Caoimhe]

94. what do I do when

my hubby is begging me to stop caring about this issue?

[Bigmack]

98. Tell him he's wrong....

... and call a school board member.

Anybody who works with kids needs a reaming if he doesn't understand that this is harmful to kids.

[Laelth]

96. Um ... no. Public schools are not private schools.

The rules are different. A public school is "the government" for the purposes of freedom of speech. The 1st amendment only applies to "the government." It says that "the government" shall pass no law abridging freedom of religion, the press, speech, etc. Thus, a private school can restrict speech all it wants. The 1st amendment doesn't apply to a private school. Public schools, though, must consider the 1st amendment when they act because they are "the government" and, therefore, the 1st amendment limits what they can do. The bumper sticker that we're discussing here is "speech," and that makes this a 1st amendment question.

The rules and regulations you mention above, while they're all legitimate, have nothing to do with the 1st amendment.

-Laelth

[Bigmack]

120. Um.. Yes...

Schools can regulate behavior of students and teachers and any other employee, just like private companies.

Kids don't have constitutionally guaranteed freedom of speech... or dress... or action in public schools. Kids can express opinions, and there is a great deal of freedom of expression, but they can't wear gang colors or thong bikinis or do anything to disrupt the learning process, even if there's no law against those items of clothing.

Employees of the schools can't smoke or drink alcohol on campus, just the same as some private company employees can't, even if they are of legal age. Employees can't bring guns onto campus, no matter what carry permit they hold.

I can't believe the tone of what I'm writing! I was on the grievance board of an Education Association (like a teacher union without balls) for almost 20 years. I learned through bitter experience that the schools can and do limit speech for the students and the employees.

If a teacher - if indeed it's a teacher that has the bumpersticker - came to me and said the admin ordered the bumpersticker removed, I'd tell him to do it.... the Association would NOT back him because we would lose in court. The courts - and the society - want schools where kids learn commonly accepted values. That's what the big fight is about... WHICH are the commonly accepted values. Some things are clearly not acceptable. I'd tell that teacher that we'd fight like hell for him if he said that Bush is stupid (or brilliant) and that somebody had complained.

Acceptable bumperstickers: Kerry for Prez, Bush (shudder) for Prez
Unacceptable bumperstickers: Hitler was right: Kill the Jews, Gooks Ain't Shit! (I actually saw that one once.. not on a school campus)
Borderline bumperstickers: Well, that's what makes the Lawyers rich and the school districts poor from fighting.

If it wasn't a teacher with the bumpersticker, his union would say the same thing to him.

[WinkyDink]

194. Not true. A public school can ban smoking, e.g., which the Federal govt

does not. It can require a dress code, which the Feds can't. It can search lockers without a warrant. It can ban guns.

[Laelth]

195. Sigh.

Smoking is speech? Guns are speech? The contents of a locker are speech?

I admit, clothes probably are expression (i.e. speech) of a kind.

My point isn't that the government can't restrict speech under any circumstances. My point was that a private school can restrict speech (under any circumstances) because it is not bound by the 1st Amendment. Public schools have to be more careful because they are "the government" and the 1st amendment applies to them.

[Ilsa]

3. Seems to me that if the school has expectations of students not to

wear uncouth t-shirts, then teachers or workers shouldn't be allowed to bring the slogan onto school property either. Perhaps that should be the question to the principal: "Would you allow a student to wear a t-shirt with that line on it?"

I would hope that employees and teachers would set a better example.

[Caoimhe]

10. EXACTLY! thanks

The parking lot is very centrally located, kids going to recess file past this truck, every day.

[DawgHouse]

4. It is not appropriate for a school employee, IMO.

It sends a message that sexism is funny and is not an appropriate message for students.

[LizW]

20. No kid would get away with wearing a shirt with that word on it

so why do they let a school employee have it on his truck? Especially if the kids are repeating it.

I would be complaining if I was a parent of a child there. I hope the employee doesn't have any contact with the children.

[central scrutinizer]

21. agreed - inappropriate

Sexual harrassment is rampant in high schools and sentiments like this, proudly displayed by a school employee, makes it more difficult to take a stand. Some adults are just ignorant and self-centered. I remember one softball game when my daughter was in fourth grade. One of the parents of the other team was wearing a T-shirt saying "Tickle this Elmo" with a large arrow pointing towards his crotch. I'm sure he thought it was funny while I was disgusted.

[MuseRider]

5. Well they do make these,

I think it is a horrible bumpersticker. If I was a mother of a child in that school I would be raising some hell.

Whatever the asshole thinks who has this sticker this is not an attitude that should be shared in any school.

[Cleita]

6. Guys like that probably only have a rubber doll at home.n/t

[Caoimhe]

11. I am SOO curious to find out who the pig is

not sure what I will do with the information, but... nice to know the face of such a despicable pig for future reference.

[Marie26]

14. Maybe you could stake out the car?

Remember your camera! :)

[sandnsea]

29. Ooo, go buy a blow-up doll

And put it in the back of his truck and humiliate him so bad that he takes the sticker off himself. I'm sure somebody around here can think of some funny sign to hang around the doll's neck.

[Caoimhe]

31. bwahahah ! n/t

[sandnsea]

59. "My other toy is a..

Bendy-G Vibe"

That's what the sign could say.

Too much???

[freeplessinseattle]

55. what a fabulous idea!

heh heh, I love it!

[Ilsa]

115. "I'm the one with the tits. He's just a boob." nt

[incapsulated]

7. No, you are right.

The principle should be told about this. This is a middle school, not high school or college. It's totally inappropriate for an employee of the school to have that shit on his car in full view (obviously) of the kids.

:mad:

[ET Awful]

9. Maybe he was referring to the blow up doll that is his only companion

since he's such a misogynistic sod?

[Marie26]

12. I'll bet $1000 that

he does not have a wife/girlfriend at all.

[pnwmom]

13. There is no law that says that the owner of the truck can't be "outed."

Let him deal with all the angry parents! Also, the issue could be used in classrooms as a basis for discussion. Freedom of speech vs. what this kind of speech does to women.

[Caoimhe]

16. BINGO.. I was thinking along those lines

while it may be their right to have such crap on their vehicle.. it isn't their right NOT to catch some grief from parents/school staff for having such poor taste.

[Solo_in_MD]

40. That is probably the best idea I've seen on this thread

Just make sure you have tenure

[Dora]

159. Absolutely. And peer pressure too.

Peer pressure works.

If there are teachers there who are bothered by that sticker, they need to talk to the truck owner, both individually and as a group. If there are functions that require the teachers to gather as a group, I think they should ostracize him - make him sit alone, refuse to pair with him for group work/comittee assignments, withold simple greetings such as "hello," and "See you tomorrow." Any greetings should be kept to discussion of the offending sticker, such as "Did you take it down yet?"

It works. It works. It works.

This could also be a teaching moment for all the students. It's an apt demonstration of how men continue to oppress women, through persistent thoughtlessness and callousness camoflaged by the threadbare mantle of humor.

[proud2BlibKansan]

15. That is disgusting!

You are right, the principal needs to say something to this employee. Maybe someone should call the school. hint hint

[Ksec]

17. I think its funny

Learn to laugh and life will come easier. Dont be so sensitive. Just my opinion.

[Caoimhe]

18. Funny? No.. silly? yes.. that's what I thought until

my husband told me this idiot works at the school and the kids (esp the boys) think it's hilarious to repeat the phrase every day in the halls. That is when it really became un-funny to me.

[Name removed]

35. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[incapsulated]

24. What's funny about it?

What do you find funny, I'm really curious.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

25. I'm Somewhat Inclined To Agree.

Though if looked at in stricly logical argumentative terms it is sexist, inappropriate and would make him a male pig, when looking at it at face value it probably is just a simple bumpersticker meant to be harmless and humorous, without the intent from the guy that he thinks women are just objects to be played with etc...

I've seen stickers similar to that a million times. Never really gave them a second thought.

[incapsulated]

27. So, would you find it appropriate

For a teacher of fourth graders to wear that on his t-shirt?

[Caoimhe]

36. I agree with the T-shirt analogy and no nobody would like that

We are talking about a school district with one the highest teen pregnancy rates in Oregon. My hubby teaches 7th grade and has had several 7th grade girls come through that were pregnant. The number goes up exponentially in 8th grade as more of them hit puberty and become sexually active, often the two things come rapid fire for these kids. Pretty sad.

[incapsulated]

48. What is the sex education like there?

Why is the pregnancy rate so high? :(

[Caoimhe]

52. Lots of issues involved

school is 1/3 hispanic, 1/3 caucasian, 1/3 native american

[motocicleta]

49. Oregon? Where?

All of a sudden this seems deadly serious.

[pnwmom]

32. The guy's intent doesn't matter. It's the effect on young girls (and boys)

that matters.

[EvolveOrConvolve]

80. I agree with that assessment O.M.C.

I would find it equally funny if a woman had a bumper sticker that said "My other toy has a 12 inch cock." It's simply a play on another bumper sticker ("My other car is a Porsche, BMW, etc."). I think killing this man's speech rights is a dangerous direction, even if his car is parked at a school. There are a lot of people who would find a "Kerry/Edwards" sticker offensive.

Not everything is a political statement, and not everything should be politicized.

[Caoimhe]

82. I cannot imagine someone with a sticker like you suggest

on their vehicle parked in a middle school parking lot. That doesn't happen.

*on edit* this isn't hypothetical in this case

[EvolveOrConvolve]

118. I wouldn't put it on my vehicle, ever

Especially if I worked at a school. But I wouldn't put any bumper sticker on my vehicle. I think they're tacky, no matter the message. It wouldn't bother me if the school made him take it off. Just don't complain when a school asks a teacher to remove an ACLU sticker or an American Atheists sticker, or any other sticker that the right can justify as "aiding the terrorists." It's a precedent I don't want being set, free speech is free speech.

I just don't get why we have to be so overly sensitive (maybe it is a reaction to the lack of sensitivity from conservatives?) about issues like this. Maybe the guy is a total pig, maybe he's not. I'd guess that, yes, he probably is, but I don't make judgement calls about someone before I know them. (pre-judging = prejudice). Maybe his wife/girlfriend bought the bumper sticker for him. How do I know what the story is if all I have is your word to go on?

Free speech is free speech is free speech.

[omega minimo]

121. Good example of Male Privilege allowing "male pigs" a pass w/o "intent"

"Though if looked at in stricly logical argumentative terms it is sexist, inappropriate and would make him a male pig"

"Argumentative" or honest?

"when looking at it at face value it probably is just a simple bumpersticker meant to be harmless and humorous"

"Meant" as in "intent" to be harmless-- or just "not giving it a second thought".......... or a first.................

"without the intent from the guy that he thinks women are just objects to be played with etc..."

"Intent." A court of law has to prove "premeditated sexism" or else it isn't what it is? Someone can put an offensive sexist "joke" on their vehicle and then pretend to not know what it is? :puke:

"I've seen stickers similar to that a million times. Never really gave them a second thought."

Well, there's that Male Privilege again: Not Having To Give It Any Thought.

:crazy:

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

152. Enough With The Sexist Comments. Thanks.

[omega minimo]

155. YOU said it!!!!

:crazy:

[bloom]

161. "Learn to laugh and life will come easier. Dont be so sensitive...."

:rofl: LOL :rofl: LOL :rofl: LOL :rofl: LOL :rofl: LOL :rofl: LOL :rofl: LOL

[omega minimo]

172. "I am hear to challenge lyes and enjustice every time by"

"mindfucking both sides equally"

:rofl: :puke: :rofl: :puke: :rofl: :puke: :rofl: :puke: :rofl: :puke: :rofl: :puke:

[proud2BlibKansan]

26. Adult humor

not for kids.

[Divernan]

72. You wouldn't happen to be a white male from Ohio, would you?

Adolescent girls are often very self-conscious about their developing breasts, just like adolescent boys are worried that their penises are too small. Then we get into the whole anorectic scene where girls are starving themselves to be thin, and then want to get breast implants because the media, and men like you, determine a woman's value by her boobs. So you think all the psychologists have it wrong, and we just need to tell all the kids who are so worried about their appearances, "Don't be so sensitive." This bumper sticker promotes objectifying women and demeaning them. And the school allowing this car/truck to be parked on school grounds endorses the message.

Is the principal of this school male or female? I'm really surprised that the administration tolerates this.

[Caoimhe]

77. The principal is a he

and I know him and I work with many parents that would be pretty unhappy to know about this. I am still trying to figure out what to do, in all truthfulness. I can talk to folks I work with, I can call the principal directly (hate to get my hubby in trouble, this would be my first time saying anything past hello to his boss). I could put a sticker on his sticker (for a non school employee or non parent to be on school grounds during the school day is suspect, and I am paranoid. Hubby doesn't want to get involved. Why does teaching have to be so political? If this was my work, I'd go to the boss and say hey this guy has a big sticker that says this and it makes me feel horrible to come to work. Isn't this supposed to be a positive work environment? Are us women just objects? What do I tell my female students who wonder why Mr. X has this degrading sticker on his really cool tricked out truck. Mr. X might just be a hot young teacher, what do I tell the girls? What do I tell the boys? When they laugh about this sticker, my other toy has tits? Hehe so funny I'd hate to work with people that I KNOW think that way...

Why can't adults just be adults (especially if your career involves working with children, encouraging their self esteem) and try to set positive examples for kids?

heavy sigh

[Viva_La_Revolution]

103. anonymous letter

if all else fails.

[Greylyn58]

119. There is nothing funny

about a woman being turned into an object. It sends a bad message to young boys making them see girls and women as nothing more than a body part especially in our current state of affairs in this country.

[progressivebydesign]

124. I have a great sense of humor. It's just not funny...

nothing funny about the continual drive to turn women back into barefoot, pregnant, sex objects.

[Rainscents]

22. I agree, you should talk with principal about it.

School parking lot? No, this is wrong.

[Caoimhe]

28. I can't believe I would be the first one to call about it

I was surprised my hubby knew of this and hadn't said anything. Disappointed in him, but it's his job not mine. I just think it's low class and though I won't be surprised if this is a teacher, I rather doubt it in the back of my mind. I would hope it was perhaps a janitor rather than a teacher, though it doesn't make it right. Teachers should have more class, as examples for the kids.

[Dem2theMax]

130. I am totally against the sticker and think that you should contact

the school board and have them deal with it. Keep your last name and the name of your hubby out of it.

I do have to say the the comment about the janitor was uncalled for. Just because someone may have a lower paying job or less education than your husband, doesn't mean that a janitor has less 'class.' My father never went further than the eighth grade as he had to support himself to make enough money to eat and pay rent. (His mother was dead and his father abandoned him.) He worked his way up and eventually owned his own business. All on an eighth grade education. I suppose he would be considered 'lower class' in your book. Yet I've never heard my Dad utter a single four letter word in his life, ever say a bad word against anyone of another race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, you name it, and he is 86 years old. Class (I HATE that word and all that it implies) has nothing to do with money or education. It is about a persons heart and soul.

[Caoimhe]

177. I didn't mean to dis janitors

but I know for a fact that teachers get a whole lot of schooling that is meant to teach them how to be and how not to be, around children. When I say I hope it isn't a teacher, I guess I mean I hope it isn't someone who went through all those years of schooling and is still a sexist pig. Perhaps they need to seek other employment. Your father sounds like a good guy and certainly not lower class. I always got along with the custodians in my school better than most other staff, as they were real people and didn't put on airs.

I guess I just expect more out of people who proclaim to be qualified enough to work with kids. But then, I guess it shouldn't surprise me either, when a teacher or coach molests a kid. You hardly ever hear of classified staff doing that, it's always the teachers or coaches. My father in law operated a school bus for years and was always the kindest, least judgemental, most helpful person out there.

I apologize if I came off as being elitist or something, I didn't intend that.

[Solo_in_MD]

23. You mean you haven't seen the balls hanging from a hitch under a truck?

Real common here in MD. Edit: See Post #5

Seriously, this is a slippery slope. Recently there was an article about a Federal civil servant being harassed about his political stickers. Who is to determine what is acceptable or not? One of my favorite motorcycle sites has some great/awful stickers, one of which I have over my desk "Misanthrope".

As a former teacher I would speak to the principal and then let it go. I doubt you would be the first.

[pnwmom]

39. It's not a slippery slope. The parents at that school have just as much

right to free speech as he does. They can tell him off as much as they want.

[Solo_in_MD]

61. My slippery slope comment was based on what standards are

used to judge appropriateness. A fundie principal could declare anti Bush stickers unacceptable as well. Thus the slippery slope.

Of all the comments I have heard, I like the one about outing the owner the best. I can not believe that the principal has not already heard about this and done whatever action they thought was allowable.

At the risk of adding to the fray, I have seen a similar sticker on a car (tits...) that also had one that said something to the effect of "Damn straight I am a lesbian" and "Dykes on Bikes". At the time I was flabbergasted, but eventually found myself laughing. However, it was not parked at a middle school.

[BlooInBloo]

30. Of course it's craptacular.....

... that's where America is today... republican values voters - and the truck almost certainly belongs to a republican voter - typically have precious few good values. Maybe that's why they spend so much time voting for them....

OTOH, maybe the sticker was referring to a blow-up doll... In which case there's really nothing to criticize...

Except, I suppose the sexual harrassment of creating an unfriendly environment for the approximately 50% of the student body... But they're just chicks... we already know from South Dakota that nobody cares what they think...

[niyad]

33. this is the note I used to leave on what I called "phallic extensions",

and a male friend called "weinie stretchers" (those oversized, or jacked-up pick-ups. etc):

YES, your dick really is as small as you fear it is. now quit playing with it, it isn't going to get any bigger"

[Nostradammit]

34. Go to a sign shop,

have them cut out "and it's inflatable!" in white vinyl
then put it on the window.

Probably drive around for a week before he noticed.

[Caoimhe]

41. LOL! that's brilliant!

[Nostradammit]

58. Hell, I'm in Oregon -

and I'm a graphic artist - I'll cut one for you myself!

:toast:

[motocicleta]

53. Genius!

Although, that does make me think:
I know a father of 2 boys in Oregon, who, in the midst of a bumper sticker war with his sister-in-law, picked up his boys from elementary school for at least a week without realizing that she had put an "I like cold martinis, and small bikinis" sticker on his truck.
Maybe somebody should kindly approach the driver and make sure of his intentions with the sticker before we all go off half-cocked (pun intended).

[pnwmom]

69. LOL n/t

[Tab]

37. Check with your town/city

Although it's usually more associated with zoning, there may be a law regarding obscene expressions within X distance from a school, just like there are rules about smoking, drugs, speeding, etc.

[kcwayne]

38. Where do you stand on the case of a high school kid that was expelled

for unfurling a sign that said "Bong hits 4 Jesus"?

Free speech means free speech. That includes speech that you find offensive.

[Caoimhe]

45. This is a grade school with 4th through 8th graders

They do have a dress code, especially at this age.

[Solo_in_MD]

46. He won in court

- It was not a school function.
- The school had no standing to take any action (public school).
- The principal should be sanctioned for her actions.

[lillyundomiel]

54. I don't mind

"bong hits 4 jesus", but my-other-toy-has-tits is really sexist. Why not put a picture of a nursing pig that has 10 or so tits under his bumper sticker?

[Caoimhe]

56. LOL

and welcome to DU!!! :hi:

[Caoimhe]

57. Maybe just add a sticker of a pig and write "10" right before tits

[lillyundomiel]

62. Yes, i'm definately into

guerrilla theater.
(thanks for the welcome too)

[Iris]

187. hardly seems fair to the pig!

[Divernan]

74. No, it doesn't include language which is racist or sexist.

NT

[Caoimhe]

79. I guess us wimmin are just barnyard critters then

that's the way the message behind the sticker comes across, anyway.

MY OTHER TOY HAS 10 TITS


Let's hear it for the TITS!

[Iris]

88. Hey - those things on women's chests?

They're called breasts. "Tits" is sexist.

[Iris]

86. Free speech is one thing;

sexual harrassment is another.

The school is required to maintain an environment that is not hostile towards students based on their gender. If the children are repeating this in the halls - voila - hostile environment. It would take one 4-8 grade girl to bring the whole school down and the employee along with it.

[kcwayne]

101. Well, it looks like the "progressives" posting here are not much

different than wingnuts that want people like Cindy Sheehan put in prison for exercising their free speech rights. Those wingnuts find anti-Bush statements just as offensive (they like to call it treasonous) as "progressives" find sexist, racists, or other "non-progressive" statements offensive.

It does not matter one wit that a statement is sexist in regards to free speech. The courts have consistently upheld the right of the KKK to march and make their repugnant speech public. While that speech is undoubtedly offensive, it is a right bestowed by the Bill of Rights. Threatening or violent speech is not a right. But there is a long path between offensive and threatening. It seems that the posters here don't understand that, or believe that one should be only be free to make speech that agrees with their personal sensibilities.

[Caoimhe]

102. This is not Congress and this is not an audience to it

this is a small town in rural america, with an especially susceptible audience.

[motocicleta]

147. Is there no difference between free speech in front of adults and

kids? I doubt the KKK would be allowed to march on school property.

[Iris]

181. This isn't a free speech issue. It's a sexual harrassment issue.

Hostile environment (boys walking thru the school hallways calling breasts "tits" and referring to women as "toys") = sexual harrassment.

[pnwmom]

190. What about the right to free speech that belongs to the people who

oppose the bumper sticker? The bumper-sticker guy's right to free speech doesn't prevent them from exercise their own vocal cords -- repeatedly, and in his direction.

[Freedom_Aflaim]

42. LOL!

That is pretty funny. Yea its sexist and inappropriate as hell. Thats proably why its funny.

[ismnotwasm]

43. Most interesting sexist biker tee shirt

(In Very large letters)
If You Can Read This The Bitch Fell Off

The opposing tee shirt?

If You Can Read This The Bitch Has Her Own

Of course either at a middle school would be inappropriate.
The guy sounds like an idiot, but I don't know about having him remove the sticker. (I'd have a talk with my kids though.)
Then I couldn't have one made with a picture of breasts that says "These ain't your toys asshole" (which is probably worse, and probably what I would do, but all my kids are grown, so I don't know. Maybe I'd leave out the "asshole" part. You can have a picture of breasts around a middle school no doubt, but God forbid mild profanity-- I'd be willing to bet that would get them offended enough to have *MY* sticker removed.)

[Solo_in_MD]

47. There are much better biker shirts than those

Trust me on that one

[ismnotwasm]

66. Oh I know

But that one has the best response

[motocicleta]

44. I vote for a parents stakeout, or something like that

It's tough to draw the line, here. You don't want to lend credence to the nanny-state whiners by going through official channels and getting the poor braindead fired, which very well could happen. But you can't ignore it, either.
As a father, and especially a father of a little girl, if it were me I'd be tempted to get a group of parents together, definitely loaded with dads, to talk to the guy and ask him kindly to think of the kids and ditch the sticker.
Then if he doesn't respond to reason and a calm, polite request, I'd let him know he was leaving me no choice but to ratchet up the pressure by talking to his boss. He'll cave. He's probably completely ignorant of the implications of such a despicable sentiment.

Of course, all the while I'd be fighting back my more base urges.

[pnwmom]

50. Spoken like a good dad. n/t

[Raine]

63. It's degrading

and immature. I really don't know why anyone would even want a sticker like that. :-(

[baldguy]

64. What immediately comes to mind -

[Caoimhe]

67. or how about

[baldguy]

68. You win. She's prettier than mine.

[Caoimhe]

71. she has a pulse....

something I doubt the driver of that vehicle has ever been able to find in a gal! :rofl:

[Infomaniac]

75. Part II of the Bumper Sticker: And Inflates with a bike pump. Or...

In fact, 8 tits, and she just had my puppies.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

76. Not so hidden message of sticker, "I'm 13 years old!"

He probably enjoys jokes about "buggers", "ca-ca", and "pee-pee", and lives at home with his mommy.

[Caoimhe]

81. God I hope not, this is an adult. at least on paper...

This is a middle school. NOT ONE student drives a vehicle to campus. This person works with kids daily, either coaching, teaching, cooking for, answering phone calls for, nursing (I really doubt that one) and helping SUPPOSEDLY develop these young minds and bodies into responsible adults.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

91. Which was exactly my point.

13 year old boys revel in "naughty" and "gross". Obviously, the owner of said vehicle has yet to pass the "I farted in the elevator!" stage of development.

[pnwmom]

78. Or you could plaster on another sticker: "My other skull has a brain." n/t

[Caoimhe]

83. lol! DUer humor is the tincture for all things....!

[Iris]

85. This is not a free speech issue. It's a sexual harrassment issue.

If the kids are repeating this in the hallways, a hostile environment is being created.

[Craig3410]

87. Worst one I've ever seen is one calling Jane Fonda a "bitch".

Saw it on the university campus.

:puke:

[Solo_in_MD]

93. So you havent seen the urinal targets with her picture on them?

Seriously, calling someone a bitch on a bumpersticker is minor compared to what I see out there these days. And yes, those targets do exist, though I have not seen one in years.

[The Gunslinger]

90. Is it wrong to think thats kinda funny......lol

It shouldnt be seen all day long at a middle school though.

[salin]

92. Poor guy

when a whole slew of teenage girls decide to act on their free speech rights to respond. The message, intended or not, is that girls are toys - so why bother with education (toys don't need it) - rather a hostile expression for someone who works at an institution to educate youth, 50% or more who are girls - were girls at the school to find a way to react per free speech (eg, encircle the car with poster board signs expressing counter views (eg "we are here, we are getting educated, and urge you to take your "toys" and go home... alone.") But if kids at the school are taking to quote the bumper sticker - I am guessing that it isn't a place where girls feel empowered to counter free speech that they find offensive, with their own free speech. :-(

[Caoimhe]

95. BINGO

I think all wimmin there, teachers and students.. are second class citizens in the end.

[Marie26]

158. That'd be nice

But middle school girls aren't really concerned with self-empowerment and feminism. They're mostly concerned with desperately trying to fit in, be cool, and be liked by the boys. That's why they're so vulnerable to messages like this. If all the boys in school are repeating it, it would be very, very, difficult for a girl to actually stand up against that w/o being labeled a nerd. (A middle-schooler's worst nightmare!) Girls are still trying to figure out who they are, or who they want to be. Hearing a slogan like this sends exactly the wrong message.

[PassingFair]

97. My daughter has a handmade purse strewn with anti-war buttons...

Last week, I gave her a button that had the names of several puglicans:
Dick Engler; Dick Cheney; Dick Posthumous and Dick DeVos, who is currently
running for Gov on the 'puke ticket here.

In the middle of the button is says: "Just another Republican Dick"

Her freeper social studies teacher saw it and asked her if she thought
it was "appropriate" for school. She got embarrassed and removed it.
Then he made a big deal about how she should have stood up for her
self and said she should have said that it was just a humorous political
button, yada, yada, yada. She said she didn't want to argue with an authority
figure, and he let it drop.

Why doesn't somebody just ASK the guy to remove the sticker?

[Texacrat]

126. How's he a freeper if he was asking your daughter to stand up for herself?

That's good mentorship in my book.

[NewJeffCT]

99. I saw a middle school aged boy with a shirt that said...

"Tell your boobs to stop staring at my eyes"

Or, something like that... and he was in an airport, with his family.

And, I don't mean a 14 or 15 year old that stayed back a year middle school aged. This kid was like 12.

[Caoimhe]

100. wow

I have no words to respond to that.

[progressivebydesign]

127. His parents are raising a mysogenist pig, apparently.

My kid would be grounded for life for even having that shirt. What a piece of work that family must be...

[bullwinkle428]

165. My Mom would have knocked me into next week if I came home

wearing a shirt that had that written across it!

[NewJeffCT]

189. He was with what I figured were his parents

Or adults that seemed to be at least family.

I mean, I could see an adult male wearing that when he's hanging out with a few of his male friends. If I saw that, I'd think it was obnoxious, but it's free speech. However, when it's a boy that is 12 years old or so, then it's really inappropriate.

[Redstone]

104. Print a bumper sticker with the following, and put it on his truck

while he's inside working:

MY OTHER TOY IS A BOY

He likes attention? That'll get him some attention.

Redstone

[BlackVelvet04]

106. And it could also get you in legal trouble.....

putting a sticker on someone else's car is in some places considered defacing private property.

[Redstone]

108. You don't know me, do you? If you did, you'd know that

I'm joking with that post; I've had some vicious battles with people here who think it's OK to express their political views by putting stickers on other people's property, such as vehicles and the pumps at gas stations...

Believe me, "keep your hands off other people's property" is a rule that I espouse.

Pleased to meet you.

Redstone

[BlackVelvet04]

116. : - ) No, I guess I don't know you....

just a word of caution.

Please to meet you, too.

[Solo_in_MD]

113. This is worse

www. goingfaster.com/stuffcentral/betshi45.jpg

Note: Adult content. Don't say your were not warned. Hope the mods don't beat me for this one...


Edit: It posted and an image, not a link. Changed it so it would not show up

[Caoimhe]

114. SWEEEEEET lol n/t

[anitar1]

122. Great idea, Redstone. Thanks for the laugh.n/t

[BlackVelvet04]

105. Either you believe in free speech or you don't......

and EVERYONE is pretty tired of the "it's bad for little Johnny" argument. If you want to approach the driver of the vehicle with a couple of parents and ASK him to remove it and explain why that's one thing. If you want the school to censor him/her that's another thing entirely.

Is the bumper sticker offensive? Oh hell yes, but so are the bush/cheney stickers. The kids have read and seen worse I assure you.

Really, there is a war going on, people are being tortued, people are homeless because of hurricanes, people are without health insurance, etc. etc. Tits on a bumper sticker is the least of our worries.

You can't protect the kids from everything and you can use it as an opportunity to talk to your children about why it is inappropriate.

The real question is do you believe in free speech or not?

[Caoimhe]

112. OK how would you feel if this were on a truck driven by a teacher

"My other Dick is hard and thick"

That doesn't bother you for small children to see an adult trying to teach them how to be adults.. has on their "prize" their truck, tricked out?

[BlackVelvet04]

117. Excuse me....

I already said it was offensive. Lots of stuff is offensive but freedom is more precious than my right to not be offended.

[progressivebydesign]

134. Unfortunately too many people are selfish..

they really don't care about children, or kindness. I really think the issue for this is sexual harrassment. It's on school property, and I KNOW that the school probably has a very strong anti-sexual-harrassment policy in place. That is the tact you'd want to take for this... the school could be sued by any employee there, or any student, for creating a hostile environment.

[BoneDaddy]

185. I would feel sad

that this man (I assume you are inferring)is so insecure that he has to place something like that on his vehicle then I would explain to my children, in an age appropriate way, what this meant and I why I don't personally sanction it because of it's crudeness, I live in America and people's speech is protected here even if I disagree with it.

Wow, was that too difficult?

[progressivebydesign]

128. NO people are NOT tired of "it's bad for little Johnny"!!!!

I'm sooooo fucking tired of people trampling all over the scientific PROOF that there are development stages in kids brains until they are past 18. It's not okay.. it's not okay to allow your kids to see anything they want, to use violence as entertainment, to view overtly sexually demeaning things at a young age. Parents and others seem to have gone stupid when it comes to child development. NO ONE is looking out for kids anymore... I'm just so sick of the 'let it all hang out' style of parenting (aka lazy parenting), that is so popular because parents don't want to bother learning about their kids or teens REAL needs on a physiological and psychological basis. Kids have to learn empathy, respect, conscience, dignity, and charity. THose things are actual areas of their brain that are NOT formed entirely when the kid goes off to kindergarten. Those things are developed all through their childhood and adolescence, and that process is corrupted when kids are fed a diet of junk entertainment, non-age appropriate experiences, and neglect.

A school is no place for kids to be exposed to a woman-hating bumper sticker like that. It should be a safe environment, free of sexual harrassment.

[RagingInMiami]

137. At least let the kids get home and turn on MTV before they are exposed

to sexist material.

[motocicleta]

148. I totally agree

There is a huge difference between adults and kids, and we seem to be losing the distinction in our TV culture. There has to be a rational way to keep kids in a safer mental environment. What about the kid with the "your boobs are staring at my eyes" shirt?
Actually, this situation is much worse than that. There's all kinds of free speech children aren't allowed. If we aren't going to give kids free speech rights on campuses, and we don't, how can adults be exempted in the same forum?

[bloom]

175. A lot of us would like to think

that it is the "evil" Freepers who would support such a sexist bumpersticker - but look at all the support it has here.


And then you wonder (or not) how it is that when boys (supposedly from "good" families) growing up today would be so proud of themselves for raping an unconscious young woman that they would video it. It suppose they call that "free speech" as well. I call it barbarism.

Things like that bumpersticker are just signs of how openly misogynistic our culture is getting.


And it's not sexist to say so. People who don't like other people calling bullshit on this sexist stuff don't have a clue about free speech.


It's not unreasonable to expect respect. And to demand it in a school setting.



And another thing to the "Free speech" crowd - notice on the home page - "Sandra Day O'Connor, a Republican-appointed judge who retired last month after 24 years on the supreme court, has said the US is in danger of edging towards dictatorship if the party's rightwingers continue to attack the judiciary."

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x2163122

"Ms O'Connor took aim at Republican leaders whose repeated denunciations of the courts for alleged liberal bias..."

"Free speech" that can lead to a dictatorship if it isn't countered.

"Free speech" might be "free" - that doesn't mean that "speech" doesn't cause harm - or that people should just "laugh" about it. :crazy:

[BoneDaddy]

186. What?

I don't think that is what people are saying. Defending it's legality is different from saying that it isn't fair. As much as I despise the KKK, I support their right to free speech.

If you personally have an issue with it, then do something about it, instead of expecting the government, state or school district to change it just because you find it offensive. Make it an issue, shame the fool who is riding around with it on his car.

Although I agree with protecting children from graphic sex and violence, I also don't think we can, or should for that matter, protect them fromt he uglier side of human nature. Instead banning this, censoring that, make this a learning experience. Teach them how to be empathetic, respectful, dignified, through your example on how you handle this situation.

[MODemocrat]

107. Oh, he was probably referring to his cow

A lot of those "good ole boys" use farm animals to get their kicks.

[KyuzoGator]

109. I've seen worse stickers:

A DEAD MUSLIM IS A GOOD MUSLIM
MY SUV LOVES IRAQI OIL
LIBERALS KILL BABIES
JOIN THE ARMY, RISK YOUR LIFE, SERVE YOUR COUNTRY, COME HOME TO HAVE LIBERALS SPIT ON YOU

List goes on and on.

[progressivebydesign]

132. Never seen those stickers. Where the hell do you LIVE?

Sounds like all the freeper talking points...

[Vektor]

141. Um, that last one wouldn't even fit on a sticker.

And none of those sayings are remotely clever or worthy of being printed on a sticker.

I don't really buy this.

[KyuzoGator]

184. I agree that they aren't clever or worthy...

...but I've seem them all here in Florida. The last one had really small print that was barely legible.

[IowaGuy]

110. Maybe his other toy is a dairy goat???

Oh god, it just hurts the brain to even think about the possibilities....

[nolabels]

111. For all we know at present it could even be his pet goat

Sudanese Man Caught Having Sex With A Goat Forced To Take Goat As His "Wife"...

BBC News | Posted February 24, 2006 02:07 PM
(snip)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/4748292.stm
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2006/02/24/sudanese-man-caught-havin_n_16304.html

[progressivebydesign]

123. Saw a giant, ugly, bright yellow truck with the same thing.

It was a license plate frame... and the guy was some sick old pig.

I am shocked that the school does not restrict profanity and sexist stickers on employee cars. I'm not into stifling free speech, but if students can't wear that on a t-shirt, then it shouldn't be on the premises. What a pig.

[Texacrat]

125. That guy's not getting any

Don't worry. Girls hate that ego.

[RagingInMiami]

129. The First Amendment guarantees the right to offend

Which is why I drive around with a "Fuck Bush" bumper sticker.

You say you don't believe in stifling free speech, yet you want the principal to ask them to remove the sticker?

[progressivebydesign]

131. Actually it's called Sexual Harrassment.

Just as my daughter cannot wear a "fuck bush" t-shirt to school, there are places where the rules seem to bump into the whole free speech concept. The school can be sued by any member of the staff, or by any child, for not removing that bumper sticker. It's sexually offensive, and it constitutes sexual harrassment. Just as an employee in most states cannot have suggestive materials in their workspace, or in the workplace, because it fosters a hostile environment to the students and staff. The school will deal with it when they realize they are risking lawsuits.

I would never put "Fuck.." anything on my car. I am a considerate person. I find other ways to voice my displeasure without subjecting children, and neighbors, to offensive language. I do so miss the civility in America... the manners.

[RagingInMiami]

136. I think it's a stretch to call it "sexual harrasment"

But that is up to the courts to decide, and as you can see on the link below, similar matters have gone to court with the rulings mostly favoring the person's right to display an offensive bumper sticker. However, in regard to public employees, as I imagine the owner of this truck is, "the federal courts have painted a much cloudier picture".


Conclusion
Citizens have a right to express themselves in a variety of ways. Bumper stickers represent a popular, inexpensive and sometimes humorous way to express viewpoints on an endless range of subjects. But as the cases mentioned above demonstrate, bumper stickers with profanity will occasionally lead to a citation or arrest. Profanity may be a form of protected speech but it often raises the ire of government officials. The First Amendment provides a great deal of protection for offensive speech and it is unlikely that most bumper-sticker citations, at least as applied to private citizens, would withstand a constitutional challenge. However, the federal courts have painted a much cloudier picture with respect to public employees and bumper stickers.


http://www.firstamendmentcenter.org/speech/arts/topic.aspx?topic=bumper_stickers


If you're going to call anything and everything that offends you, "sexual harassment", then it cheapens its legal definition. Like some people have been labeled "sex offenders" because they got arrested for peeing in public, even though they tried to hide in an alleyway to relieve themselves.


Legal definition of sexual harassment

n. unwanted sexual approaches (including touching, feeling, groping) and/or repeated unpleasant, degrading and/or sexist remarks directed toward an employee with the implied suggestion that the target's employment status, promotion or favorable treatment depend upon a positive response and/or "cooperation." Sexual harassment is a private nuisance, unfair labor practice or, in some states, a civil wrong (tort) which may be the basis for a lawsuit against the individual who made the advances and against the employer who did not take steps to halt the harassment. A legal secretary recently won an award of more than $3 million against a prominent law firm in California for not controlling a partner notorious for his sexual harassment of female employees.

[cynatnite]

133. I think it sends a bad message to the kids about women...

and I think the principal needs to be made aware. It's an offensive message. If the schools can ban offensive t-shirts, this may fall under that.

You could also mention this to other parents and see how they might react. Having a group complain will more likely get something done about it.

[Hippo_Tron]

135. Next time you see him, ask where he got his blow-up doll

[MazeRat7]

138. Why does everyone "assume" the owner is guy. I didn't see that in the OP ?

How do we know they truck is owned by a "guy"... Here in Texas I know many females driving hopped up 4x4's that quite frankly "should" have that sticker on their window.

MZr7

[RagingInMiami]

142. Well if the owner turns out to be a lesbian

Then it's all forgiven.

[MazeRat7]

144. Oh, I see. its ok for some but not others.. *wink.

[bloom]

180. For some reason

I doubt that a lesbian would be that rude.

Maybe that's because women are not encouraged to treat their entire sex as if it's meaningless - or as if we are all toys. Because to do so would be insulting to herself.

In fact - if she is anything like this lesbian http://blog.iblamethepatriarchy.com/2006/03/09/sportsex-2006/ I would say she would be more likely to have a pro-woman bumpersticker than you would. How is it these days - that women just naturally assume that men are more likely to hate or demean them than women are? That men will just say - "it's just free speech". Hmmm - maybe because they read threads like this one.

:shrug:

[Marie26]

183. I don't see why.

The bumper sticker is the same no matter whose car it is. The truck sitting in the school parking lot inspires the same snickers & has the same influence on the kids no matter whose car it turns out to be. I don't know why you'd assume it's "all be forgiven" if it wasn't a man. That said, I have a difficult time seeing a woman ever using a bumper sticker like this.

[rinsd]

193. Oh you're bad.....

:popcorn:

[Vektor]

139. Totally stupid and asinine sticker. But tame compared to some I've seen.

I live in a horrendous redneck area, and I cannot believe some of the lewd disgusting crap people put on their vehicles.

Not just filthy words - images too!

I think that kind of ignorance only succeeds in making the person displaying it look like a ridiculous dreg of humanity.

[RagingInMiami]

140. To answer your question honestly

Yes, you're being a nag. I think there are more important issues to obsess about than a corny bumper sticker. The kids hear much more sexist phrases in a typical rap song anyway.

Check out the last paragraph for legal background on offensive bumper stickers and school grounds. I would be interested to see how this particular case would turn out in your respective state court.


Why are bumper stickers considered a form of speech?

Bumper stickers are a form of protected speech because they convey messages on an endless variety of topics. In fact, many bumper stickers contain political speech, the core type of speech protected by the First Amendment. Protected speech can take many forms, from black armbands to buttons to decals to flags to other forms of nonverbal expression.

Are bumper stickers with profanity protected under the First Amendment?

Yes, the First Amendment protects even a profane bumper sticker unless the sticker meets the legal definition of obscenity or constitutes fighting words. The First Amendment protects a great deal of expression that many people find offensive. However, it would be a rare case for a bumper sticker to be considered legally obscene or fighting words. It should be noted that a few states do have laws that prohibit obscene and patently offensive bumper stickers.

Does it matter if a bumper sticker is displayed at a public employee's workplace, or on public school grounds?

There are special bodies of case law in First Amendment jurisprudence for public employees and public school students. Both public employees and public school students retain a measure of free-expression rights at work and school. That’s because public employers are government officials who must respect the protections of the Bill of Rights. However, the courts often give deference to public employers and particularly public school officials in First Amendment cases.

http://www.firstamendmentcenter.org/Speech/arts/topic_faqs.aspx?topic=bumper_stickers

[Swamp Rat]

143. ... with little swastika pasties.

:D

[nolabels]

145. :^)

After dropping a few :beer:'s down the gullet they all start look the same

(snip)
She seemed like a shy girl when they met, but a few drinks later, they were
throwing out the porcelain squid.
http://walkingdead.net/perl/euphemism

[Swamp Rat]

146. "Instead, she spent the night alone,

tainting the heat-seeking sheets." - curtesy of http://walkingdead.net/perl/euphemism

Thanks for the link! :D

[Apollo11]

149. Intent is irrelevant

The Prime Minster of Denmark said that the cartoons of the prophet Mohammed were not intended to cause offense to Muslims around the world.

Did that stop Muslims feeling angry about the cartoons?

If I'm offended by something that someone has said or published - it really doesn't make much difference to me what that person says about their "intention".

OF COURSE the idiot who bought the bumber sticker will say he never intended to offend anyone!

And if him employer asks him: "Did you buy this bumper sticker because you knew it would offend women?" - then OF COURSE he will answer no - whether true or not.

[Strong Atheist]

151. I am a middle school teacher, and I would have nothing like that.

Not only is it crude and rude, but it would probably get me fired ...

[Lochloosa]

153. Does your local news have a good investigative reporter?

Might be worth a call. Most local news would love this type of story. Shows that they are "caring" about the children.

[BlackVelvet04]

154. Once again I ask the question.....

why not handle it like adults and ASK the man if he would remove the bumper sticker?

If we are ever to get to a point when we don't have laws, rules and regulations governing our every move and thought we have to take responsibility as adults to handle some things and we have to back off from being offended by everything.

I've seen the trash parents let their kids watch on t.v. and play on their playstations so NO this doesn't worry me that this bumper sticker is going to damage their psyches.

[Marie26]

157. I reluctantly agree

Hopefully if parents asked him, he'd be mature enough to remove it. But given his taste in bumper stickers, I don't think we're dealing with a really mature person. If he says he'll do whatever he wants, I'm not sure there's much else to be done. We wouldn't want teachers punished for having an ACLU sticker, or a Christian sticker, so it's probably got to extend to sexist stuff like this. I agree that kids can see worse stuff every day, but if this is coming from a teacher or authority figure, it reinforces that message that treating women this way is OK. So I would think it has an effect on kids, especially because they're repeating the mantra at school. I'd hope the person would have the wisdom to see that himself & act appropriately. On the other hand, it does act as an effective warning system for any woman this guy might go out with!

[RagingInMiami]

160. If that's what investigative reporters do nowadays

Then we're in a sad state. If anything, I would assign this story to the intern. How hard can it be to find out who owns the truck?

[Mad_Dem_X]

156. I agree - VERY inappropriate

OTH, maybe he's just referring to his blow-up doll.

[Javaman]

162. maybe he was talking about his blow-up doll...nt

[Bill McBlueState]

163. might not be illegal, but...

A school has a certain latitude in regulating speech on its campus. A student probably couldn't wear a shirt that says "tits."

If the principal wants the school's female students to become confident young women, he'll do whatever he can to keep that bumper sticker off campus. If he doesn't actually care that much about his students, he'll stay quiet about it.

[DarkTirade]

164. If someone went to middle school wearing a shirt that said that,

they would get suspended. Yet it's okay if an adult brings that to school?

[BlackVelvet04]

167. I personally don't want to be governed by the

same rules as a middle schooler....do you?

If we truly want freedom then we have to learn to live with freedom instead of running to the authorities, whether it be the school board or the federal government, every time we are offended or think our child might see something inappropriate.

As others have pointed out, what if next it is a political sticker supporting a democratic candidate that is found offensive? Or a pro-choice sticker?

[bloom]

182. Maybe the guy needs to grow up

and stop acting like a middle schooler then.


And learn that speech has consequences.

[BlackVelvet04]

188. Possibly, and maybe

the rest of us should grow up and learn that freedom has consequences as well. :-)

[EstimatedProphet]

166. Would it fix the solution if he weren't allowed to park at the school?

[EstimatedProphet]

196. I guess that's a 'no'

[earth mom]

168. That person is a perve to have that displayed at a middle school.

I'm probably one of the few that thinks that here, but in the first place I find the bumper sticker rude and offensive. Sorry, but there is nothing sexy about that bumper sticker because it objectifies women. But what I really have an issue with is that the person saw fit to bring it to a place where young minds are being formed-which just strikes me as evil in intent.

Okay-Flame away.

[Marie26]

169. It's suspicious

If it turns out a teacher was doing that, I'd have to wonder what his intent was.

[earth mom]

179. That's what I'm wondering too. eom

[Iris]

176. No flame here.

I'd be one pissed off parent if I'd spent the first 8 or so year's of my child's life referring to all body parts respectfully and by their proper names only to have that undermined by an ADULT at the public school they attend.

[earth mom]

178. Exactly.

We lead by example. And though none of us are perfect and we make mistakes as parents and as people, there are some things that cross the line and this is one of them.

[mtnester]

170. Were there mudflaps to match with bouncing boobs on it to?

and Elmer Fudd packing a nine iron?

I love advertisement like that..you can point it out to your daughter/friend/sister/etc and say..

"Lookee...see how it advertises itself? Easy to stay clear when they post it out front for everyone to see."

[Blue_Tires]

171. i've seen a variation of that:

"My other ride is my wife"

[benburch]

173. His other toy is probably one of these...

http://www.realdoll.com/ <--- NOT WORK OR KID SAFE

[Pathwalker]

174. I saw a WORSE one: MY IDEAL WOMAN - A NYMPHO

WHO OWNS A LIQUOR STORE!!! The guy driving the car was ALONE!

[GOPFighter]

191. The bumper sticker is inappropriate for a middle school

I can understand why your husband might want you to drop it...he probably has to work with the guy and doesn't want you to be the source of the complaint. I don't think it would be hard to find some parents of students who also think it's inappropriate, then you could complain as a group. The more parents who complain, the greater chance of getting the administration to act.

[WinkyDink]

192. Should NOT be allowed on school property. End of discussion.

Public school employees cannot smoke on school property, though it is legal off-site. They cannot imbibe alcohol, though it is legal off-site. They cannot curse with impunity, though it is legal off-site. They must have a sticker to park, though off-site, one is likely not required.

IOW, this is most definitely an employer/employee issue, NOT a 1st Amendment one.

Although one COULD add to that sticker: "And I got it on e-Bay for only $24.99."

[Moderator]

197. Locking....

This thread has become flamebait.