By Lorraine
Glowczak
It was sometime
in the middle of last week when I stopped counting the numerous cars I saw
donning the bummer sticker, “coexist.” It was uncanny how they kept popping up
as if to slap me in the face and grab my attention. So, I began to wonder what
the word might really mean – especially for me.
I am aware that
the design of the words contains religious emblems such as the Islamic Star and
Crescent, a peace sign, the Jewish Star of David, and the Christian Cross. It
is suggesting to us to put aside our personal belief differences – and – well,
coexist. Diverse philosophies are incredibly fascinating to me on an historical
and cultural level and, in this particular circumstance, I can coexist with the
best of them.
But still, I
began to feel annoyed at each passing bumper that boasted this advice, even
though I like the ideal of its message. I felt confused. As a result, this
writer who accidentally fell into the role of inquiring reporter, did a bit of
researching to see what she might learn.
I came upon an
online article written by Rick
Paulas who had
his own response to this particular sticker. He stated something that lead to
understanding my own annoyance. ”…..what happens when you put anything on a
bumper sticker is that you remove the suggestive tone and make it a command:
‘Get along, or else.’”
Although
seemingly inclusive, there is an air of self-righteousness in the term
“coexist” - forcing the reader to fit into a certain mold – and paradoxically –
doing the opposite of what it suggests.
It’s true we all
will always be different, often with very opposing viewpoints. But it is also
true, that it might be wise to find a way to hang out together somehow since we
don’t have any other choice. Maybe it would feel less demanding if we
changed the word, coexist, to a simple image of a tandem bicycle.
I personally have
never ridden on a bicycle built for two, but blogger/author, Ann Pederson
explained the
experience of tandem bicycling when she and her husband, Gary, participated in
a biking trip across South Dakota.
“For those not
acquainted with tandem bicycling, it’s not as easy as it looks. For two people
to really work together on one bike, they must learn to trust each other,
compensate for the other’s exhaustion, and cooperate in ways that test any
relationship. Some bikers on the trip cracked jokes about how a tandem either
makes or breaks a relationship. Gary and I learned how to find a good balance,
how to communicate quickly and directly, and how to let go into the joyous ride
that resulted from our new-found tandem lifestyle. As a person who loves to be
in control and take leadership, I had to learn how to let go and trust that
Gary’s cues and decisions would work for both of us. But that doesn’t mean I
didn’t contribute to the ride. That’s another joke that I began to tire of
hearing—that the person in the back simply is along for the ride. I can attest
to my participation by sore muscles, early bedtimes, and ravenous appetites at
the end of the ride.”
She went on to
say that the experience created in her a greater understanding of trust and
faith in others and herself.
Perhaps with the
image of a tandem bike as a bumper sticker could create a more suggestive tone
of working together, rather than a command.
Hum? Maybe I’ll
start a new viral bumper sticker sensation. Or – just borrow another one I saw
a year ago: “You may coexist – but your driving still sucks.”’
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