Situational awareness is a way of focusing on the surrounding environment. It is more than that. Situational awareness is also about being aware of how you project yourself to the world. Everything, from your attire to the bumper stickers on the car, tells the world about you. Are you obliged to be the gray man all the time? Is it okay to have a personality? We recently asked you to share your opinions on social media.
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What do your bumper stickers say about you?
They were a new idea back in the days when bumper stickers and other general car stickers were popular. They were a great way of showing pride in your military service, and sports team bumper stickers showed your support for the home team. However, things were simpler back then. There have been always been troubled souls. But it seems that today’s situation is worse. This is especially true with the current political discourse. Not to mention cities with dramatically rising crime or those that are soft on crime.
But not everyone believes there is an inherent risk. One person asks, “Has there ever been a single documented case of a criminal targeting someone because of a sticker they put on their vehicle?”
There are many documented cases that stalking has been proven. It is not known if they used bumper stickers to learn more about their victim. It is well-known that stalkers will do everything possible to find out about their victim. They are interested in their family and lifestyle habits. This is how they decide the best time and place for attack. Bumper stickers are a good indicator of all these things.
Know Your Audience
There are many cases of vehicles being damaged by political decals. A quick Google search will bring up a number of stories.
One commentor stated, “None” of the above. There are no bumper stickers for guns, political, religious, military, or gun purposes. There are too many people out there who might be offended and throw my car out.
As one reader pointed out, you never know who might be looking.
“To each his own,” I say, but it is still surprising to me that people advertise their hobbies and interests by putting S&W stickers or Glock stickers on their tailgates. It’s easy to target, especially in areas where you aren’t legally allowed to carry.
The Gray Man
Sharing our interests with others is an important part of connecting with others. However, it is better to be innocuous. Gray man principles are easy to adopt and protect against potential harm and undue attention.
One reader clearly practices this principle: “Well, you’ll see that I drive a Toyota.” That’s it! I don’t wear “Tacticool”, or clothing with logos. “Blend in” is my motto!
One comment pointed out that others don’t live by this philosophy. “I saw a car that had a prestige plate that read “I Carry “…”,”
Similar bumper stickers for pro gun and anti gun control tell criminals that you may have a firearm in your parked car. It is possible to keep a gun in a car you aren’t currently in. Criminals will not know this until they break into the vehicle.
Finding Humor
Even though this is a serious topic, humor keeps us all human. These two comments are worth sharing for some comic relief.
“Can’t go wrong though with a Grateful Dead sticker. ;)”
“I won’t let dealers put my sticker on my car unless they are willing pay a monthly advertising fee.”
‘Merica.
Is there a legitimate safety aspect?
One reader asks about the emergency messaging aspect of family car decals. Sticking family window decals on your car or baby onboard signs can help first responders. Or is there still more risk than reward?
The reader suggests that the baby stickers on the board are technically used to alert emergency personnel in case of an accident. Although they may signal other things, I have seen many of these accidents firsthand and would rather take my chances than not having the firefighters or paramedics know to search for a child/car seat. Yes, it is possible to tell if a car seat was in an accident.
What do you reveal about social media?
Social media can be worse than bumper stickers in that it can give away too much information. People like to post photos of their vacation while they are still on vacation to let thieves know that they aren’t home. People also like to post photos of their child’s school event to let potential stalkers know where they go to school. You can also let them know their child’s name and what they look like.
One reader stated that people should be more concerned about what they post on Facebook than about what’s on the back seat of their car.
One commenter points out the obvious problem with sharing too much information on social networks. “None [of the] above. [But] what really should concern you and everyone else in FB [land] is all of the crap people post regarding the new firearm they [purchased]. You can also see my gun collection and my preferred EDC. This is dumber than any other thing you could stick on your vehicle’s back.
Sometimes, what you post on social media is more dangerous than the risk of burglars or stalkers and becomes self-incrimination.
“Just my license plate with YB NICE on it and the bowtie from my Chevy. Message – I don’t care and can dispose of the body. :D”
The two people who liked this post also have a history of supporting violent extremism in the eyes of a hostile government. This could be used against your in the event that you are ever investigated, regardless of whether it is true. Learn to see past the detestable eyes.
Privacy is generally the best policy
No matter what information you give the world, whether it’s your vehicle information or your social media accounts, be careful about what you share. You never know who might be looking or what they will do with the information.
The post REAL TALK – Are Your Bumper Stickers Giving Too Much Information to the World? Personal Defense World was the first to publish this article.
