Bumper Sticker, "America, Love it or Leave it"

Bumper Sticker, "America, Love it or Leave it"

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Description
This 1970s bumper sticker was directed at anti-Vietnam War protesters and the counter-culture they represented, but the calls for exclusion of certain groups span the history of the nation. Americans desiring a more homogeneous citizenry did not limit their restrictions to certain ethnic and racial groups, but also sought to exclude those of differing political, social, and economic philosophies, religious beliefs, or sexual orientations.
Object Name
bumper sticker
date made
20th c.
1970s
c1970
Physical Description
paper (overall material)
red, white, blue (overall color)
Measurements
overall: 3 1/2 in x 15 in; 8.89 cm x 38.1 cm
ID Number
PL.321807.14
accession number
321807
catalog number
321807.14
Credit Line
Frederick A. Steadry
subject
Patriotism and Patriotic Symbols
See more items in
Political and Military History: Political History, General History Collection
Government, Politics, and Reform
American Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith
Exhibition
American Presidency
Exhibition Location
National Museum of American History
Data Source
National Museum of American History
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Comments

I remember this bumper sticker in the 70s at a very young age. While it is an object during the time of the Vietnam war and counter culture it wasn’t necessarily pro military slogan, there’s too much irony to say “love it or leave it” only to ship out to another country to fight for. Also, It’s evident who wrote this description, they are putting too much meaning while ignoring the obvious patriotism of the American FLAG around the time of the civil protests and flag desecration’s spurred the Flag Protection Act 1968, but later struck down in 1990 on 1st amendment and a stand against compelled Patriotism. All those other meta-meanings are too spurious to claim, What’s next, “made in America” is hatespeech?

Sanchez, Antonio

Tue, 2020-01-14 08:48

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