Personal Billboards

  

To me a personal billboard could mean two things.  One ideal that comes to mind is that a personal billboard really exemplifies who that person is.  As stated in the reading, "Personal billboards are often used as a means of communicating group pride and identity. They reinforce the reality and vitality of the groups they represent. "(Newman 75).  Like in my license plate I made, it has its own personal and sometimes sentimental value.  My license plate is an exact replica of what my father's license plate is but his is ABC RJK.  The meaning behind the "ABC" exemplifies the business my dad owns, ABC Rentals.  He is proud of what he has done and where the company has developed from.  So, when he drives to meet with customers or just driving for leisure, there is a constant reminder on his vehicle that because of his company he is able to provide for his family and show a sense of personal pride.  The "RJK" on his license plate is just a testament to solidify himself.  The are his initials, but the family name has a high status in his business realm.  Moral of the story is he is proud of who he is and where he is going in life and chooses to portray that through his license plate.  Who knew such a small thing in your life could say so much about you.

In addition to the text, "In fact, personal billboards are the some of the most powerful "voices" for underprivileged groups."(Newman 73), I fully agree with this statement.  But sometimes voicing their opinion it is not always smart to portray your beliefs.

Here is an article about a man in Jamaica who was supporting his political beliefs by putting up posters around town and was killed while doing so.

http://go-jamaica.com/news/read_article.php?id=33975

On the other hand, I believe that billboards could be a way to express what you want to be seen as and its not really who you are.  If its a license plate or a billboard then you can mostly understand what someone is trying to portray.  But I feel that many people live a different life under the personal billboards they want people to see.  Maybe its motivation to be something or achieve a goal, or maybe it's just a person filling a confidence void they have within them.  Like the text said, it is a way for people to emulate a group and voice personal opinion.


You may be wondering why I put the blank billboard.  Well this is significant to me because it is how I perceive society.  What I see from a billboard or person doesn't usually match up with who they truly are.  Like the only saying goes, "Don't judge a book by its cover".  I wipe my mental slate clean with everyone I meet and this gives me the best opportunity to look past the stereotypes and interact with the true person underneath it all.