E-Mail This Article to a Friend AUTO DIDACTS Rage against the ribbon BY EMMANUEL ORDING

Maybe you’ve noticed the latest trend in automotive enhancement — no, not clear corners or chrome mufflers, but something more along the lines of those "Baby on Board" signs or the suction-foot Garfield. The magnetic ribbon sticker is definitely the car accessory of 2004. First, it’s easily removed, so people can show their patriotism without lowering the value of their cars. (Fads come and go, and we’re gonna win this war soon, right?) Second, and more subtly, statements such as "Support Our Troops" and "Freedom Isn’t Free" can be translated essentially as "Don’t Ask Questions." The doublespeak and shady motives of US foreign-policy makers has half the nation pissed off and the other half blindly going along; these magnets attract the latter.

Let the backlash begin! In response to these ubiquitous symbols of red-white-and-blue imperialism, local artist and designer Deirdre Doyle came up with her own magnet: the "Empty Sentiment" ribbon. The Phoenix took the opportunity recently to quiz her about her professed "rage against the ribbon."

Q: How did the "Empty Sentiment" ribbon come about?

A: I first have to say that I do support the troops. Doesn’t everyone? No one wants to see them hurt in this war.

While waiting for 45 minutes to get into the Topsfield Fair in a long trail of traffic, I began noticing these vinyl magnets adorning the rear of literally every vehicle as far as the eye could see, usually in pairs and usually on either side of a Bush ’04 bumper sticker. I became perplexed with this commercialization of the old tradition of "tie a yellow ribbon ’round the old oak tree," mainly because these new magnets seemed less about peace and remembrance, and more about the war and a political machine. I knew I had to say something when I could no longer pass a magnet without comment.

Q: Why do you think the "Support Our Troops" magnets have become so popular?

A: I don’t think there is a single answer. For some people, their kids are over there and they really do want to show a symbol of their love. For other people, I think it’s more of a fad or a fashion accessory. Some people are blinded by grief and some are swept up in the patriot fever. Some don’t want to be the only one without [a magnet], maybe, for fear of how that would reflect upon them.

I do think that there has been a greater political hand in these magnets; the simple sentiment of remembering those who had left, and peace, has turned into a statement about supporting the troops and, more so, supporting the war. Personally, I do not believe they are one and the same.

Q: Why can’t Americans see the irony of driving a gas-guzzling SUV with a magnet made in China asking to support a war in the Middle East?

A: I’m not sure. If you spell it out: placing mysteriously produced, cheap pieces of vinyl and magnets in an impermanent fashion onto your non-fuel-efficient vehicle to show support for a war in a land that fuels that vehicle ... the irony seems plain as day. In my opinion, spend your money on a care package or on a political cause, then tie a simple piece of actual ribbon around your car antenna. That’s more support and more sentiment than a cheap magnet will give.

You can download the "Empty Sentiment" Ribbon template to make your own stickers and, yes, magnets, from Deirdre Doyle’s Web site: www.deirdredoyle.net