Automotive symbols of the era of the struggle for equal rights.
The Ford Galaxie
Cars play a significant role in our daily lives and have also become symbols in the ongoing fight for equality. Certain models have been associated with social movements and projects, making them part of history. Here, we explore these iconic vehicles and their contributions to the fight for equality.
Volkswagen Transporter T1/T2
The Volkswagen Transporter, first introduced in 1950 as the T1 model, became iconic in post-war Germany due to its simplicity, reliability, and affordability. Its popularity grew significantly in 1967 with the release of the second-generation T2. Volkswagen began exporting the T2 to the United States and North America, where it served as an alternative to traditional family vehicles.
The T2’s low cost, ease of repair, and adaptability made it especially appealing to the counterculture movement, including the hippie community. Customization options allowed it to be tailored for various uses, solidifying its reputation as a symbol of freedom and alternative lifestyles.
In the late 60s, the Transporter T1 and T2 became the most popular models. They were chosen not only by hippies, who embodied the mood of the anti-establishment and counter-culture youth of that time but also by musicians, writers, artists and other people who wanted to build a society where everyone would be equal, who felt the spirit of freedom and could always express their own opinion. All these fighters for justice painted peace signs and other popular symbols corresponding to the movement they represented on their Transporter T1 and T2. After that, they hit the road and promoted their ideas in different parts of the USA.
There were so many Transporter T1 and T2 on the roads at that time that they could be seen everywhere. Modified, painted, and covered with various slogans, these cars became tangible symbols of the fighters for their rights, and they remain so many years later.
Tesla Model 3
In modern times, the impact of human-caused climate change and global heating is top of mind. Many countries are working on solutions, but often not as actively as we would like. As a result, organizations have emerged to unite people who want to improve the conditions of our planet and protect us all from climate catastrophe. Every year, eco-activists organize various events that attract public attention to environmental protection issues, and they also make loud statements and criticize the leaders of different countries around the world. This is what the most famous eco-activist of our time, Greta Thunberg, has become renowned for.
A young girl from Sweden, Greta amazed everyone with her speech at the UN Climate Summit. She openly said that humanity is not taking enough measures to protect the environment. Here actions became a real example for all eco-activists, after which they began to more actively demonstrate their position and fight for the right to live in a country that does not harm our planet's climate. In 2019, impressed by Greta Thunberg's courage and charisma, the famous actor Arnold Schwarzenegger presented the her with a Tesla Model 3 electric car. This zero-emission car has become a valid symbol of the fight against climate change. Today, it is available everywhere, even on https://www.autobidmaster.com/en/, demonstrating people's desire to comply with environmental justice.
Chevrolet Camaro
Today, organizations worldwide focus on promoting equality across genders, races, and religions. Many countries now hold awareness events and pass laws that increase penalties for discrimination. The Black Lives Matter movement has become one of the most significant in recent years, raising awareness about racial inequality, systemic racism, and related issues. This movement continues to influence public discussions, policies, and efforts to address discrimination and promote social justice globally.
In June 2020, NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace, the only Black driver in the NASCAR Cup Series at that time, unveiled a special paint scheme on his No. 43 Chevrolet Camaro to support the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement. This initiative aimed to promote racial equality and bring attention to social justice issues.
The car featured a predominantly black design with several symbolic elements:
Hood Design: An illustration of black and white hands clasped together, symbolizing unity and solidarity.
Side Panels: The hashtag "#BlackLivesMatter" prominently displayed to align with the movement's messaging.
Additional Elements: Words like "Compassion, Love, Understanding" and peace symbols were incorporated to emphasize the themes of the movement.
This design was showcased during the NASCAR Cup Series race at Martinsville Speedway on June 10, 2020. Wallace's decision to feature the BLM-themed car was a significant moment in NASCAR history, highlighting the sport's engagement with social justice issues. This initiative increased Wallace's visibility and brought attention to the cause.
Ford Galaxie
John Lewis is one of the most famous American civil rights activists. Even in his student years, he was inspired by the idea of changing our society and continued to do this work until the end of his life in 2020. Lewis repeatedly participated in various actions, strikes and other events that could somehow draw attention to the problem of dividing people into races. In particular, he advocated for unhindered access of African Americans to various social services, education, medicine, employment, etc.
In his activities, John Lewis actively used a 1963 Ford Galaxie. With the help of this car, the leader of the civil rights movement could quickly move between cities and control the process of organizing various protests and other similar events. The Ford Galaxie also helped him visit voters during his election campaign. Because this car accompanied John Lewis everywhere, it became as much a symbol of the struggle for civil rights as its owner. Because of this, the Ford Galaxie today is a unique model that many modern activists dream of owning.
Choosing the Ford Galaxie was likely not done without intention. The 1963 Ford Galaxie was widely used as a police car across the U.S., and it became a symbol of law enforcement during times of heightened civil rights protests. Images of Galaxies at civil rights protests, including events like the Birmingham Campaign, linked the car to a period of intense struggle over racial justice. Its presence at these events connected it to the complex, often contentious relationship between law enforcement and civil rights activists.
Greyhound and Trailways Buses
One of the most striking examples of the fight for equal rights was the actions of the Freedom Riders. This movement appeared in 1961 and attracted many activists at that time. All of them tried to challenge the actions of the federal government, which ignored the decisions of the US Supreme Court, thereby leaving segregated interstate buses in operation.
In protest, the Freedom Riders boarded Greyhound and Trailways buses and then traveled from Washington to Louisiana. Along the way, they made stops in various states and held rallies to protect civil rights. In some cases, they encountered aggressive people who supported segregation in interstate bus travel. This led to severe clashes and other troubles. In Alabama, one of the Freedom Riders’ buses was even burned. Similar negative moments happened in different places in the United States. However, the activists were able to complete their trip and achieve specific results. Thanks to this, public buses, Greyhound and Trailways, became a tangible symbol of the fight for equality, and today, they are remembered precisely in connection with the events of the distant past.
Subaru Outback
OK who hasn’t heard that the Subaru is a lesbian car? I personally have 3 lesbian friends who drive Subarus. It’s up there with Blundstone boots and Keen sandals.
Today, LGBTQ+ issues are widely recognized, but in the 1990s, public discussion on these topics was rare, even in the most developed countries, presenting significant social challenges.
Subaru made a notable decision to address the LGBTQ+ community in its advertising. In 1995, Subaru released an ad for its Outback model that subtly acknowledged LGBTQ+ culture and promoted equality. This step associated the Subaru Outback with the LGBTQ+ movement, symbolizing support for sexual freedom. Today, the Outback has evolved in design and features but remains popular among LGBTQ+ drivers.
It’s interesting to explore how Subaru did this:
Coded Messaging: Subaru’s ads used coded language that was recognizable to LGBTQ+ audiences but discreet enough to avoid controversy. For example, they used taglines like “Get Out. And Stay Out,” which could be interpreted as a reference to both outdoor adventures and "coming out."
Wink and Nod References: Subaru ads included subtle references understood by those within the LGBTQ+ community. For example, they listed features like “room for friends” or “camping equipment,” which were often read as euphemisms, hinting at lifestyles without directly addressing them.
Targeted Models: Subaru found that models like the Outback and Forester were especially popular among lesbian drivers, so they tailored ads to reflect interests that resonated with this demographic, such as outdoor activities and ruggedness.
Use of LGBTQ+ Icons and Stereotypes: Subaru integrated symbols that the LGBTQ+ community recognized. They included vanity license plates in some ads, such as “XENA LVR” (a reference to the popular TV character "Xena: Warrior Princess," known for having a large lesbian fanbase) or “P-TOWN” (a reference to Provincetown, a popular LGBTQ+ vacation spot).
Open Representation: Subaru took a significant step by hiring Martina Navratilova, an openly lesbian tennis player, as a spokesperson. Her endorsement resonated deeply with LGBTQ+ audiences, lending further credibility to Subaru’s inclusive stance.
Historically, cars have played a role in supporting activists advocating for equality. Some vehicles became lasting symbols of this movement. The pursuit of justice and equality continues, and it is likely that more cars will emerge as symbols in this ongoing struggle.
