What has an affinity for refrigerators, interior surfaces of cars, if any metal can be found there, even exhaust fan hoods and duct work in basements? If you guessed magnets, you're right. But you may not have noticed the infinite variety in which this modern graffiti can be found.
In a business office, a calendar clings to a file cabinet cheek by jowl with a menu from the occupant's favorite fast food restaurant, held in place by a colorful plastic hamburger. A huge paper clip bearing the office supply company's telephone number and cutesy logo holds letters. Additional round, square, or octagonal clutching reminders printed with corporate logos are distributed almost daily by sales reps and the company mail room.
Hobbies are another source of magnetic favorites to be displayed. Teddy bears. Roses. My sister-in-law is a lighthouse lover. Every possible vertical as well as flat surface in her work space is covered with depictions of lighthouses in vast variety.
Professional and college sports team stores overflow with logos emblazoned on magnetic helmets, miniature balls, tiny jerseys, and the latest schedule, inflated prices no deterrent to eager fans. Find your favorite player, full-face or profile, caught in midplay or arrogant pose. Diehard supporters can purchase jerseys bearing legendary numbers on helmet and uniform, famous stadiums and fabled coaches.
What self-respecting refrigerator door or work place file cabinet lacks a magnetic picture frame of a Boy Scout hero or little ballerina on tiptoe? Often an inspirational poem sticks to the metal surface beside these proofs of parental pride.
A couple of strong magnetic strips firmly affix a six inch plastic pocket equipped with a notepad and pen to the refrigerator. Perhaps so that a midnight snacker may jot down those elusive ideas before they are lost in last night's leftover lasagna. 'Got milk?' That phrase is probably embossed in gold leaf on the refrigerator magnet of the PR person responsible for it.
Pharmacies and doctor's offices are another ready source of magnetic graffiti, in the unlikely event anyone lacks such. If you favor medical magnets, from Band-Aids that stick, though not on flesh, to miniature dental tools and drug company logos, pay a visit to your local pharmacy. If you appreciate the lovely 'purple pill', the company will throw in a magnetic reminder with your prescription.
Before magnetic graffiti propagated like coathangers in a closet, magnets led normal useful lives. Remember the little magnetic black box which held a spare car key and could be slipped inside a wheel well? No need to call a locksmith or spouse if you carelessly locked your keys in the car. Today's most noticeable magnetic reincarnation is in patriotism. Along with Stars and Stripes whipping in the wind, many cars we meet sport magnetic flags gripping the vehicle door or bumper. Who says graffiti is all bad?
©2004 Sylvia Nickels