ABSTRACT
In the early history of the US, postage stamps could have been described as paper pennies. These days, they might be more aptly described as paper quarters. Looking at them more insightfully, in 2011, Stan Brunn described postage stamps as tiny “messengers of political transition.” In the absence of political transition, what other messages might stamps deliver? This study examines US Forever stamps with that question in mind. Specifically, stamps issued as postage to mail a one-ounce letter First-Class within the US are identified, categorized, and described, with the goal of “reading” the current issues to see how the US is portrayed in the current day (2010-2020). For example, stamps featuring the US flag or the Statue of Liberty could be seen as a show of national pride; images of diverse individuals could imply an egalitarian society; nature scenes could be read as an appreciation of the natural environment. What topics are prominent on Forever stamps? What topics are missing, overlooked or hidden? What message might these topics convey?
