Embarrassment is a funny thing. We are judged in our society based on social norms, and if our behavior falls outside the accepted pattern, embarrassment may result. For instance, mastication in public is completely accepted, as long as certain rules are followed. Put the napkin in your lap, use the provided utensils properly, and always thank your host. Never mind the fact that eating is one of the most vile acts we commit and is fraught with countless social perils. Is this soup supposed to be cold? Do I have broccoli stuck in my teeth? Exactly what part, and of what animal, is on the plate? In fact, the Sugar Hill Gang's half hour masterpiece “Rapper's Delight” dedicates a sizable percentage of its irresistible audio hook to the subject of bad food. And still, a cornerstone of our social behavior is the disgusting act of nutrition consumption.
Maybe the fact that eating is forced upon us as a social activity leads us to create rules. Etiquette is used to invoke some level of decorum, least one finds himself ridiculed. Just as judgement will befall he who uses the shrimp fork for a salad, driving anything more interesting than a Camry invites condescension. A prime example is the Toyota Prius. It is obvious to anybody that the owner of a Prius hates cars, republicans, and big business. The typical Prius owner can be found using his Apple watch to view videos on how to maintain a soft, luxurious beard on the way to the next craft brewers festival. Likewise, the Ford Mustang V6 with an automatic transmission must come with a blond headed teenage girl behind the wheel from the factory. The Audi A4 is evidently designed to be driven three and one quarter inches from whatever vehicle is in front of it. And the same fifty-something lady clinging to her youth drives every Fiat 500 that makes it to our shores.
Every generality contains some truth, or there would not be stereotypes. I look a certain way, wear certain clothes, and drive a lightly modified car. I am sure some people assume I am something, but I don't know what it would be. I probably don't want to know, either. My own mother assumes I am an outdoors type, who loves watersports and zip lines. She is not wrong, I love kayaks and mountain bikes, but I enjoy video games and good food as much as anything else. I do not like to be judged, because I am convinced I am unique, and you will misunderstand me. In the same instant I can see a person with certain characteristics and assume they are something; which they may not be. It is in our nature as social beings to generalize, it is a shortcut to understanding.
For instance, when I see people in Corvettes, or Mustangs, or 911's, I wonder why they chose that particular car. Is it the first car they have ever driven? Did their father always have one? Are they fans of Steve McQueen? Even though I do not want to be judged, these questions lead me to judge the driver of said Corvette, Mustang, 911, or even Prius based on assumptions and preconceptions that are probably unfounded. For instance, most drivers have a car because they wanted a car, and shopped until they were satisfied with whatever shiny box they ended up in. I know most people choose a car based on some criteria important to them in the moment of purchase, with the full knowledge that it will be repeated within a few years, therefore it is not really that important. That is fine, and is what drives our economy in some ways. But I am not that way. I, due to fiscal priorities, personal preferences, and the tendency to shun the pointless confrontation that is car shopping, keep a car for a very long time. I will invest in it, both personal effort and money, to make it what I want it to be, understanding that I will be judged for driving an old, somewhat unique modified car. But I do not want to be lumped into many modified car stereotypes. For instance, I do not understand “stance” culture. Or drifting. Or Ken Block. Or replica cars. Or purists. Or street racing. Or loud exhausts. Or the automatic transmission. Or NASCAR, Forumula 1, and the NHRA. I drive carefully, generally obeying speed limits. I use my mirrors and turn signals. I stop for pedestrians in crosswalks. I do not ride sport bikes on the back wheel only. I never pass on the right.
I'm not even going to get into the whole lifted F350 diesel to compensate for a small penis thing, but my point is clear. Be careful what you drive, it may determine what people think of you. Stereotypes are the lazy person's shortcut to intellect. To some people, there is no need to think about anything, just allow society to guide your judgments. And unfortunately, you will be right most of the time. But every now and then you find Polish dude in a Turbo 16V Corrado he built with his own hands. That just doesn't fit into a stereotype.
No comments:
Post a Comment