[*BCM*] Be the change you want to see in the world & SUVs

[Tripp Hyde]

The SUV economy is almost entirely supported by suburban baby boomer
(and beyond) mothers buying into the "protect your babies" line.
Those are the people who drive these cars.  There are of course
exceptions, but they are the majority.  My mom drives a massive chevy
trailblazer about 7 miles from home in suburbia to work in the city
every day and back again.  Despite my constant tirades she likes to
"be up high" and "feel safe".  This is the demographic that needs to
change.

On 6/7/06, greg at isoia.com <greg at isoia.com> wrote:
> It's probably fair to assume those of us reading this don't own an SUV, or
> are at least opposed to seeing them used and owned by only one person.  I
> see this all the time, both riding and driving (a 4cyl 30+ MPG on the
> highway car) - one person alone in an oversized vehicle. I ride or use the
> MBTA for work, but that has not always been the case.
>
> What I see when I look at an SUV while it's in motion:
> - a fit woman driving, alone
> - an overweight man, driving alone
> - an overweight man with a fit women and a few kids, each playing/watching
> their personal entertainment system
>
> Take a walk on the wild side to a Whole Foods Market in the suburbs between
> 4pm and 5pm on a weekday, and it's an SUV showcase.  These drivers are
> uniformly solo women, fit and prosperous.  That audience isn't going to
> respond to modest encouragement to change their driving habits or vehicles.
> They're secure in their wealth and prosperity (real or imagined.  These
> days, that's the same condition.)
>
> If you quoted Trotsky to these people, most of them would think that's a
> condition you get around the 3rd quarter of a Patriots Game as a result of
> drinking too much beer and eating too many hot dogs at the Stadium.
> Especially the men.  No one would take you seriously.  I do, but I'm on
> this list, so I'm a minority view.
>
> I like that chant ("shame shame shame") but I doubt very much you're
> changing any minds with it.  As for stickering, I can't accept that anyone
> sold their SUV as a result.  Frankly I'm very surprised no one tried to
> intervene and stop you.  You must have been covert, and if it feels good,
> maybe it is good, but with the abundance of handguns and out of control
> egos (see "... abundance of handguns ...") I think you're fortunate not to
> have run into real trouble.  People selling expensive/luxury items!?
> They've lost one or more jobs, can't fill the tanks anymore, run into tax
> problems, need to take the family on vacation, etc.  That's what I expect
> is occurring.
>
> I think Critical Mass has an audience beyond its regular participants (as I
> don't participate in demonstrations) as MANY of us are tired of seeing
> resources (human, natural and man made) exploited and wasted. Humiliating
> people on the edge (figuring out how to pay for all the things in their
> lives, including their families) or living in luxury is unlikely to be
> fruitful.  Some other approach is needed.  Maybe we can discuss
> alternatives that are more effective in other areas of the country or need
> to be tried here first.
>
> Cheers,
>
> Greg
>
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