Probably not too unpopular here.

Standing waiting for the bus in my city with decent transit and I have 2 trucks rev their engines loudly past me, another one letting just clouds of pollution, watching people driving who aren’t paying attention and several people blowing cutting last second through a light. All in just 3 minutes by a small corner with light traffic.

Made me think how cars are inherently selfish. People don’t want to be around others (the fear aspect), so they drive their own bubble around. In addition to that, some go out of their way to make their cars even worse to people outside of them.

No wonder we can’t move away from them. They are a definition of our own culture

  • pan_troglodytes@programming.dev
    2·
    9 months ago

    eh, I disagree. a personal vehicle can (generally doesnt because traffic is a thing) provide a sense of freedom. there’s a certain romantic appeal to having your own vehicle and there’s certainly freedom in an open road - if you ignore the fact you’re roped into buying fuel and general maintenance for said vehicle. the only way I can see fear being a factor would be the “can I afford the next major expense”.

    mass transit is more efficient, cant really argue against that, but it’s in no way individualized or even customizable in any way at a personal level. you also have to base your entire schedule around the bus/train and then when it doesnt show up on time (or show up at all) you’re basically fucked. a personal vehicle has none of those failings. as a matter of fact, in many places in America you’re required to own your own vehicle because the cities are few and far between… existing without owning a vehicle is akin to being stranded on a deserted island - you’re cut off from the rest of the world. most folks dont like being physically cut off from society - preventing it isnt selfishness, it’s being prepared