APRIL 21, 2006
American's
love their automobiles and we have created a class distinction in our culture through the modes of transportation and by who rides in what. It seems the most expensive gas guzzlers are afforded upper caste status, while those who ride the bus are considered to be harijeans, or untouchables.
Time to do some reverse thinking in our world of transportation.
In any consumer driven society as ours little concern is paid to the environmental impact of our consumption decisions. The principle that takes precedence is 'I have earned it so why can't I spend it any way I want.' I am all for the freedom of expression through ones choices, but we tend to place status on people of power and wealth who may be the biggest wasteful consumers of all.
If you drive a Hummer for example you must literally hog the road in small village communities because of the size of this vehicle. Yet, more and more expensive gas guzzling enormous family passenger vehicles clog our roadways every year. Car pools lines in prestigious elementary schools are a good point of observation of status in our culture and I have seen the styles and size of cars change over the years. Today the SUV reigns supreme, and often those who drive it are presumed to be wealthy and wonderful.
On the other hand, the folks who sit at the bus stop and wait for the LNG - liquefied natural gas bus to take them to work are branded as a little weird and out of touch with reality. Passenger miles traveled in single occupancy vehicles is always rising because an auto is status, and a bigger auto is more status, and a fancy big auto is even more of a status statement in our society today.
One day we will awaken and the people we will admire most are those who purchase wisely, live simply, and fight for the sustainability of our fragile island home. And, it all may begin with a solitary rider on a bus in your community and mine.
Hooray tomorrow is Earth Day! Maybe I will put in my quarter and ride the bus in celebration like I did twice last month.
--Peter