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

[greg at isoia.com]

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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