The automobile, more than anything else, represents the American way of life. No culture comes close to utilizing cars as much as we do. Without the car, our landscapes, physical and virtual would be much different. The car shapes politics, race relations and gender equality, among toher things. Without the car, our suburbs would be much smaller, as would their influence over who gets elected. 'White Flight' would not have been possible without the auto. Women, who still do the majority of child-rearing, in many places cannot live without the cars to ferry kids to and fro, keep track of offspring and otherwise care for their broods (yeah, we're getting medieval here). Fathers buy their daughters cars because they fear for their safety on the bus. And yes, women can work hours in more remote locations they would not be able to without the safety of the automobile. No, I am not blaming women for our car culture, just acknowledging that women still have to fear attacks by men whereever women choose to live or work.
But, (you knew the 'but' was coming), the freedoms that cars give us must be paid for somehow. Automobiles make us more isolated, ruin the environment and contribute to unhealthy lifestyles. Yes, some of us have woken to the damage of our automobile culture, but most speak of finding replacement for fossil fuels rather than replacing the auto as a essential part of our lifes. Remember cars cause much more than air pollution (to which they are the major contributor). Roads destroy natural habitats, runoff from roads and parking lots kill all types of water-based organisms and the sprawl that cars foments further damage.
More and more communities are now aware of the consequences; expect parking to become much more expensive as cities realize how much parking lots really cost. But the majority of Americans remain oblivious to what the car does both to society and the environment. Eventually, however, reality must be seen for what it is. You heard it here first: our current automobile-based lifestyle is unsustainable!
But what are the alternatives? Do only the rich get to drive? How do we replace the present system of distrubution? What about commuting? And yes, how do we ensure the saftey of womem and children? These are all questions better asked and addressed sooner than later. Any suggestions?
3 comments:
One proposal I've seen (although I've never seen it work) is the idea of creating town-communities, where everything you need, from employement, food, etc., can all be found within walking distance. I work in a town that was actually built on that idea -- the town was originally built for the large business that existed here, and was even named after it (although the business is now gone). What's left is this little cookie-cutter artificial neighborhood with restaurants, banks, fitness centers, and everything else you'd need within walking distance.
I think the idea is a good one, but like I said - I've never seen it work effectively. I think the town-community would have to be designed and built by somebody who isn't interested in profiteering from the project...
I agree with you, it's a good idea, but our new god, profit, always seems to get in the way.
If we were to think in the long-term rather than from our current purview, the idea of what is profitable would change.
Reality may have to chnage our minds b4 we can make changes we need.
Now, as much as I abhorb the suburbs, I am now married with two young children, and we drive around a minivan... so I seem to fit right in. Middle class and all.
Incidentally, I live in a little area that's got a neighborhood, a Walmart, a Home Depot, a Safeway grocery store, and a Costco, all within a 15-minute walking distance. As much as I don't like to support large chain stores (especially Walmart), I really do have everything I need... all within a very short radius. I'm mechanically inclined, and I'm thinking about building a pedal-powered buggy that my wife and I could ride around with our family to go to these local stores.
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