I Hate Cars!

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  • You sound like me.

    I too have car-related phobias. The mere idea of driving in my country scares me. I worry about neurological issues potentially coming into plan if I ever tried to drive. At this point, I think that if were to ever drive, that I would be potential hazard not just to myself but to other lifeforms as well. I really don't think it would be wise for anyone with this type of phobia to get behind a wheel without first taking care of this issue.

    America seems to have this bizarre mentality about cars and learning how to drive. It is a mentality that I don't ever recall experiencing when I've been in other countries. For whatever reason, America is seems to be more oriented around cars and less friendly towards other forms of transportation. If you don't want to drive, can't drive, or don't have a car, society often views you very negatively. I wonder if this mentality can be traced back to the Industrial movement,,,

    When I turned 16, there was an overwhelming pressure on me to get my driver's license. I didn't and I got treated strangely for it. I remember texting a friend about this. Upon hearing that I had no intention of getting my driver's license, she was shocked. She even asked me how I was going to get around if I didn't know how to drive. This mentality/culture seems to have created very stupid individuals. How could a person forget about bicycling, public transportation or even the classic walking?

    I used to go get my hair done at a salon where I had known most of the people ever since I was a child. Periodically, they would ask if I had any intention of getting my license. My answer was always centered around "No." They would act strangely. Their behavior was reminiscent of "Bend It Like Beckham", minus the anger. ("You've brought shame to our shop, Spenvinder!")

    At 17, I was sometimes relentlessly nagged about it, but I still didn't get it.

    I was told not that long ago, that this year I was going to get my license, have a job, and buy a car. It is a little shocking. Not only is having a car a huge financial burden, but this mentality is extremely unrealistic.

    Ever been to Europe? Over there the mentality is completely different. Many people own bicycles or walk. Fitness seems to be promoted. The only place that I can think of here that non-car friendly is NYC. Then again, there are people there who own cars and are willing to pay astronomical parking fees. It's strange.

    Even though there's apparently a growing number of young people who are doing this, for the most part, there is still a strong stigma that exists. Cars still serve the materialism belief.

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    • You're not the only one hun, I get that a lot too. "Why don't you get your license? You'll have so much more freedom and you can- blah blah freakin blah!" UGH! >.< Like, no matter how many times I've said it; I hate cars, I hate car culture, I have absolutely NO desire to own a car or even drive one, people continue to pester me about it. Just stfu and leave me alone already! You would think that these people would want LESS people driving on the street. Wouldn't that make more logical sense? That way there'd be less traffic jams. But no. *sigh* I don't understand this mentality either... :/

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      • Silly me in thinking that eventually they would stop. I recently turned 20, and this is pretty much all I hear. And, the prestige of having a car over logic, like whether or not I could afford a car (I can't. I don't particularly fancy taking out a loan for one either.), isn't even taken into an account. Nor, is my personal preference.

        I'm picky. I don't like these new cars. I think they're so ugly. I would never want to own one of them. My dream car is so old, that it's extremely rare and I don't think the manufacturer even exists anymore. Why should I have to settle for a car I wouldn't like?

        The other thing that really concerns me is how distracted I tend to get when I'm in cars. It's not uncommon for me to get so deep in thought that I tune out everything around me. This is so potentially dangerous! I couldn't trust myself not to do this while driving.

        I brought this up to a relative who's really gungho about me driving. She told me that it was because I'm a passenger. As a passenger I'm allowed to do this, but as a driver, I wouldn't do this because I wouldn't be allowed to. This and that I didn't know that this would happen if I drove.

        This doesn't make any sense!!! I refuse to risk being a danger to others and myself. Honestly, I think that I could fair better with a motorcycle. Its openness doesn't allow for disconnecting, unlike a closed car. It's so much more direct. I hope that makes sense.

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        • No way hun! Motorcycles are way more dangerous than cars! Sure, I despise cars and all, but at least they possess a lot more safety precautions; seat belts, airbags etc. But on a motorcycle, there are literally zero precautions. It's just your butt on an open saddle going over 60mph. XD If you crash, that's it. You'll go flying and end up either dead or crippled. :/ I'd rather just walk or ride a bike, at least then you're free to let your mind wander. ;)

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    • the problem is most of the US is made to cars, with little to no public transportation, Its cause how cheap fuel was for so long after WWII that we have such lazy and poor infrastructure

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