Advocacy & Safety - Is "cager" offensive?

Personally, I think anyone who is offended by the word "cager" leads a very, very sheltered life. This is a bike forum, after all, and you should expect some prejudice in favor of cyclists. But some people appear to get really ticked when we use the word.

As I mentioned in another thread, to me it's just shorthand. I use "cager" because it's easier than saying something like, "the people that drive in their cars instead of cycling."

*shrug* To each their own. They can get ticked all they want, won't change my view on it.

For what it's worth, I, too, am a cager. I came to work caged today, instead of riding.

(Were I not willing to use the term on myself, I might see their point.)

Cager is a perfectly good word.

Motorist=someone driving a car.
Cager=someone who dosn't know any better.

But some people appear to get really ticked when we use the word.
"Some people" get even more ticked off at the sloppy use of the word "we" by a few individuals who use it to misrepresent their own opinion as some sort of consensus of a much larger (and undefined) group.

It is not offensive. I've had enough of this crap living in our overly politically correct society. I vote that Mondays become "insult the heck out of each other using non PC phrases day".

Personally I think the term is a bit silly. Something of a poor attempt at clever radical sneering that hasn't really won itself over with me. I'm not offended by it's usage but a little saddened that we, the supposedly enlightened, have reduced ourselves to petty name calling.

I have friends who are cagers.

In just about every self segregating group I've ever been associated with in any fashion, there has always been some sort of term that means "those other idiots that aren't as enlightened as us." Truck drivers refer to stupid "four wheelers," Motorcyclists use the cager term as well, Linux and Apple people like to rag on those that use windows and have various terms for them. In the military you get to rag on civilians and people that were so foolish as to join other branches of the service. It's all about using stereotypes to build up your ego about yourself and your self identified group. Of course in just about every one of those groups most people didn't really give much of a damn one way or the other except maybe to go along with it because it can be a bit funny to do so at times. When I'm driving call me a "cager" if you like. It doesn't particularly offend me, but I do think it a bit funny when people get so emotional about things that they need to resort to such things. When someone is really serious about such things to the point that they are being bigots about whatever group they are talking about (cagers make up several million people in the US), all that I can usually think about that person is "this guy really needs to get a life."

For the purposes of this forum, Cager = Them, while Cyclist = Us.

A name is just a name. If it fits & you are offended by it, change. If it does not fit, it does not apply, and is of no matter.

That's funny. In some of the car forums I participate in, they refer to us as "girly men in tights".

That's funny. In some of the car forums I participate in, they refer to us as "girly men in tights".
I'm ok with that. Puts us right in the same class as football players, who also wear helmets and tights.

I'm ok with that. Puts us right in the same class as football players, who also wear helmets and tights.

Yea but those guys grab and pat each others buttocks.

Yea but those guys grab and pat each others buttocks.
I'll slap yours as I pass, if it will make you happy.

Cager = Moterist??? Why the redundancy, except to insult?

OR

Cager = Moterist who doesn't know better??? How do we know?

Moterists, including myself, make a choices based on our own practical situation. Who am I to say that my choice is better than others, or more justified than others. Simply because we don't find the term offensive isn't suprising, since we are not describing ourselves...

Yea, some of us say "I'm a cager sometimes..." but we use this only in response to a question about the insult, never when we post about other subjects.

I don't particularly get offended at the term, though I try not to use it. Then again, I'm not the one being described by the term either, so my opinion doesn't count. Being that it is a term that is not particularly descriptive and what it does describe is not something anyone would like to be probably indicates that we should use the more descriptive term: "driver" or "moterist." In the end, when a poster uses a derogatory term, it only reflects back to speak of that person's character. I tend to trust people less when they habitually use derogatory terms as a matter of course.

I'll slap yours as I pass, if it will make you happy.

I'm riding a recumbent, that would be a little difficult, as most often I'm the one passing.

Cager = Moterist who doesn't know better??? How do we know?
.

Passing a cyclist with only inches to spare is one clue.
The slurpee cup thrown at a rider is another clue.
The explicitive "******" or "get on the sidewalk" yelled out the window at a rider is another clue.
Complaining about parking, the high price of gas, traffic, Critical Mass, etc. is another clue.
Stating someone is "crazy" to ride their bike on the streets with cars, another clue.
When you tell someone at work that you did a 60 mile ride over the weekend, and they tell you that they "could NEVER do that", even though they are perfectly able-bodied, clue.
If you come to work on your bike, (as you do every day of the year) and there is some rain about, a cager asks "you didn't ride your bike today, did you?" as you strip off your rain gear.

If a cager is found to be riding a bicycle, they are ususally riding the wrong way on the street on a bike that looks like it's been lost in the garage for 25 years, with at least one brake inoperable, (lost license).

Passing a cyclist with only inches to spare is one clue.
The slurpee cup thrown at a rider is another clue.
The explicitive "******" or "get on the sidewalk" yelled out the window at a rider is another clue.
Complaining about parking, the high price of gas, traffic, Critical Mass, etc. is another clue.
Stating someone is "crazy" to ride their bike on the streets with cars, another clue.
When you tell someone at work that you did a 60 mile ride over the weekend, and they tell you that they "could NEVER do that", even though they are perfectly able-bodied, clue.

If a cager is found to be riding a bicycle, they are ususally riding the wrong way on the street on a bike that looks like it's been lost in the garage for 25 years, with a least one brake inoperable, (lost license).

Like I said at the end: use the term as you wish. In these forums, its use is simply a reflection of your own character. I, personally, don't take offense, though I see how someone might.

For me it's a descriptive term, not pejorative. Well, sometimes....

It's an in joke. It makes us us instead of them. We are free. They are stuck in cages.

When I ride in a car (almost never) I'm a cager too. So what's the big deal?

Cager is a perfectly good word.

Motorist=someone driving a car.
Cager=someone who dosn't know any better.

Amen, brother. Two-brew salute! :beer: In my book, a cager is an inattentive and/or aggressive gas addict that gets you killed or damn near it. :mad: I'll keep using it, as in "stupid cager trick". 'Nuff said.

Or would "stupid followers of Clear Channel schlock jock trick" sound better, ILTB? Cager is less of a mouthfull, so like chill out, dude. On the record before you aim the flamethrower at me, you ride on roads that frankly scare the hell out of me. I salute you, sir. May your balls of steel never rust.

In just about every self segregating group I've ever been associated with in any fashion, there has always been some sort of term that means "those other idiots that aren't as enlightened as us."
+1
Although people tend to be too sensitive to lingo nowadays, I think how people choose to express themselves says something about who they are.

A couple posts seem in this thread seem to think anything's justified because of a few bad experiences. Anyone who's been on the roads for long enough will have plenty of stories about things that have happened to them. That still doesn't change the fact that the percentage of motorists that cause problems for cyclists is extremely small.

Fortunately, the cager term is pretty tame. Just for the heck of it, I asked my wife who is not a cycling nut what she thought of the term. She says it makes enough sense and chalked up its use to clubbiness rather than hostility.

. . . Fortunately, the cager term is pretty tame. Just for the heck of it, I asked my wife who is not a cycling nut what she thought of the term. She says it makes enough sense and chalked up its use to clubbiness rather than hostility.
Nicely said.

I don't have a problem with people saying whatever they want, but it just makes the poster sound ignorant, in my opinion. First of all, with a few exceptions, most of us are also motorists. Second, what does "Cager" tell us that can't be said with a more detailed argument. If someone brushed you or called you a "******" then that's descriptive, saying "cager" is an ignorant ad hominin attack. And finally, it's a really unoriginal term, "Those car drivers are stuck in a cage, but I'm free!" But if it makes you happy, Knock yourselves out.

I agree with this part of what you said:



First of all, with a few exceptions, most of us are also motorists. . . .
And finally, it's a really unoriginal term, "Those car drivers are stuck in a cage, but I'm free!" But if it makes you happy, Knock yourselves out.
When I drive, I sometimes feel trapped in a cage. So I think that's fair. But someone a "******" is on an entirely different level. "Cager" has a sense of humor about it that ad hominem attacks don't. Also, it's not really ad hominem because it's lightly jabbing drivers for something they chose to do. Emphasis on the words, "lightly jabbing."

For me it's a descriptive term, not pejorative. Well, sometimes....

It's an in joke. It makes us us instead of them. We are free. They are stuck in cages.

When I ride in a car (almost never) I'm a cager too. So what's the big deal?
How do you feel if some less than enlightened types refer to men of alterntive sexual preferences with various "descriptive terms" that they consider in-joke terms? Is "what's the big deal" your response; do you then listen carefully to their suggestions?

Cager sounds as though it refers to someone who puts someone or something into a cage.

Caged sounds more appropraite for the being in the cage.

Generally, I use the term driver or motorist rather than cager.

I agree with this part of what you said:



When I drive, I sometimes feel trapped in a cage. So I think that's fair. But someone a "******" is on an entirely different level. "Cager" has a sense of humor about it that ad hominem attacks don't. Also, it's not really ad hominem because it's lightly jabbing drivers for something they chose to do. Emphasis on the words, "lightly jabbing."

D.C.

I don't want to take this too seriously, but just because you feel trapped in a cage it's a little wierd to put your stuff onto other people. I would argue that "cager" is an ad-hominem because your making a generalization about someone simply because they drive a car. It's no different than saying stupid liberal, or facist republican.

Cager means motorist?!? And all this time I thought we were talking about old-timey basketball players.

Some off road vehicles have structures that are actually called roll cages. There is nothing inherent offensive or disparaging about this. It's there for protection.

Referring to the body of a car as a protective "cage" is no more offensive or disparaging, nor is referring to one who travels inside such a "cage" as a "cager".

What's the problem?

Some off road vehicles have structures that are actually called roll cages. There is nothing inherent offensive or disparaging about this. It's there for protection.

Referring to the body of a car as a protective "cage" is no more offensive or disparaging, nor is referring to one who travels inside such a "cage" as a "cager".

What's the problem?

HH, I completely agree with you.

*blink, blink*

Huh.

How do you feel if some less than enlightened types refer to men of alterntive sexual preferences with various "descriptive terms" that they consider in-joke terms? Is "what's the big deal" your response; do you then listen carefully to their suggestions?
Dudes who wear tights get these terms directed at them from time to time regardless of actual preference. Anyone who has a "cyclist's build" and wears wraparound shades and an attitude may be called a "freak" or the equivalent once in awhile. This just goes with the territory.

People who feel obliged to call cyclists names literally don't know what they're talking/yelling about so I feel nothing when I encounter them on the roads. I try not to provoke dogs when I'm riding, but I don't feel bad if they don't like me and make a bit of racket.

PC cyclists should recognize that people who call cyclists names are developmentally and socially challenged individuals deserving of compassion. Non PC cyclists can just dismiss them as morons who can simply be ignored.

Dudes who wear tights get these terms directed at them from time to time regardless of actual preference. Anyone who has a "cyclist's build" and wears wraparound shades and an attitude may be called a "freak" or the equivalent once in awhile. This just goes with the territory.

People who feel obliged to call cyclists names literally don't know what they're talking/yelling about so I feel nothing when I encounter them on the roads. I try not to provoke dogs when I'm riding, but I don't feel bad if they don't like me and make a bit of racket.

PC cyclists should recognize that people who call cyclists names are developmentally and socially challenged individuals deserving of compassion. Non PC cyclists can just dismiss them as morons who can simply be ignored.
I think ILTB was referring to the fact that I'm gay and should therefore be especially sensitive. I didn't read his post before you quoted it because he's on my ignore list. :) In fact he IS my ignore list. And he's so wrong on this one that I can't even begin to....

I didn't read his post before you quoted it because he's on my ignore list. :) In fact he IS my ignore list.

To think what you've been missing. ;)

Unless they read this forum, how could they be offended?

Non PC cyclists can just dismiss them as morons who can simply be ignored.
Just like the general public will ignore the advocacy message from morons who insist on addressing them with derisive terminology. Who do you think takes seriously the advocacy message from such morons wrapped up in their smug use of in-house joke terms?

I think ILTB was referring to the fact that I'm gay and should therefore be especially sensitive. I didn't read his post before you quoted it because he's on my ignore list. :) In fact he IS my ignore list. And he's so wrong on this one that I can't even begin to....
Roody is gay? Who wudda thunk it? Makes no difference, anyway. His lock step Vehicular Cycling Proseltyzing will fit in with his buds no matter what their preferences.

I thought "cager" meant "motorist".

These forums need a dictionary.

jw

I'm a roadie with all the funny looking gear.
I'm a mountain biker.
I'm a commuter on a $5 beater with street clothes.
I'm a cager.

It really does not matter to me. I hope no one takes offense to being called a cager. I don't.

There is going to be ice on the ground tomorrow I think, and I'm going for a ride on it. And .....I hope to have pictures for Roody about riding on the ice. Hopefully the small lakes will be freezing over in his neck of the woods soon. That's important ! :)

I use the term "cager" not to mean motorist, but to mean someone stuck in the car-culture mindset. I mean it to be insulting, it is a value judgement.

I use the term "cager" not to mean motorist, but to mean someone stuck in the car-culture mindset. I mean it to be insulting, it is a value judgement.

At least you are honest. It seems to me the term was designed to be an insult.

At least you are honest. It seems to me the term was designed to be an insult.

Yes, it probably was. While I don't go out of my way to be offensives, I have no problems with it either. I'm an honest and blunt person, and would rather others be honest with me. (Since others have already gone there in this thread:) I'd rather be called "***" than get barely civil (but disapproving) politeness from someone. I like to know exactly where I stand. I don't personally care if I am "accepted" or "tolerated", as long as people stay out of my way.

What's puzzling about all this, to me, is that I get along with most people and I have often been described as "nice". I can be abrasive, hard to work with, and a real ***** in the morning, but people still seem to like me. Either I balance things better than I think, or I need to be less oblivious.

Is the term "cager" offensive?

I'm sure it is to some.

Now ask me if I care.

The terms I like to use are "motorist" for the driver of a vehicle, the vast majority of which seem to be knowledgable and well adjusted people, and "Moron Cager," said as a first and last name, reserved for the clueless, lost and stupid. They deserve this name. I used to use simply "cager," but decided that wasn't an accurate term to describe the antics of some, and maybe not sensitve to the feelings of the majority of drivers who seem to have no problem sharing the road with other vehicle types.

Granted that every group has that bottom 10%, but to me, "Moron Cager" is an accurate description of the bottom 10% of people that drive motor vehicles.

...That still doesn't change the fact that the percentage of motorists that cause problems for cyclists is extremely small...

I want to live where you live. It's a good day when I only run into 0-4 bad drivers who try to get me off the road. A nomal day is about 5-6. Ride Safe!

Super Geek

I'm a roadie with all the funny looking gear.
I'm a mountain biker.
I'm a commuter on a $5 beater with street clothes.
I'm a cager.

It really does not matter to me. I hope no one takes offense to being called a cager. I don't.

There is going to be ice on the ground tomorrow I think, and I'm going for a ride on it. And .....I hope to have pictures for Roody about riding on the ice. Hopefully the small lakes will be freezing over in his neck of the woods soon. That's important ! :)
You have your priorities right and your ducks lined up as a rider, dude.

But maybe not the greatest weather forecaster? I'm about ready to give up hope that there will ever be safe ice this year, even on the small lakes. The cagers are loving this weather, but us outdoor nuts are getting squirrely! :):):)

I want to live where you live. It's a good day when I only run into 0-4 bad drivers who try to get me off the road. A nomal day is about 5-6. Ride Safe!

Super Geek
OK but out of how many total cagers? Probably thousands? So the ratio of moron cagers to regular cagers is still pretty low. I mean we joke and we gripe, but most of them are OK. There's a couple times I did something stupid and an alert cager saved my bacon!

I use the term "cager" not to mean motorist, but to mean someone stuck in the car-culture mindset. I mean it to be insulting, it is a value judgement.
You know, you have a good point. When I talk on this forum I use the term cager in a non-evaluative manner. But when I talk to you and others of our orientation*, I often do mean it in as a putdown.




*Haha! Gotcha! When I said "orientation" i meant carfree orientation, not sexual orientation! :lol:

How do you feel if some less than enlightened types refer to men of alterntive sexual preferences with various "descriptive terms" that they consider in-joke terms? Is "what's the big deal" your response; do you then listen carefully to their suggestions?

I agree it's just another word...but to your point: http://www.bikeforums.net/showpost.php?p=1994493&postcount=7
If it's ok to use cager to describe motorists, then it must also be ok to use ghey, gay or some other derivative to describe roadie kit, right? :eek:

Cycling is so cool. Where else can a straight man wear crotch-enhancing tights and a clingy pink jersey, shave his legs, have an eating disorder, and luh-ove the feel of a hard saddle between his legs?

Cycling is so cool. Where else can a straight man wear crotch-enhancing tights and a clingy pink jersey, shave his legs, have an eating disorder, and luh-ove the feel of a hard saddle between his legs?

I take offense to that...I don't shave my legs, but I have been told that I look pretty in pink! :p

meh, i think it's stupid. but it's a free interweb.

meh, i think it's stupid. but it's a free interweb.

Free? Then this word - ****** - should NOT be all astericks, right?