What People Say
#76
www.ocrebels.com
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I've worked in the bicycle industry pretty much all my life and it's surprising to me how few people (co-workers) commuted to and from work by bicycle. Regardless, everyone was okay with it, happy that I did it, not surprised or derisive.
Even in the one pre-bike industry job I had (drafting for the phone company in the 70's) I was the only one who rode a bike to work but still, everyone was fine with it; no worries, no hassle. I guess I've just been lucky/fortunate. Even now, when drivers say something to me, it's usually positive or at least not hostile.
Last week on the way to work (5:15AM) I heard (from a man in a black Mustang convertible) "Man, you're lit up like a Christmas Tree. No one can say they didn't see you!"
Rick / OCRR
Even in the one pre-bike industry job I had (drafting for the phone company in the 70's) I was the only one who rode a bike to work but still, everyone was fine with it; no worries, no hassle. I guess I've just been lucky/fortunate. Even now, when drivers say something to me, it's usually positive or at least not hostile.
Last week on the way to work (5:15AM) I heard (from a man in a black Mustang convertible) "Man, you're lit up like a Christmas Tree. No one can say they didn't see you!"
Rick / OCRR
#77
Senior Member
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It's interesting to me how many people in this thread and others like it are quick to point out that they could buy a car if they wanted to and how offended they get if people mistake them for a needy person. They want to avoid the stigma of being poor at all costs. This is a reaction to the shameful phenomenon of poor shaming.
#78
aka Tom Reingold
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Wow, that's a good check for me. I probably am too class conscious.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#79
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I am poor. And from what I see from everyone I know is cars suck up money. The amount of cash I would spend for the convenience of it is too much . I honestly couldn't afford a car. I'm fine with that cause I don't desire one. I've considered getting a motorcycle for long distances, and to carry a passenger. They cost far less, the insurance is lower, and they are good on gas so It would be a low environmental impact compared to buying a car.
#80
Newbie
Young girl: mommy, why's the uncle riding a bicycle with all those bags?
Mother: its a feature of midlife crises in males, my dear.
Young girl: Huh?
Mother: You will understand when you are older.....
Mother: its a feature of midlife crises in males, my dear.
Young girl: Huh?
Mother: You will understand when you are older.....
#81
C*pt*i* Obvious
Addicting Info ? Let?s Talk About Poor Shaming, And Why It Isn?t Okay
If you use money, you are part of the class system.
Everything you own, and most of what you do has a monetary value attached to it.
Honesty is not well rewarded.
Don't worry, with enough work, you too can get a nice shiny ring for your partner. https://shanghaiist.com/2014/12/19/sc...amond-ring.php
If you use money, you are part of the class system.
Everything you own, and most of what you do has a monetary value attached to it.
Honesty is not well rewarded.
Don't worry, with enough work, you too can get a nice shiny ring for your partner. https://shanghaiist.com/2014/12/19/sc...amond-ring.php
Last edited by SHBR; 12-21-14 at 04:40 AM.
#85
one life on two wheels
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+1.
It's interesting to me how many people in this thread and others like it are quick to point out that they could buy a car if they wanted to and how offended they get if people mistake them for a needy person. They want to avoid the stigma of being poor at all costs. This is a reaction to the shameful phenomenon of poor shaming.
It's interesting to me how many people in this thread and others like it are quick to point out that they could buy a car if they wanted to and how offended they get if people mistake them for a needy person. They want to avoid the stigma of being poor at all costs. This is a reaction to the shameful phenomenon of poor shaming.
The assumption that one's choice of being car free is not a choice at all, but a circumstance, is simply not true for many of the commuters here. There's nothing shameful about being poor, but if you're not poor and folks assume you are on a bike because you are poor, it's also not shameful to correct them.
#87
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+1.
It's interesting to me how many people in this thread and others like it are quick to point out that they could buy a car if they wanted to and how offended they get if people mistake them for a needy person. They want to avoid the stigma of being poor at all costs. This is a reaction to the shameful phenomenon of poor shaming.
It's interesting to me how many people in this thread and others like it are quick to point out that they could buy a car if they wanted to and how offended they get if people mistake them for a needy person. They want to avoid the stigma of being poor at all costs. This is a reaction to the shameful phenomenon of poor shaming.
And "People [are likely to] say" a lot of things about drama queens who do espouse/display such attitude in public places.
Last edited by I-Like-To-Bike; 12-21-14 at 11:52 AM.
#88
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#89
genec
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When I worked at Zenith Data Systems in St Joseph MI, I thought myself lucky to get an apartment in a complex *literally* next door. There was a fence separating the parking lots of ZDS and the apartments, with an open gate between the two. It was really cool being able to just walk home for lunch!
A woman I worked with lived in the same complex. Every morning she went out to her car, started it, drove it through the gate, then parked it again about 150' from where she had started. Yes, she was obese.
A woman I worked with lived in the same complex. Every morning she went out to her car, started it, drove it through the gate, then parked it again about 150' from where she had started. Yes, she was obese.
#90
genec
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+1.
It's interesting to me how many people in this thread and others like it are quick to point out that they could buy a car if they wanted to and how offended they get if people mistake them for a needy person. They want to avoid the stigma of being poor at all costs. This is a reaction to the shameful phenomenon of poor shaming.
It's interesting to me how many people in this thread and others like it are quick to point out that they could buy a car if they wanted to and how offended they get if people mistake them for a needy person. They want to avoid the stigma of being poor at all costs. This is a reaction to the shameful phenomenon of poor shaming.
This IS a consumer society... and at times one may be challenged about their "worth" due to their lack of certain possessions... I know, it's so weird, but it happens. Why in the heck do we go through the whole "fancy car" thing (it's just transportation...) when attempting to impress future potential mates.
Try dating a woman while being "car free." Talk about raising eyebrows. No, it shouldn't be that way... but this is America... and to most people, life is all about the bottom line. Go figure.
#91
genec
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#92
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Well keep in mind that we live in a society in which one is often judged by their possessions. Some folks wear hyper expensive wrist watches even though their cell phone provides dramatically better timekeeping. Car companies constantly drone on about your worth and how one must simply own a luxury car...
This IS a consumer society... and at times one may be challenged about their "worth" due to their lack of certain possessions... I know, it's so weird, but it happens. Why in the heck do we go through the whole "fancy car" thing (it's just transportation...) when attempting to impress future potential mates.
Try dating a woman while being "car free." Talk about raising eyebrows. No, it shouldn't be that way... but this is America... and to most people, life is all about the bottom line. Go figure.
This IS a consumer society... and at times one may be challenged about their "worth" due to their lack of certain possessions... I know, it's so weird, but it happens. Why in the heck do we go through the whole "fancy car" thing (it's just transportation...) when attempting to impress future potential mates.
Try dating a woman while being "car free." Talk about raising eyebrows. No, it shouldn't be that way... but this is America... and to most people, life is all about the bottom line. Go figure.
Last edited by Ekdog; 12-21-14 at 02:41 PM.
#93
genec
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I know. I was born in the States and lived there up until the late 1980s. Back then there were still folks around who weren't involved in conspicuous consumption and didn't judge their fellow human beings by the cars they drove or the watches they wore. I assumed there were still a few American left who shared those values, but I could be wrong.
Try not to judge them by their appearance.
#95
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No, this is:
"Why in the heck do we go through the whole "fancy car" thing (it's just transportation...) when attempting to impress future potential mates."
or this:
"No doubt those folks you mentioned [folks around who weren't involved in conspicuous consumption and didn't judge their fellow human beings by the cars they drove or the watches they wore] DO still exist... they are just few and far between... and may have long hair, and greasy clothes, and ride bikes."
But if you and Ekdog and some others have a good time fist bumping, chest thumping and otherwise boasting about your humility as evidenced by riding a bike, enjoy and Merry Christmas to all!
"Why in the heck do we go through the whole "fancy car" thing (it's just transportation...) when attempting to impress future potential mates."
or this:
"No doubt those folks you mentioned [folks around who weren't involved in conspicuous consumption and didn't judge their fellow human beings by the cars they drove or the watches they wore] DO still exist... they are just few and far between... and may have long hair, and greasy clothes, and ride bikes."
But if you and Ekdog and some others have a good time fist bumping, chest thumping and otherwise boasting about your humility as evidenced by riding a bike, enjoy and Merry Christmas to all!
#96
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#97
Banned
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I am sure that non-cyclists judge us cyclists by the way we the cyclist dress. A guy riding an old beat up MTB wearing jeans and dark hoody is looked upon as some "looser" who probably has a DUI and has no choice but to ride his bike for transportation, but a guy riding a road racing bike wearing his fancy spandex cycling kit is considered a rich and successful person who is just riding for sport.
#98
witty remark goes here
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My boss asked me the other day, "Do we need to start a car fund for you?"
#99
genec
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Judging by appearance is as old as civilization and it's deeply ingrained in human nature.
I am sure that non-cyclists judge us cyclists by the way we the cyclist dress. A guy riding an old beat up MTB wearing jeans and dark hoody is looked upon as some "looser" who probably has a DUI and has no choice but to ride his bike for transportation, but a guy riding a road racing bike wearing his fancy spandex cycling kit is considered a rich and successful person who is just riding for sport.
I am sure that non-cyclists judge us cyclists by the way we the cyclist dress. A guy riding an old beat up MTB wearing jeans and dark hoody is looked upon as some "looser" who probably has a DUI and has no choice but to ride his bike for transportation, but a guy riding a road racing bike wearing his fancy spandex cycling kit is considered a rich and successful person who is just riding for sport.