Originally Posted by kefin
I saw a 60 Minutes show where they profiled this French guy who was trained as an anthropologist but now lives in the U.S. as a high-price consultant to help companies develop ad campaigns by analyzing people's perceptions about certain products. One of the interesting things they said in the show was that this guy, through working with a lot of focus groups and such, has reduced the most important feeling Americans have about SUV's: These cars are not about speed, security, roominess, carrying capacity, etc. It's about power, and not just any power, but domination! They were specifically talking about the Hummer, but I think that "primal code" is there behind many people's gut feelings about owning SUV's.
I think it's just a bit rediculous to come to this stereotype. If you go to France, there are almost no SUVs. Does this mean most are submissive there? No, it just means the roads are narrow and gas is prohibitively expensive.
From my own experience, one of the most aggressive drivers towards cyclists is a fat guy in a Lexus (Lexus or other luxury sedans). My own working theory is the fat guy in a Lexus is mad and frustrated because:
1) He is perceived as fat and lazy (which is true) and thus has reached a dead end in his career.
2) His wife perceives him as fat and lazy (which is true) and won't have sex with him.
3) He's pissed at seeing guys in better shape getting promoted before him because they are perceived as hard workers (which is true).
If you see a fat guy in a Lexus, watch out mon frere. They will smash you flatter than day old beer if they get the chance.