I pretty much have to ride without brakes. I mean...I am a white male in my early to mid twenties with tattoos who lives in a city. What choice do I have if I want to fit in with everyone else exactly like me?
It is the same reason I don't wear a helmet, talk about zen without ever researching Buddhism, and think installing bullhorns is the end-all of bike accessories.
It sucks not having an ounce of originality, but what choice do I have?