What a Car Enthusiast Looks Like to Everyone Else

Kinja'd!!! "Ian Duer (320b)" (320b)
11/14/2013 at 17:20 • Filed to: humor

Kinja'd!!!406 Kinja'd!!! 100

I used to take it as a given that an interest in vehicles inherently made sense. People were either into cars or they were not. I assumed that even someone who wasn't into cars understood the fascination, even if they didn't share it. When I took the time to really look at the world around me, I had a realization. I. WAS. WRONG.

To understand how a car enthusiast must look to anyone else, I needed an angle. I initially thought of using the perspective of a "car hating Millennial," which seems to be a popular bogey-man. There were problems with this. For one, no one seems to agree on what a Millennial actually is or if they really all hate cars. Secondly, I wasn't looking for an antagonistic perspective. Instead, I decided to work from the mindset of someone who views cars as another appliance, like a washing machine. Frightening.

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[Enter Steve, Washing Machine Enthusiast]

The other day, I was visiting Steve. I'd overheard him at work, talking to other wash-heads. I was mildly curious about the hobby, I'd known some people who were into it, so I decided to bring up the subject. Steve perked up immediately and asked if I wanted to see his laundry room. I can say this: my laundry room is simply a place for my washing machine, his was something wholly other. All over the place were posters of professional washers, and vintage metal signs advertising long gone brands of soap and fabric softener. On the wall was a peg board with little silhouettes so that things like irons and detergent bottles always went back in the right place. He also had a collection of tools, some of which were familiar and some that I couldn't imagine the purpose of. In the corner were many boxes which seemed to be full of vintage washing machine parts. Most shockingly, in contrast to my laundry room, he had not one but FOUR washing machines.

"Why the other three when you have that one?" I was referring to the newest of the four. I'd seen advertisements for it and I was pretty sure it could easily do anything the others could.

"Oh, that one. Never use it." He goes on to explain that his wife picked it out for when she has to wash clothes. "Given the choice," he continues, "I'd have skipped the purchase, but she says mine are too complicated and touchy." He then motions proudly to the other three. "These are mine!"

I'm a bit confused by what I'm seeing. All three machines have all sorts of esoteric levers, switches and gauges that seem outdated and out of place even on these machines. All of them are at least a few years older than I'd expect someone "into" washing machines to care about. "Er. What does this lever do?" I'm sort of embarrassed to ask, but how else will I learn anything.

"That one engages the linkage between the wash drum and the motor." The tone of voice he uses suggests I have asked a profoundly stupid question.

"Why you want to do that? I'm pretty sure my does that on it's own." I'm sort of confused at this point.

He looks at me as if I've grown a second head. "Well I suppose if you've never tried it wouldn't make sense. Let me tell you, once you get the hang of it you gain a fine control of the exact engagement point that is far better and smoother than those automatic linkage systems. More efficient too."

"Wait just a second," I reply. "I'm pretty sure when I was purchasing my last machine the automatic drum linkage was actually slightly more efficient than the manual version."

"Lies," he insists. "Those numbers only reflect the EPA tests. I've monitored my own usage quite carefully and I always manage to exceed the estimate. Well, I suppose that's only when I'm not washing spiritedly, but when I want to I can get better efficiency."

Over the course of this tour I find out that he has three machines because, he says, they all offer distinct washing experiences. The newest, is what he calls his weekly-washer. It's a strange pale orange color. I swear last time that color was popular had to be at least a decade ago. Compared to the others it's the most boring, but it's also the toughest and the most easily replaceable. Next comes the very loud green unit. This is apparently the "fun" washer, it has a larger motor, upgraded stabilizers, and tons more done to it. "Spins 20% faster than when it left the factory," he announces triumphantly. The last one, I learn, doesn't work. He's restoring it and upgrading certain components along the way. I'm told that good examples are too rare and too expensive but that he always wanted one.

Apparently, all three washing machines have a bottom mounted drive attached to the wash drum, while most modern washing machines (like his wife's) have side mounted drive. I had thought side mounted was better, even though I rarely consider it at all. He informs me that it was all clever advertising to hide the fact that they were cheaper to manufacture that way. I then ask about models with dual drive that have both bottom and side. Once again I am apparently wrong; Steve says those dual drive machines lack soul, and detergent is far more important than extra driven parts.

Steve often washes clothes that are already clean because it helps him relax. I can kind of understand that. Sometimes a load of towels is kind of meditative for me because it requires almost zero effort and lets my mind wander. This, I am told, is not what he meant. For some reason he picks the most technical garments he can find to wash, because it requires full attention and really lets him test out the capabilities of his machines.

I learn about washing machine shows. Steve apparently hates something called the "Pantz" movement. These guys modify the stabilizers because it makes the machine look "cool" somehow. I'm told the result is a machine that can only be operated on the gentle cycle. "These guys are ruining otherwise good machines," he says. Honestly I remember most of those models from high-school. I never thought they were very impressive, but I don't tell him that.

At this point my brain is overflowing with technical jargon and details I once considered irrelevant. My head is spinning faster than the drum in the strange olive green number which he fired up so I could see it in action. Now that I look at it, I notice it has a bulge molded into the access panel to allow clearance for a larger motor. The obnoxious whine it emits does nothing for me, and it looks kind of silly. In short. I just don't get it.

I resolve never to bring up the subject again to him. I may, however, ask him for advice next time I buy a washing machine. I probably won't follow it.


DISCUSSION (100)


Kinja'd!!! ddavidn > Ian Duer (320b)
11/14/2013 at 17:24

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This is fantastic.


Kinja'd!!! Ian Duer (320b) > ddavidn
11/14/2013 at 17:25

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Thanks. I was a bit worried it wouldn't be as funny written down as it was in my head.


Kinja'd!!! ddavidn > Ian Duer (320b)
11/14/2013 at 17:25

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It was funny, but actually taught me something, which was more amazing to me.


Kinja'd!!! Mason-Dixon > Ian Duer (320b)
11/14/2013 at 17:27

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Holy shit, this is some literary gold. Well-written, entertaining, and eye-opening: 3 thumbs up!


Kinja'd!!! Ian Duer (320b) > ddavidn
11/14/2013 at 17:27

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Yeah it was kind of shocking when I thought of it in those terms. But now I can laugh about my hobby, and how silly it must look to some people.


Kinja'd!!! webmonkees > Ian Duer (320b)
11/14/2013 at 17:28

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my vintage '78 model Kennmores were built in the US back when 'durable goods' meant something. I modded it with a 220 line on dual heater coils for quicker wet-dry times. These things these days with the eco-this and that, what not. They'll be in the junk yard in 10 years.


Kinja'd!!! AMC/Renauledge > Ian Duer (320b)
11/14/2013 at 17:28

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Kinja'd!!! Ian Duer (320b) > webmonkees
11/14/2013 at 17:30

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Quicker wet-dry times? Oh you're one of those dryer guys. No thanks. Not my thing. I prefer washers.


Kinja'd!!! Someone Else's Projects > Ian Duer (320b)
11/14/2013 at 17:31

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Harsh, but mostly fair. Also frightening because of that.


Kinja'd!!! Tyler's SVT Focus Hates Him > Ian Duer (320b)
11/14/2013 at 17:34

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This is fucking brilliant. And scary. Is this what we actually sound like?


Kinja'd!!! Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > Ian Duer (320b)
11/14/2013 at 17:34

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Kinja'd!!! webmonkees > Ian Duer (320b)
11/14/2013 at 17:36

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It improves the long-term value to have the matching-numbers drier. That's why I modded just it, the washer is stock factory. I know, there's those Rope And Tree people, but let's see how they do this winter.


Kinja'd!!! Bob Loblaw Made Me Make a Phoney Phone Call to Edward Rooney > Ian Duer (320b)
11/14/2013 at 17:36

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Absolutely brilliant, dude.


Kinja'd!!! Ian Duer (320b) > Tyler's SVT Focus Hates Him
11/14/2013 at 17:37

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As far as I can image. Yes. Every once in a while I forget to curb my enthusiasm and go on too long about cars when talking to non-car-people. I then notice the glazed look in peoples' eyes and feel bad.


Kinja'd!!! Crocket Bernet > Ian Duer (320b)
11/14/2013 at 17:39

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Bravo. Bravo good sir.


Kinja'd!!! Tyler's SVT Focus Hates Him > Ian Duer (320b)
11/14/2013 at 17:40

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Lol I know the feel. You feel like such a nerd prattling on about them, especially when people have no idea what you're talking about.


Kinja'd!!! Velocity- Peuguette Connoisseur > Ian Duer (320b)
11/14/2013 at 17:42

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Oh god so this is why my friend always just leaves when I go on about cars. Heh.


Kinja'd!!! matt > Ian Duer (320b)
11/14/2013 at 17:43

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This needs to be on the FP


Kinja'd!!! Nick drives Stick (not Stig) > Ian Duer (320b)
11/14/2013 at 17:44

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Thanks... Really puts my passion into perspective! And very entertaining!


Kinja'd!!! Gamecat235 > Ian Duer (320b)
11/14/2013 at 17:44

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Brilliant!


Kinja'd!!! Ian Duer (320b) > matt
11/14/2013 at 17:44

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Thanks. No idea how that happens. Been reading the site for a while, commenting for a shorter time than that, and this is my first submission.


Kinja'd!!! ddavidn > Ian Duer (320b)
11/14/2013 at 17:45

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Yeah, problem is that now I kinda want those old soap signs and a retro washing machine with manual linkage.

How do I contact Steve...


Kinja'd!!! BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires > Ian Duer (320b)
11/14/2013 at 17:45

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Holy jesus christ. That's brilliant :)


Kinja'd!!! Ian Duer (320b) > ddavidn
11/14/2013 at 17:46

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Might be long distance. Haven't priced calls to imaginationland in a while


Kinja'd!!! webmonkees > Ian Duer (320b)
11/14/2013 at 17:47

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Oh yes, I did enjoy the article. I was just being in character. :)


Kinja'd!!! Takuro Spirit > Ian Duer (320b)
11/14/2013 at 17:48

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Anyone else LOL at the "Pantz" movement?

I did.

Bravo, sir, good work. At the end I was starting to understand the guy's obsession with washing machines though. But that's kind of the point, isn't it?


Kinja'd!!! Ian Duer (320b) > webmonkees
11/14/2013 at 17:49

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I figured a few people would get into the spirit of it because of the way it was written and perhaps reply in character.


Kinja'd!!! Ian Duer (320b) > Takuro Spirit
11/14/2013 at 17:51

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Absolutely the point. It closely mirrors reasons that I, and a lot of car people say they are into cars.


Kinja'd!!! Gamecat235 > Ian Duer (320b)
11/14/2013 at 17:51

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Change your picture to something like this. Do it now while the iron is hot.

(full size: link )


Kinja'd!!! Ian Duer (320b) > Gamecat235
11/14/2013 at 17:52

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Thanks for the tip.


Kinja'd!!! Vizzini > Ian Duer (320b)
11/14/2013 at 17:54

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Wow, this is good. Demented and sad, but good.

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Am I the only one who tried to figure out what car make/model corresponded to each washing machine?


Kinja'd!!! Chase > Ian Duer (320b)
11/14/2013 at 17:55

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so thats what we sound like? huh.

excellent post by the way :)


Kinja'd!!! lucky's pepper > Ian Duer (320b)
11/14/2013 at 17:55

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You win! That was genius.


Kinja'd!!! Ian Duer (320b) > Vizzini
11/14/2013 at 17:56

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Probably not.


Kinja'd!!! gmctavish needs more space > Ian Duer (320b)
11/14/2013 at 17:57

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Kinja'd!!! RMudkips > Ian Duer (320b)
11/14/2013 at 17:57

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I guess that's why I don't get invited to parties.


Kinja'd!!! desertdog5051 > Ian Duer (320b)
11/14/2013 at 17:58

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Loved it.


Kinja'd!!! matt > Ian Duer (320b)
11/14/2013 at 17:59

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I think one if the writers promotes it, I'm not sure though.


Kinja'd!!! MtrRider Just Wants Doritos > Ian Duer (320b)
11/14/2013 at 18:00

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I've done this. I feel bad about pounding peoples heads with car facts when they clearly are just standing there uncomfortably waiting for an opportunity to change the subject.


Kinja'd!!! BoxerFanatic, troublesome iconoclast. > Ian Duer (320b)
11/14/2013 at 18:00

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Best article I have read in some time.

Kudos and thanks.

-recommended.


Kinja'd!!! Gamecat235 > Ian Duer (320b)
11/14/2013 at 18:01

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It's the format (sideways) that is important in this format. It needs to be semi-large as well. (It just looks better) as you can currently see in the preview on Oppo.


Kinja'd!!! MtrRider Just Wants Doritos > Ian Duer (320b)
11/14/2013 at 18:03

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This is one of the best things I've read in a while. You, sir, are brilliant. I hope it makes the front page because it deserves to be seen.


Kinja'd!!! Gamecat235 > matt
11/14/2013 at 18:03

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It requires one of the authors from the FP (i.e. the jalopnik staff) to share it to the front page.

And I agree this is FP material. Very well done.


Kinja'd!!! Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > RMudkips
11/14/2013 at 18:13

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Speaking of, my friends and I once went to a party that turned out to be hipster as fuck. So, we're out on the front porch and over hear a conversation about top hats. This was the last straw and we left, on our way to the Crown Vic that I drove us in I had an idea.

I cranked up the volume and blasted "America Fuck Yeah" and peeled out. The Crown Vic had flomasters on it, so V8 plus America gave us the biggest look of disgust from the top hat people. We had proved our point, and were in tears from laughter.


Kinja'd!!! candyfobreakfast > Ian Duer (320b)
11/14/2013 at 18:16

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Very well written, but there's a major problem with it. I'm going to go off of two of your points to explain it:

1. Car enthusiasts are the fringe by referring to other people as "everyone else".

2. Car enthusiasts are weird because washing machine enthusiasts are weird.

First, if something that is weird becomes common it becomes normal. There may have been a point in time where being a car enthusiast was considered weird, like a washing machine enthusiast now would be; but the problem is that there are TONS of us in this day and age (granted, not all are jalop-type enthusiasts). Around half of all the guys I know are car enthusiasts, and maybe 1/10 of the girls. On the other hand, washing machine enthusiasts are few far and in between.

Car enthusiasts do not truly seem like this because we are not part of the fringe, we are a large part of the crowd or "everyone else". A washing machine enthusiast absolutely does seem like this though because they are part of the fringe.


Kinja'd!!! D > Ian Duer (320b)
11/14/2013 at 18:18

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Truly splendid writing. Fantastic humor on the surface, genuine perspective and thought-provoking content just beneath it.


Kinja'd!!! langadamd > Ian Duer (320b)
11/14/2013 at 18:19

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This. Is. Awesome.

Kinja'd!!!


Kinja'd!!! I Like Corollas > Ian Duer (320b)
11/14/2013 at 18:25

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Awesome read sir.


Kinja'd!!! Gamecat235 > Ian Duer (320b)
11/14/2013 at 18:38

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Go take a look at http://gamecat235.kinja.com/ for a moment. And then dismiss this comment. You'll see why the formatting is important. BTW. I will delete those posts. They are only on my blog just so you can see what it looks like when they are there.


Kinja'd!!! RMudkips > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire
11/14/2013 at 18:57

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Okay, being that guy is much better than being invited.


Kinja'd!!! Straightsix9904 > Ian Duer (320b)
11/14/2013 at 19:01

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Dumbest article ever, you talk about all these old machines and you put a picture of a new one. I have that machine, it does EVERYTHING without any input from me. It even sings a song at the end of the wash cycle.

Also, it is a high efficiency washer, and RED....that is just cruising for a ticket.

One question...why are we talking about washing machines...I'm totally confused.


Kinja'd!!! Ian Duer (320b) > Gamecat235
11/14/2013 at 19:04

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I'll have to change it when i get home. Can't do much from mobile... posted the article before I left. Had no idea the response would be so immediate and large.


Kinja'd!!! Gamecat235 > Ian Duer (320b)
11/14/2013 at 19:06

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No worries. I just wanted to show you the different formats and how they look. This was a great article.


Kinja'd!!! Ian Duer (320b) > Straightsix9904
11/14/2013 at 19:06

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Must be a hybrid model.


Kinja'd!!! Ian Duer (320b) > candyfobreakfast
11/14/2013 at 19:17

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I would counter that with: The point was to imagine an alternate universe where washing machine enthusiasm was a thing. Also, non auto enthusiasts I showed it to pretty much agreed it sounds the same to them. If toyota sales of late don't show than most people think of cars as appliances I don't know what does. P.s. "Steve" is fictional.


Kinja'd!!! Andy Sheehan, StreetsideStig > Takuro Spirit
11/14/2013 at 19:28

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Yeah, I lost it at Pantz.

And now I kindof want to mod a washing machine.


Kinja'd!!! HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Vizzini
11/14/2013 at 19:33

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The wife's washer is probly either a Camry, or Escape. The orange on is a 70's 911, the green one is a Challenger, and the oldest non functional one is something British. lol


Kinja'd!!! HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles
11/14/2013 at 19:48

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Actually no. The orange one is reliable so it can't be my first guess,... must be a Volvo 240 Turbo.


Kinja'd!!! oldirtybootz > Ian Duer (320b)
11/14/2013 at 19:52

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This is amazing. Kudos for you for taking the time to write this one up, it's a gem. It's a perfect analogy and describes how outsiders view us to a T.


Kinja'd!!! Raphael Orlove > Ian Duer (320b)
11/14/2013 at 20:09

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this is wonderful. If I'm around in the morning, I'll share it


Kinja'd!!! Atomic Buffalo > Ian Duer (320b)
11/14/2013 at 20:17

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Yes, this is brilliant.

But the thing is, I get the washing machine enthusiast, and I bet he gets me. It's still a machine. On a certain level all machine enthusiasts have something in common.

To really understand how alien our enthusiasm is, talk to a comic book nerd. Or that girl who stood in line for the new iPhone. Or an astrophysicist.


Kinja'd!!! Ian Duer (320b) > Raphael Orlove
11/14/2013 at 20:21

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Awesome. Stoked to hear it.


Kinja'd!!! Jayhawk Jake > Ian Duer (320b)
11/14/2013 at 20:25

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This is one of the best reader written posts I have seen on this sight, if not the best

You win the internet for the month of November. Fuck it, december is yours too


Kinja'd!!! candyfobreakfast > Ian Duer (320b)
11/14/2013 at 20:30

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The point is it may sound like the same thing, but it isn't. It's just an interest that they don't know about, rather than some weird obsession over something no one cares about. People buy Toyotas because they're cheap, reliable, and low on gas. A lot of the time that's all people can get buy on. And then again you don't have to own an enthusiast car to be a car enthusiast, I know two people that own Priuses that are jalop-type enthusiasts like us, they just can't put time and money in to cars because they don't have any.


Kinja'd!!! MTY85 > Ian Duer (320b)
11/14/2013 at 20:43

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It's like a woman trying to tell you why shoes are so exciting. I mean, they're just SHOES. Then she bitches to her friends why you think cars are so exciting. I mean, they're just CARS.


Kinja'd!!! You can tell a Finn but you can't tell him much > Ian Duer (320b)
11/14/2013 at 20:55

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I don't have anything to add. But I feel obligated to say that this is one of the most brilliant things I have ever read on here.


Kinja'd!!! Ian Duer (320b) > You can tell a Finn but you can't tell him much
11/14/2013 at 21:52

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Thank you.


Kinja'd!!! Patrick Shea Laking > Ian Duer (320b)
11/14/2013 at 22:11

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Funniest thing EVER! I'm sure this is EXACTLY what "normal" people hear when listening to car folks talk.


Kinja'd!!! Ian Duer (320b) > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles
11/14/2013 at 22:13

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Absolutely love both of your guess posts.


Kinja'd!!! Ian Duer (320b) > MtrRider Just Wants Doritos
11/14/2013 at 22:18

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When I was about 17 or so one of my friends got to the point, where he would say "yeah yeah bla bla bla cars bla bla." Good friend actually, rude as it sounds it helped me to reign it in. Not that I don't occasionally forget.


Kinja'd!!! Ian Duer (320b) > Patrick Shea Laking
11/14/2013 at 22:26

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Thanks. That's the picture I was trying to paint.


Kinja'd!!! The Transporter > Ian Duer (320b)
11/14/2013 at 22:52

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Damnit, I guess I'm not going to get any work done, so I'd better get cracking on this counter-argument.

I understand the point that you're trying to make. You want all of us to think about car culture objectively to see how we must look to non-enthusiasts. I have to admit that your argument is very logical and well though out, but as I was reading it, something felt off to me. It just didn't feel like the right allegory.

The thing about car culture is that while there are many who view cars as nothing more than appliances, there are many more non-enthusiasts who understand at some fundamental level - even if they can't put it into words - why someone might be a car enthusiast. A car speaks to someone in a way that a washing machine can't. But why?

My parents are in no way shape or form car people, especially my mom. My dad kind of is a little bit, but to no where near the extent that I am. My parents carpool together about an hour one way each day in a Honda CR-V because that car is the best fit for their commuting habits. After a couple of very nasty accidents on the Interstate which my mom - thankfully - walked away from, even I understand why she is practically petrified to drive and doesn't when she doesn't have to. Yet, when I pulled up in my little green Miata to show it off after I bought it, something lit up in her eyes. Something about the car spoke to her in a way that overrode her logical fear of driving. Whatever that something is, a washing machine can't do it. We need a better allegory for that argument.

Back in the late '90s there was a similar argument going on with computers. I remember reading an editorial in Boot magazine (back before it was called Maximum PC) where the author (who's name I unfortunately can't remember) went to great lengths describing the intricacies of various SLR cameras, going over tech specs and weighing the pros and cons of one model over the other. The point of the editorial was parallel to yours: it was to get us computer nerds to understand what we may sound like to non-nerds. Why would anyone spend that much on a camera when a simple point-and-shoot model would work just as well? Why would you spend $4,000 on a custom built gaming rig that you set up yourself, when you could buy a perfectly serviceable desktop for $700 at CompUSA? Yet I couldn't help but shake the notion that even though I wasn't interested in spending $2,000 on a high quality SLR, I could understand why someone would, even if it was just for a hobby.

Why are we obsessed with cars? Is it the connection between man and machine? Is it about being able to push a car to its absolute limits, even if it means risking death? Is it about what the car you own says about you as a person? Is it about the freedom of the open road? The answer is yes. And because of this, I think that the best allegory is a horse, which is something that I know shit about.

Literally.

Back when I was 15, my mom decided that I needed to get off the computer and do something outdoors over the summer. Apparently being very active in the Boy Scouts wasn't enough. She knew somebody who knew somebody who owned a horse farm and got me a job there. Well...job is a bit of a strong word. Indentured servitude might be a better one. My "job" was to shovel horse shit from all of the stalls and then do it all again, because horses shit a lot ! My compensation for this back breaking work was supposed to be horse riding lessons, of which I received precisely two. I learned from that summer that horses were not my thing. I've never ridden on a horse since and have absolutely no desire to ride one ever again. Horses are an anachronism from a long gone time. There's no logical reason why anyone would need to own a horse. Yet I can totally understand why someone would be a horse person. It's for exactly all the same reasons why we're car people.

Somebody who's a horse person loves horses because of the connection between man and beast. That sense of oneness where two minds that cannot communicate with words are unified in purpose. Those that ride horses competitively face almost as much risk as those that race cars professionally. For an example look no further than Superman himself, Christopher Reeve. The story of his struggles trying to recover from his riding accident is no less inspiring than Niki Lauda's. And most importantly, a horse represents freedom. For the many millenia that existed before the car, the horse was the best means of transportation for the average man. If you owned a horse you could go just about anywhere.

And that aspect - freedom - is the one thing that even many non-car people respond to when they see certain cars. Some people have large collections of guns because, to them, that represents freedom. Specifically, their 2nd amendment right to keep and bear arms. For others it may be through art, such as photography or literature. Still others might be like their smart phone or tablet because it gives them the freedom to communicate with anyone on the planet that has one.

A washing machine can never represent freedom. If anything, from a feminist perspective, a washing machine may represent the exact opposite. Give a man a socket wrench set and he'll think of all they things he can create with it. Give a woman an iron and she'll think of all the things you're implying she must do with it. One is a symbol of freedom and creation, the other is a symbol of servitude and confinement.

Even the most appliance-like car on the road, the Camry, offers a certain freedom to its owners: the freedom of knowing that your car isn't going to break down on you in the middle of no where. As someone who has owned several Dodges, I can attest that going from a Dodge to a reliable car is a freedom in and of itself.

Unless a non-enthusiast has his or her head completely stuck up their own ass, at some fundamental level they have to understand why someone would be into cars, even if they aren't into cars themselves.


Kinja'd!!! desertdog5051 > Ian Duer (320b)
11/14/2013 at 23:02

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Very esoteric.


Kinja'd!!! Leadbull > The Transporter
11/14/2013 at 23:03

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I totally agree.

Also, one does not realize how large piles or horse crap are until they see it in person.


Kinja'd!!! Ian Duer (320b) > The Transporter
11/14/2013 at 23:17

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Ok wow. You may have missed that my post was tagged "humor." There was of course meant to be some insight thrown in. Whether or not if felt like the right allegory to you is not the point I choose to focus on, since the article was never meant as a serious argument.

What I love is that something intended as humor made you think about what cars mean to you. That's the greatest indirect compliment I could receive in response to my post (no offense to anyone else).

I think you have the start of a wonderful article of your own which shouldn't be wasted by just using it here as some sort of rebuttal. It could easily stand on it's own. Omit the first two paraghaphs, omit anything that seems like a rebuttal, and use say "washing machine, refrigerator, dishwasher, etc" and seriously this could be it's own article. Nice.


Kinja'd!!! The Transporter > Ian Duer (320b)
11/14/2013 at 23:24

Kinja'd!!!1

No, I got the humor. The "pantz" thing had me rolling. But something was irritating my brain the entire time I was reading your post and I just had to scratch it.


Kinja'd!!! Ian Duer (320b) > The Transporter
11/14/2013 at 23:29

Kinja'd!!!1

Wasn't sure. There was one guy who seemed to think I was actually hating on car culture.

I was serious though when I said this could practically be an article maybe flesh it out a bit or change it some so you aren't re-posting essentially the same thing. But I could see it as something along the lines of "Why cars aren't just another appliance," or some other creative title. I'm sure you could fish something out of your brain if you had the ability to write that.


Kinja'd!!! The Transporter > Ian Duer (320b)
11/14/2013 at 23:39

Kinja'd!!!1

I'll think about it.


Kinja'd!!! Ian Duer (320b) > The Transporter
11/14/2013 at 23:52

Kinja'd!!!7

As I was checking your reply I couldn't help but read the last paragraph you wrote in your original response again. Two of the hardest and most shocking lessons I ever learned in life were these:

A far greater number of people (enthusiast or not) have their head completely up their own ass than you could ever suspect.

This is still true after you think you have accounted for it.

Peace.


Kinja'd!!! Buick Mackane > Ian Duer (320b)
11/15/2013 at 03:43

Kinja'd!!!0

I like to think of myself as this guy,,,,,,,,,,

Kinja'd!!!


Kinja'd!!! bunami > Ian Duer (320b)
11/15/2013 at 05:30

Kinja'd!!!1

Yes. Just yes.


Kinja'd!!! bunami > Ian Duer (320b)
11/15/2013 at 05:30

Kinja'd!!!1

Yes. Just yes.


Kinja'd!!! Hoccy > Ian Duer (320b)
11/15/2013 at 05:52

Kinja'd!!!2

I'd love to have an AEG Lavamat Turbo.

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Though I've always felt a connection to Electrolux. Miele's are too boring..


Kinja'd!!! Goshen, formerly Darkcode > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles
11/15/2013 at 09:37

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Or Italian.


Kinja'd!!! Jennifer > Ian Duer (320b)
11/15/2013 at 11:33

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Hi there,

I just read your article and thought it was fantastic. I am the editor of the BMW Club of Canada, Trillium Chapter Magazine and I'd love to feature this article in our Winter Issue (Jan 2015.)

Would this be possible? You can see online versions of our mag here www.trillium-bmwclub.ca .

You can contact me via email at jennifer.venditti@trillium-bmwclub.ca

Thanks in advance,

Jennifer


Kinja'd!!! BrtStlnd > Ian Duer (320b)
11/15/2013 at 12:22

Kinja'd!!!0

That is my exact washing machine in the picture. Samsung... and in the same color no less.


Kinja'd!!! Doug DeMuro > Ian Duer (320b)
11/15/2013 at 12:27

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320b: when I grow up, I want to be just like you. Tremendous post!!


Kinja'd!!! Tom McParland > Ian Duer (320b)
11/15/2013 at 12:29

Kinja'd!!!0

This is awesome!


Kinja'd!!! Ninetales > The Transporter
11/15/2013 at 12:31

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THIS. I love you random guy from the internet.


Kinja'd!!! The-Ever-Socially-Apathetic TBAL > Ian Duer (320b)
11/15/2013 at 12:31

Kinja'd!!!1

LOL my name is Steve.


Kinja'd!!! JTSnooks > Hoccy
11/15/2013 at 12:32

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Know how I know you're not from the U.S.?


Kinja'd!!! m4ximusprim3 > Ian Duer (320b)
11/15/2013 at 12:32

Kinja'd!!!2

Kinja'd!!!


Kinja'd!!! Kaufmania: Mark Webber's Stunt Double > Ian Duer (320b)
11/15/2013 at 12:32

Kinja'd!!!1

Kinja'd!!!

Yes, yes I am.


Kinja'd!!! jamisparker > Takuro Spirit
11/15/2013 at 12:33

Kinja'd!!!0

I did. It was at that point that I realized that this was really just an imagined metaphor and that there wasn't actually a washing machine enthusiast community. Yes, I'm slow.


Kinja'd!!! MatthewHokie03 > Ian Duer (320b)
11/15/2013 at 12:35

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Simply brilliant. I imagine I would just blank out and not pay attention almost immediately, like when my girlfriend starts talking about some new fashion or shoes....or like she blanks out when I start to explain something about cars.


Kinja'd!!! Burner > Ian Duer (320b)
11/15/2013 at 12:36

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I will never be talking about cars to non car people again. Ever.


Kinja'd!!! Chris Nuggets > Ian Duer (320b)
11/15/2013 at 12:38

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Which is why I cant stand most car enthusiasts! They wear anoraks and you'd never invite them over to your house for dinner as Clarkson says.


Kinja'd!!! blah > ddavidn
11/15/2013 at 12:38

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Agreed, don't focus on changing the views of others to get them to understand your point. Focus on changing your view to understand how they understand your point - 7 Habits of highly effective people.


Kinja'd!!! April_N_ > Ian Duer (320b)
11/15/2013 at 12:39

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This is so amazing! Now I want to go out and buy/fix up some old washing machines with levers and switches! :D


Kinja'd!!! Chairman Kaga > Ian Duer (320b)
11/15/2013 at 12:39

Kinja'd!!!1

This is better than a Peter Egan column. Seriously.

Kinja'd!!!