The Car: The Root of American Evil
Written by: Hishaam Ramoly, writing polished using AI
Brief
Humans
inherently derive enjoyment from denser living conditions, whether they be
pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods or communal settings. Such environments
facilitate the cross-pollination of daily activities, as they bring together
Henri Lefebvre's concepts of first space (home), second space (work/school),
and, most crucially, third spaces (social spaces) in close proximity. In the
context of the United States, this amalgamation of spaces is often experienced
during what many refer to as "the best years of one's life," a term
commonly associated with one's time in college since the 20th century. This
designation stems partly from the density of life experienced during this
period, something that unfortunately, many Americans do not have the
opportunity to encounter.
American
culture has historically linked the symbol of freedom with the automobile—a
machine that liberates individuals from the constraints of collective
infrastructure, allowing them to traverse the vast expanse of the West at their
leisure, akin to the modern world's horse. However, this deep-seated attachment
to cars and their perceived role in securing personal freedom has come at a
cost: the erosion of a sustainable fabric characterized by social equity,
ecological responsibility, efficiency, health, and overall morality. This piece
aims to explore the multifaceted impacts of the car-centric approach in the
United States, shedding light on its adverse effects on both the nation and the
global community.
Disclaimer
As
a disclaimer, it's important to note that this piece is not intended as a
research paper, but rather as an opinion piece aimed at sparking conversation
and raising awareness about the profound impacts of design decisions within
political and moral frameworks. By exploring how design choices shape our
world, this piece seeks to encourage critical reflection on the broader
implications of our actions and the responsibilities we bear as designers,
policymakers, and citizens. It is a call to recognize the interconnectedness
between design, politics, and morality, and to consider the ethical dimensions
of our choices in shaping the built environment and society at large.
Suburbanization
The
promise of a liminal space, enabled by the accessibility of the car and
bridging rural tranquility with urban dynamism, has indeed transformed the
urban landscape, albeit at the expense of diversity. While America champions
individual freedoms and choices, the proliferation of suburbs presents a stark
contradiction to this principle. Instead of fostering diversity, suburbs have
become synonymous with monotony and conformity, eroding the vibrant tapestry of
collective life. Their zoning and urban planning perpetuate the segregation of
communities along socio-economic lines, ultimately leading to racial
segregation and societal fragmentation.
Adding to this dynamic is the snowball effect driven by reactive business solutions, such as the proliferation of Walmart stores and other centralized retailers. These establishments reinforce the car-centric urban fabric, compelling individuals from various neighborhoods to converge on the same locations for their shopping needs. This further entrenches the status quo, hindering efforts to break free from the cycle perpetuated by inadequate government planning.
Health
The
urban planning in the United States often promotes a sedentary lifestyle,
exacerbating the severe obesity problem prevalent in the population. This cycle
is further sustained by a loosely regulated market economy, where businesses
respond to consumer demand by creating "solutions" that cater to
convenience rather than health. Drive-thru locations proliferate, offering a
wide range of services from fast food to pharmacies and grocery pickups,
catering to an unhealthy lifestyle that should not be the norm for a healthy
population. It's worth noting that while some individuals with specific medical
conditions benefit from this automation, the overall impact on public health is
detrimental.
Addressing
major health issues in the US requires a shift in urban planning priorities
towards designing environments that prioritize human well-being over automobile
convenience. Breaking free from the cycle of poor planning and reactive market
solutions is crucial to improving the overall health and quality of life for
the average American.
Lifestyle
Car
centric design makes the direct switch to a pedestrian setting quite horrid. If
one has ever tried walking around the “sidewalks” of the American they realize
a sentiment of awkwardness or alienation, for those who have walked in nature
or in cities will subscribe to the same consensus that it feels shorter simply
because it is more entertaining and integrated to the human scale. This doesn’t
encourage people to walk or even to teach them about the benefits and rewards
of commuting on foot. The architectural facades also get influenced as they
seek to protect themselves from the air and noise pollution from the street
which reinforces the barrier between on street programs and circulation.
By studying the linguistic nuances of a society, we can uncover insights into its underlying values and cultural dynamics. The term "jaywalking," which is coined in North America, encapsulates the notion of pedestrians unlawfully traversing or walking within traffic lanes. The emergence and prevalence of the term "jaywalking" reflect broader societal attitudes towards pedestrian behavior and the regulation of public spaces. It underscores a hierarchical framework wherein certain modes of mobility, such as vehicular traffic, are privileged over others, namely pedestrian movement. Highlighting legal categorization of pedestrian behavior but also serves as a subtle reinforcement of societal norms and power dynamics.
https://paleofuture.com/blog/2013/7/22/the-invention-of-jaywalking-was-a-massive-shaming-campaign
Domestic Policy
The
allowance for vehicles to turn right on red highlights the car-centric approach
of American urban planning, prioritizing vehicular convenience over pedestrian
safety. This practice often leads drivers to overlook pedestrians while
focusing on navigating oncoming traffic. It reflects a broader trend in
transportation policy that favors automobiles, discouraging walking as a viable
commuting option and perpetuating sedentary lifestyles. Addressing this
imbalance requires a shift towards more equitable and sustainable
transportation modes that prioritize the safety and well-being of all road
users.
Foreign Policy
The
car-centric culture of the United States has far-reaching global implications,
shaping not only domestic policy and urban planning but also influencing
broader geopolitical dynamics and American foreign policy. This reliance on
automobiles and the resulting demand for oil have created a significant
dependency on oil-producing nations, leading to complex relationships with
countries in regions abundant in oil resources. American foreign policy towards
these nations often prioritizes strategic interests in securing access to
energy resources, sometimes at the expense of democratic values and
environmental sustainability. This dependency on oil has profound geopolitical
ramifications, contributing to conflicts and diplomatic tensions in
oil-producing regions. The intertwining of energy interests with foreign policy
objectives creates a complex global landscape where national security, economic
stability, and environmental concerns often conflict.
Ecology
The dependence on cars comes with
a significant environmental cost, particularly in terms of carbon emissions.
According to the UN, shifting from cars to public transportation could
potentially reduce up to 2.2 tons of carbon emissions per individual annually.
To put this into perspective, one ton of CO2 is equivalent to 138 meat-based
meals, a fact highlighted by Tapio, a climate strategy platform. Considering
that an individual typically consumes 1095 meals in a year if they eat three
meals a day, the impact becomes clearer.
Moreover,
cars require extensive paved or asphalt infrastructure, leading to further
ecological concerns. The construction and maintenance of roads, highways, and
parking lots contribute to habitat loss, soil degradation, and increased
runoff, all of which can harm local ecosystems and water quality. Additionally,
flat parking spaces worsen issues such as heat islands, where urban areas
experience higher temperatures due to the absorption and retention of heat by
pavement and buildings. These ecological challenges emphasize the urgent need
for sustainable transportation solutions that minimize the environmental
footprint of car-centric infrastructure.
Furthermore, the expansion of road infrastructure poses additional challenges to wildlife. Roads fragment habitats, creating barriers that isolate populations and disrupt migration patterns. This fragmentation can result in genetic isolation, reduced biodiversity, and increased vulnerability to environmental stressors. Moreover, roads often serve as sources of mortality for wildlife, as animals attempting to cross them are at risk of collisions with vehicles. These collisions not only endanger individual animals but also have far-reaching effects on entire ecosystems by altering predator-prey dynamics and disrupting ecological processes. Additionally, road infrastructure can facilitate the spread of invasive species and diseases, further compromising the health and resilience of native wildlife populations.
Author's Concluding Statement
After critiquing car-centric infrastructure in a reactionary manner, designers now bear the responsibility of advocating for a conscientious approach to planning our spaces. This approach should be comprehensive and equitable to the greatest degree possible. It's imperative to recognize that, at the scale humans operate, our presence on Earth inherently poses risks, but our obligation is to advocate for a co-existent agenda that minimizes intrusiveness. This understanding fosters a virtuous cycle, one that promotes harmonious coexistence.
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