Deviance

I would say that I deviate from the American norm of desiring a car or other personal motor vehicle. Ever since its invention, the car has symbolized very American values of freedom and independence. Owning a car has become a point of pride and a marker of wealth - especially those more expensive. In fact, much of American infrastructural development is centered around the idea that every household should own a car! The term "urban sprawl" was coined specifically to criticize the rise of sparse development, with a high dependence on automobiles to get from place to place. Where I live, a car is necessary just to get groceries; it's a 7 minute drive but a 40 minute walk to the nearest grocery store! 

 

I deviate from this norm in that I have no desire to ever own a car. After living in the suburbs for all 20 years of my life and having experienced life in a large and walkable city this summer, I can safely say I strongly prefer the environment with a robust public transportation and several pedestrian-friendly options. The adverse effects of owning a car on the environment are unfathomable, and I certainly don't want to contribute to the growing climate crisis more than I already do in my day-to-day life. The U.S. Department of Transportation states that one driver switching to public transportation for a daily 10 mile commute would prevent 4627 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions each year - that's one driver! 

 

Not to mention the fuel savings. Not only will I contribute less to the rampant over-consumption of natural resources, but I'll also save tons of money in the process. 

This post isn't meant to just be an urbanism or anti-car propaganda post, though -- I'm here to discuss how I deviate from a norm. The norm of people wanting cars is understandable. Some people want easy access to traveling long distances at their own convenience and control. Some people want to take road trips. Some people actually need a car to sustain themselves, whether it be for a ridesharing job or a temporary home. And, of course, others just want to live out that American dream, following the principles of freedom, independence, and (capitalist) ownership. I personally don't care for any of those -- while I admit I genuinely do enjoy the experience of driving, I don't like it enough to outweigh my personal beliefs about sustainable urban development, commitment to public transportation, and concern for our growing environmental degradation and climate crises. I don't mind the negative perceptions people might have of me when they realize I don't have a car and never want one, which might include that I'm unsuccessful or have low status in society. I'm pretty disinclined to care about the opinions of people who base their impression of me on this fact, anyways. I'll completely respect others who want to own a car, whatever their reason may be, but I have no intention of conforming to this norm myself.