The Great Reset :: Teens and Cars

Richard Florida quotes a study which found "that teens and young people in their early twenties have increasingly negative perceptions regarding the necessity of and desire to have cars." Set aside the dire affects that will have on Detroit for a moment and let's see if that rings true. The automobile is a symbol of freedom, it's a necessity for most Americans, as well as a status symbol. For teens car ownership has a profound affect on their social life, or lack thereof. In today's day and age with near constant surveillance in the schools, increasing competition to get into a good college, increasing competition for fewer jobs,  it would only make sense that teens would hear the call of the open road, the call of freedom, that has been a part of growing up in America since the first gearhead turned a wrench. So why doesn't this generation follow the paved path of those that came before them?

Well, the answer is hidden in the paragraph above. What was once an aspiration, a symbol of freedom, has now become a burden. It's a very visible differentiator separating the haves and have-nots. The gradual increase in insurance premiums, license, registration, and other expenses just snuck up on the baby boomers by gradually increasing over time. It hit this generation square in the face. Graph teen employment and income against the total cost of automobile ownership over the years and we'll see two divergent paths. Is it possible that the negative perceptions are based on resentment and not so much a general lack of desire for cars? I would also suggest there is a fair amount of disdain held by those who lack the means to play the game and don't really feel like they should be forced into the situation.

Will the infrastructure built to support the exurbs be allowed to crumble or will those who don't use it be forced to foot the bill via increased property taxes? There will be serious ramifications when the tax base represented by these teens choose not to pick up the tab.

As for me, I won't be giving up my car nor my Winnebago. I still hear the clarion call of the road and adventure beckons. One trans-oceanic flight has more of an impact on my carbon footprint than a decade with the Winnie. However, my preference for the middle landscape affords me all the benefits of a walkable community, close proximity to my daily needs, and still be close to work. I am not forced to have a vehicle of any kind, which grants me the freedom to pick the vehicle of my choice. Ah, freedom. What a wonderful thing.

Posted via email from Kenneth Hitchens