On Feb 17, 2012, at 11:27 AM, Jim Bennett wrote:
Talk about idiots.....
Conversation at Local Parts Store between me and whiz kid 18 year-old
behind the counter.....
Me: "What have you got in the way of a voltage regulator for a 1955
Chrysler New Yorker?"
Whiz Kid (after tapping on computer keyboard): "Chryslers were
not made in 1955."
Me: "Well, what gave you that idea?"
Whiz Kid: "Computer says there is no entry for Chrysler for that
year."
Me: "So what is that car that I drove into the parking lot?"
Whiz Kid: "Beats me, but it can't be a 1955
Chrysler."
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I was having a philosophical conversation the other day
regarding the "disconnect" we, the public, are encouraged to have regarding
the
world around us. In car terms, this might be exemplified by the
lack of character and disposable approach to modern cars, the focus
being
on how we have been collectively "dumbed down" to not be discerning and
accepting of this as "normal". To the vast majority, a car is a
car
is a car. To my grandfathers, this thinking would have drawn a
raving rant. Somewhere along the line, we have taken a collective
"left turn"
in our culture, and at least to this observer, I do not think it was
just by happenstance. There is profit and power to be had in a numb
and
undiscerning public.
To observe the kids around me with M-4's slung around their
necks, going out on patrol, only to come back in to base and discuss
video
gaming is a bit disconcerting. I got guys right beside me that
"get" the whole discipline of combat and mission, yet have a total
disconnect
about what constitutes real, tangible life.
I would expect no different from a kid behind the parts
counter. I learned 30 years ago that to ask for a DeSoto part drew the
same response
from NON-kids. Ask the same question about a "Chrysler" or
"Mopar" part, and they'd have no issue finding it. So, perhaps that
was the
beginning of the disconnect for our little slice of the world
(?).
But disconnected souls and outright douchebags are two
different animals. I deeply regret not having the means at the time to
capture the
assbags on film telling me that my 57 NY'er coupe and 58 Fireflite
ragtop were of no "value", except as parts cars for a good 300 project.
Today
this seems laughable, and is the reason I wish I had it on tape.
Guys today would be as much into these cars as they would be 300's,
but the
same douchebag behavior persists with some who seem to lack any
sensibility that others might not share their "only ONE 'right' way"
perspective
and really aren't interested in a berating (however well intentioned)
about how "stupid" they are or what a waste of time their car of choice
might
be.
The whole issue boils down to being respectful and using
that "filter" to pick up on when one has a willing audience or not. I
mean, if some guys
turns around and wants to hear about how incorrect his car is, ....
maybe he has been looking for a good mentor ? ... then by all means,
let the
show begin ! But the guy who just labors on about his "my way or
the highway" approach .... as they commonly say in the military
.. shut the
fxck up !
There is a balance in there somewhere. I know I am
pretty much done with ever showing my car/s again. Car clubs and
functions pretty much
suck ass, in my book. I just have my selected friends and
contacts in the hobby, and I like to wrench on and drive them. My
biggest pleasure
outside of this is seeing people smile when they see the car.
Sometimes the stories of an uncle or grandad are worth their weight in
gold. But
with that lot come the know-it-alls and douchebags, and it sends the
whole argument spinning again.
Oh well. :-P I am with Adam. People are
axxholes by nature, and to weed out the ones with some manners can be a bit
trying. I try to have
fun with the idiots, and find joy in the sweet ones. The most
effective way I have found in keeping the assbags at bay is keeping my
distance
from the organized car shows and clubs.
Burger
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