Skewed Perceptions... Or Are They?

I was visiting a casual friend of mine named Jack who's about 25 years my senior the other day. He lives in a nice apartment building and does what he can to keep himself from "going crazy in his old age" as he puts it. He used to be a very active member in a local photographers group, but ever since his eyesight deteriorated a few years ago, he only attends about one or two gatherings a year (we meet once a month). We always encourage him to attend more get-together's, and other group members are always psyched to see him, but he feels he has nothing to contribute since he doesn't photograph anymore due to his poor sight. He mostly goes when he truly needs a dose of positive fellowship. It's easy to offer someone reasons for positive change; it's a whole other deal for the other person to except it. For example, with my casual friend, I can tell him until the cows come home that while he doesn't have his eyesight like he used to, he still has tremendous knowledge. It's still up to him to take that truth, digest it, and make it part of his mindset. I can't do it for him.

I brought along a mutual street rodding friend named Bobby when I went to visit with Jack - it was a beautiful Spring day, about 62 degrees. Bobby's been itching to air out his '38 Plymouth street rod, but hasn't been able to due to his recent shoulder surgery. Together, we accomplished that mission - I drove and power shifted, he listened and observed how the new 6-speed worked that he installed over the winter. That business coupe with the 440 magnum between the front frame rails drove like a bat out a hell. Jack, who is also a hot rod aficionado, commented on the progress Bobby was making with the Plymouth. At about the same time, another gentleman who lives in the same apartment building, walked by and asked in a rather snarky voice, "Are you boys going to do burnouts in the parking lot with that thing? We're already dealing with those punk kids across the street and their ATV's. That's all we need - more noise."

Instead of ignoring this resident who was passing by, I asked him why he thought we would do burnouts. He then looked at me as if I assumed he was an idiot. He mentioned the big tires, the engine, and the fact hoodlums owned cars like that. Bobby let out a howl of a laugh (he's like that) and Jack told me and Bobby to just ignore him, but I was too curious by now. The more I talked to this passer by, the more history and perspectives I gained from him. He recalled earlier times in his life (and we're talking the 1950's here) when hot rodding was still fairly young. He mentioned that he had numerous buddies who got hit with go-fast bug, but"...they were all unsafe jalopies because they were young and broke. Between those things and their girlfriends." Apparently, a few got hurt. Unfortunately, this still rings true in some cases today.

He also shared a memory of a girl he dated back then who was killed because she couldn't control the car she had. "She always told me that her car was so fast. I told her to slow down, use the brakes more, or get something smaller, but she died in a car wreck before that happened. These companies have always made cars that are too fast." While I agreed that there is some impressively quick machinery out there today, both vintage and modern, it is our responsibility as owners and drivers to know our limits and take responsibility for our actions, a bitter a pill as that is to swallow. It's the same with almost every aspect of our lives - from crossing the street, to taking medications, to our thought process and actions. We have to be aware as well as responsible. I assured the guy that we would not do any burnouts in the parking lot. The fact that there were cameras all over the place kind of puts the kabosh on that, including the fact this car is 80 years old... it kinda sticks out. The passer-by actually cracked a smile; "Yes it does," he agreed.

As the older gentleman continued on his way, Jack mentioned that he is pretty grumpy all the time. If however, we bridged some sort of gap between him and us, then all the better. We waged that battle back in the late '40's and all through the '50's. Hot rodders, like motorcyclists, or any other motor hobbyist, are not bad people. In fact, in most cases they'll be some of the nicest people you'll ever meet. Every once in a while though, we just have to gently tear down those walls.

Until next time, peace out.
Dave