By the time I appeared on this Earth, the car culture in America had long since set in, so I don't have any perspective on its initial appearance or development.

However, I just read a fascinating column by the British writer George Monbiot which gives me some idea of what it might have looked like, to the thoughtful observer. Monbiot outlines the growing movement supporting automotive freedoms in Britain, and how what began as a specialized issue is starting to seep into many other areas of social and political life.

The result looks like a troubling increase in selfishness, carelessness for one's fellow man, and an increased perception of government and community institutions as the enemy--as obstacles to unlimited individual freedom. Monbiot makes a convincing case that the automobile may be a root cause of some of these trends. Definitely worth reading.

Labels: Culture