I’m an American and I’m sad.

[Kooky]

Ponies can be dangerous, Kooky. How about a bike....they don't bite?!

Bikes are socialist, aren't they?

 

[oldbadger]

Bikes are socialist, aren't they?

I don't think so, Kooky. That's a very strange thing to say.
What ever made you think like that?

 

[Kooky]

I don't think so, Kooky. That's a very strange thing to say.
What ever made you think like that?

Many conservatives don't seem to like them, and from my time on the Internet, I've learned that that's what the term "socialism" actually means in everyday conversation.

 

[oldbadger]

Many conservatives don't seem to like them, and from my time on the Internet, I've learned that that's what the term "socialism" actually means in everyday conversation.

That's daft, Kooky.
Where I live lots of folks on wealthy districts ride bikes.
The idea that a person might be ashamed to be seen on a bike is sickening. Snobbery gone mad.

 

[metis]

There are many different forms of socialism, so if confused maybe check this out: Socialism - Wikipedia

 

[Friend of Mara]

That's daft, Kooky.
Where I live lots of folks on wealthy districts ride bikes.
The idea that a person might be ashamed to be seen on a bike is sickening. Snobbery gone mad.

You do realize there is a huge difference between someone who is choosing to ride a bike and those that resort to riding a bike out of necessity? And society views them very differently. Kind of like how no one is shamed for going camping but there is a great deal of shame in being homeless and living out of a tent.

Edit: Perhaps this was in jest. If so ignore.

 

[oldbadger]

You do realize there is a huge difference between someone who is choosing to ride a bike and those that resort to riding a bike out of necessity?

The only differences that I perceive in pleasure cycling and travel cycling is 'extremes of need and plenty'. Both cycles carry humans.

And society views them very differently. Kind of like how no one is shamed for going camping but there is a great deal of shame in being homeless and living out of a tent.

60 years ago western societies were crippled by sickening snobbery, and if any present day societies throw shame upon a person living out of a tent then that society is as sick as those from 60 years ago.

We don't seem to have moved forwards.....

Edit: Perhaps this was in jest. If so ignore.

Many a truth was spoken in jest, FofM.

 

[Friend of Mara]

The only differences that I perceive in pleasure cycling and travel cycling is 'extremes of need and plenty'. Both cycles carry humans.

Indeed but there is also the upper middle class liberal "i'm biking to work for the environment" though perhaps that is as equally sneered.

60 years ago western societies were crippled by sickening snobbery, and if any present day societies throw shame upon a person living out of a tent then that society is as sick as those from 60 years ago.

We don't seem to have moved forwards.....

You said it not me.

 

[oldbadger]

Indeed but there is also the upper middle class liberal "i'm biking to work for the environment" though perhaps that is as equally sneered.

You said it not me.

Yep......... we just don't move forward.
It starts with school-kids, frightened to go to school in the cheaper trainers because they'll lose 'cred'.
Snobbery starts in our schools, and builds.

I think it's worth a thread FoM, I'll start one later this morning.