Why should it matter what people do?

[Reebmit]

Who gauges what is right or wrong in our society, example: if somebody wants their car orange with pink spots, jacked up at the back with furry dice with a stereo playing Bros and the owner wears furry pink bell bottoms with a woman’s blouse, who are we to comment? (please be aware I’m not that way inclined, but there it goes again, why if it was me, why should I be worried). Is it what the masses find acceptable or are we too hung up on what other people think about the way we should lead our life. I find myself doing it, I absolutely hate the Halfords type boy racer brigade with boy racer neon lights, big exhausts, rave music etc…etc….. and feel myself wanting to tell the world how idiotic they all are, but why……they are happy, they are not harming me, they are working, conforming to the system, but why do I feel myself drawn to feeling this way. I was a so-called boy racer years ago but with a well prepared Escort Mk1 with no stereo in sight, why is that any better than how they are doing it today? I am always one of the first people to say whatever anyone wants to do that’s up to them and I really do mean it, but then there it is in the back of your mind…what do they look like…..I’d be interested in you views…………………………

[GERFIX]

I hate "young-uns" speeding along in built-up areas or overtaking on crazy bits of road.

However, I remember as a young Capri driver doing some very stupid things that I'd probably report someone for doing if I saw it now.

We were all young once (I know some of you lucky guys still are!) but I'm finding it difficult not to grow up and become sensible.

However, sometimes when driving it's absolutely impossible to grow up and be sensible!! Just ask Mrs G!!

[GreyGhost]

Having a giggle at someone elses expense is what most jokes are about, it's human nature.
The people you described want to attract attention in that way so they leave themselves open to others having a laugh.
Feelings of anger or indeed hatred toward such people is not very healthy.

In the words of the Barryboys forum.

"If you can't take a joke don't drive one"

[Reebmit]

Coilin, your right, I did some insanly stupid things when I was young (and when I was older, I got married, sorry dear only joking ) and again look at people when they do it and similar to yourself want to report them. I'm still a child at heart and will not grow up if I can help it but am starting to see how getting older really does chage your complete outlook on events, GG, I think you have a very good point, its human nature and cannot be explained to the enth degree, we say that people are encouraging people to laugh at them but I believe some people genuinley think its cool and really do think they the bees knees, look at X factor and this is a prime example, but again they are happy

[stocktake]

Hmmm, Good point. You only have to look through your old photo albums to cringe Maybe it was the need to stand out from the crowd, peer pressure, or just to shock peole into noticing you. I don't think any of us wanted to grow up/old being just normal ordinary people, but most of us do.

So maybe the answer to your question is that the people who do it, look at what is considered outragous and do it on purpose to get noticed.

[M3NDEREZ]

Originally Posted by Reebmit

I absolutely hate the Halfords type boy racer brigade with boy racer neon lights, big exhausts, rave music etc…

I must tell you now you've mentioned that.. I went to Halfords last night to pick up a set of Security Torx bits (long story, explained elsewhere) and sat outsite having a bulb changed was a Puegeot 106 in Orange with 4, yes FOUR 6" exhausts sticking out of the back.. Honestly, if he'd reversed it up to the coast and shoved a melon in each one, he could have sunk a battleship.

What're my opinions on the subject at hand though? Well, bit of a mixed bag really.. I'm a strong advocate for car modifying.. I've been into it for many many years now, and I've had some belters. I'm sure people have looked at me in the past and thought "there goes that ***** in his chavved-up BMW and loud music" but at that time in my life, I loved it! Anyone who didn't like it could NAUGHTY WORD-NAUGHTY WORD-NAUGHTY WORD- off.. Having said that, even then I was a grumpy old man. I just can't stand bad driving. It really grates one me. I've never had an acident, never had a speeding ticket (in this country) and It's once in a blue moon I'll go over 80 on the motorway.. I think I'm a pretty safe driver. But the way some of these chavs drive is absolutely outrageous. I say chavs, because there really is a distinction between proper car modifiers and chavs. I report them for dangerous driving all the time, they deserve it. Unfortunately, it's hard for people to make the distinction, given that both sets of drivers have modified cars, and people like me get tarred with the same brush. Again, tht grates on me, but at least I understand it.

Having said all of that, and defended car modifying as an expression and extension of one's personality, I still have to say; Poor taste is still poor taste! No matter whether you're into modifying or not, whether you drive a Skoda or a Spyker, and whether you're young or old, some things are NEVER cool. 6" quad exhausts on a 1.4 for example. StylishKentMan's entire car.. Ugly is ugly, no matter who you are..

[Reebmit]

Dave, its never wise to look back at old photo's, what did we look like.. he he..but at the time it felt so right...Carl you have summed it up pretty well, some things are just not done and I can picture you at Halfords when that car pulled in, that would have been funny. We took a picture once of a VW pickup with what must have been an industrial air duct under the rear valance, he had cut away the bodywork and it must have been around 12-15", it was just off the floor, I must look that one out...

[Dan1971]

Youngsters are not all bad drivers. Some drive their cars beyond both their capabilities and that of the car. The lads don't buy 1.0l corsas because they like them ... they buy them because they can't afford to insure them. Even then, their parents stick themselves down on the log books and get the insurance for them naming the youngster as a named driver. I've often been taken aback that a 1 0 litre car would be the same price as an SRi , VTS or whatever the sportier spec is .... lts down to insurance and we know it. And it's not a new phenomenon. When I was 18, 20 years ago I was paying £1300 PA for fully comp on a Nissan Bluebird ZX Turbo. My dad told me ... if you want it .. get it ... it's your money.

Speed kills ... no doubt about it ... and if it's a young one at the wheel, it very sadly makes the news. When I'm on the Motorway doing an indicated 75-80 ... it's not a chav in a Saxo VTR that comes screaming up behind me ... it's a rep in a diesel VW.

The lads at Halfords putting on their exhausts .... don't rob, and work minimum wage to add to what is their pride and joy. Good on them I say. Sometimes, I wish it was me now. Nothing else to spend their money on .... No mortgage, kids. Good on them.