Pandian Preface 2

SOMETHING BETWEEN US

Introduction

  • Author: ANAND PANDIAN

  • Theme: Exploration of American life and societal dynamics, particularly the barriers (metaphorical and physical) we construct in daily life.

Personal Narrative

  • A personal experience of moving to Los Angeles, California for a few months.

    • Wife's fellowship at the J. Paul Getty Museum; author's research sabbatical.

    • They rented out their rowhouse in Baltimore and found local schools in LA for their children.

    • Daughter Uma enrolled in a nursery school nearby.

Description of Sunset Boulevard

  • The allure of Sunset Boulevard:

    • Associated with Hollywood mystique and romance, contrasted with the reality of their neighborhood.

    • Two-lane road, narrow and congested, depicting a stark contrast with the intended glamour.

  • Walking to school with Uma; first experience:

    • Uma afraid of the traffic noise, covered her ears.

    • Description of the neighborhood's exclusive ambiance in Brentwood with high-end vehicles.

Social Commentary on Vehicles in America

Dominance of Large Vehicles

  • SUVs and trucks dominating the American market:

    • Discussion of the aggressive styling and defensive design of these vehicles.

    • Notable increase in pedestrian deaths in America, with over 50% rise in a decade.

    • Observations on urban lifes and their implications for safety and urban design.

Interview with a Parent

  • Encounter with a fellow parent driving a Cadillac Escalade:

    • Justification for their large vehicle: perceived safety and increased mass.

    • Expresses concern over safety in smaller vehicles versus larger SUVs.

    • Statistics showing the increased danger to pedestrian injuries caused by larger vehicles:

    • Occupants of SUVs are less likely to die in accidents than those in smaller cars.

Data on Vehicle Size and Market Trends

  • Historical data regarding vehicle weight:

    • Average American vehicle weight rose from lighter vehicles post-1970s crisis, reaching the current highest average of 4,303 pounds.

    • SUV and light truck share of the market growing significantly since the 1980s.

    • Sedans' market share declining notably; from one-third to approximately one-fifth in recent years.

Safety and Environmental Implications

  • Increased dangers faced by pedestrians, cyclists, and children due to the rise of SUVs:

    • Fatality rate for pedestrians rising, more substantial risks when struck by light trucks.

    • Higher death rates in collisions with SUVs than with sedans.

  • Environmental consequences of heavier vehicles:

    • Fuel economy struggles; personal automobiles' fleet has lower miles per gallon compared to smaller car fleets in Europe and Japan.

    • Transportation sector leading in greenhouse gas emissions, increasing with larger vehicles.

Field Research at a Dealership

Observations at Casa de Cadillac

  • Description of the dealership as an icon of automotive culture in Los Angeles.

  • Insights into consumer attraction towards large SUVs:

    • Discussed with a sales consultant, highlighting consumer desires for space and safety.

    • Reflecting on the design aspects of large vehicles, focusing on mass and stature.

  • Experience test-driving a Cadillac Escalade:

    • Feel of mass, emphasis on luxury; discussion about the vehicle's attributes and consumer priorities.

    • Perceptions of safety and power attached to driving such a large vehicle.

Urban Hazards and a Sense of Security

  • Commentary on the pedestrian experience in LA:

    • Navigating spaces without sidewalks, emphasizing the borders created by vehicle-centric culture.

  • Vehicles compared to bricks:

    • Vehicles symbolize defensive postures in society, addressing insecurity and apprehension in urban environments.

Consumer Behavior and Design Trends

Psychological Insights from Automotive Design Firm

  • Visit to CARLAB, emphasizing the cultural shift towards SUVs:

    • Discussion regarding consumer desires and the psychology of vehicle design.

  • Designers equate vehicle shapes with personal strength and safety:

    • Notion of SUVs resembling shelters or enclaves; psychological security tied to vehicle choice.

Critiques on Urban Design Evolution

Evolution of the Automobile's Role

  • Reflection on the role of vehicles during pandemic and changing social dynamics:

    • Use of cars as personal protective equipment during health crises, altering consumer behavior.

    • Increasing trends of isolation and personal space contributed to a shift in urban mobility.

Cultural Context and Social Underpinnings

Documenting American Nationalism and Racial Dynamics

  • Analysis of a white nationalist rally in Shelbyville, Tennessee:

    • Observations on demographics, motives, and the societal context of such events.

    • Discusses the emotional and psychological dimensions surrounding experiences at these demonstrations.

  • Themes of bodily security linked to societal narratives and how vulnerability shapes political ideologies:

    • Discussions on body armor, racial insecurities, and the need for self-protection.

Historical Context of Disease and Immigration

  • Analysis of how disease fears have been historically tied to immigration:

    • Linkages between public health apprehensions and xenophobia throughout U.S. history.

    • Cartoons and rhetoric reinforcing notions of disease as a result of immigration, showcasing persistent cultural anxieties.

Conclusion

  • Reflects on societal responses to threat, consumer behavior in vehicle choice, and broader implications of urban design.

  • Emphasizes the duality of safety concerns paired with detrimental social consequences arising from isolationist and aggressive societal attitudes.