The Automobile

Cultural objects surround us every day that tell us a lot about our society and have a significant meaning behind it. An automobile is a metal based object that comes in different colors and styles. It has windows to roll up and down and lights to see in the dark. Inside there are seats for the driver and passengers, air conditioning, and the radio. We often see these objects going down the street to a destination. There are many uses for the automobile but for me; it is a form of transportation. However for many individuals the usage of the automobile is used as a form of luxury because those who are wealthy own several of cars, more than they need. This illustrates that people in today's U.S. society use the automobile as a label. Those people use the automobile to show society the status in which they are in society, "Who has the best and most expensive car in the block." Henry Ford was the first who produced an automobile that was affordable for the American, Model T. He transformed the automobile from a luxury toy to a mainstay of American society. Even in the past, an automobile was a form of luxury but changed into a form of transportation since it was affordable for almost all Americans. I believe that the automobile in the future will advance severely and sooner than later I strongly feel automobiles will be able to fly like airplanes, not as high but be lifted off the ground. I come to this analysis based on how far technology is advancing in our society. The automobile is not only a source of transportation and luxury but an aspect of social life. When people ride with others in a car, it brings a type of communication because besides the radio playing, the people in the car are obviously going to talk to each other and bond closer than with who they are not riding in the car with. The people in the same car are all going to the same location so it connects them closer. There are values behind the automobile. Owning and driving an automobile represents responsibility in the U.S. culture because it demonstrates the person owning and driving a car is mature enough to be careful and hold the responsibility of putting other people’s lives at risk by driving. The car does exist in other countries but mainly as a form of transportation, not like the U.S. However in many countries people cannot afford the automobile so it is very looked-up to in other countries if someone owns a car. The urge and necessity of the automobile is essential in any society on the planet. However we should consider the consequences of usage of the automobile, global warming.