Where is lawbreaking not just visible, but designed to be seen? Where is antisocial behaviour worn as a badge of honour? Where is pleasure gained directly from causing distress? And where is reckless endangerment often ignored by the police or treated with the mildest of punishments? The answer is on the roads.
I understand the academic roots and I’m sure the paper it was coined in is top tier sociology. But we have got to stop labeling bad shit as masculine, it only amplifies the behavior. The dude 6" off your bumper is not going to hear “petro-masculinity” and have a quiet contemplative moment about carbon emissions and road safety. He’s going to feel scolded, hear that you’re triggered and frightened of his masculinity, and then he’s going to start driving even more aggressively out of spite. And nobody will stop him, because nobody with the power to do so cares. Hell, the cops themselves are often the ones who drive like this.
Is there any action that won’t trigger spite from this type of person? Their entire existence consists of playing the victim and throwing tantrums because somebody advocated for something different to what they are used to.
This thread got me thinking. I think OP is correct that we need to stop doing the masculinity thing. If its a behavior change we are hoping for a better way to cause self reflection might be to use some of the noble features of what they think masculinity is. Does a protector drive like that and endanger everyone? Other peoples families / kids are also on the road. Would someone trust you to drive their loved ones around? Dont you want to be the guy everyone can count on to do the right thing and get us back safe?
Hey man I saw you pull into the lot the other day. I was surprised cause don’t act like you would drive that way. Make them question how they are being perceived. A little manipulative but fuck it.