Cars and Culture: How Automotive Vehicles Shaped Society
August 13, 2018
In what cultural areas of life have cars made a significant impact throughout history?
- Revolutionizing production
- Motorsports
- Modern establishments
- Pop culture
Without a doubt, the invention of the automotive vehicle is one of the historic events that forever altered the course of time and civilization. It’s insanely difficult to imagine a world where cars and motorcycles do not exist. Whether it’s a new line of luxury cars being test driven somewhere in Europe or a simple performance upgrade with a new muffler for sale in the Philippines, the automobile is the primary means of land transportation used all around the world.
But it isn’t just in terms of transportation and overall convenience that automobiles have come to make their impact on the world. Cars have also come to influence the way we live our lives in a sociocultural context; influencing the way we see and enjoy things:
Revolutionizing Production and Global Economy
First and foremost, the invention of the automobile has helped significantly evolve and develop the concept of the production assembly line on a global scale. Henry Ford is labeled as the godfather of the American car industry.
Although Carl Benz is known and documented to have been the person responsible for inventing the first vehicle in 1879, it was Henry Ford that revolutionized how they are mass produced. Without the brilliance of Henry Ford and his company, to this day, cars would still just be something that only the upper classes could acquire and afford!
Motorsports and Hobbyists
Cars were indeed envisioned and invented for the main purpose of transportation, but these machines have also displayed their awe striking capabilities to society in the form of a serious sport and passionate hobby for connoisseurs and enthusiasts all around the world.
Determined athletes from all across the seven seas have devoted their entire lives to the pursuit for glory on the racetrack. Passionate individuals have built serious careers out of their genuine love for tinkering with engines and chassis.
Drive-Throughs and Modern Establishments
It is a well-known fact that without cars, the advent of the mall or shopping center would not have come to life. Malls were originally built in suburban areas and the idea for expanding these indoor commercial complexes came about thanks to the ease that automobiles have given us and our transportation needs.
In this day and age, shopping malls are ubiquitous and even considered as congregational or metropolitan landmarks all across the globe. Another beautiful gift that cars have brought to the contemporary world are services such as the ‘drive-through’ for many a fast food chain, and even the nostalgic ambiances of the Drive-In theater or Parked-Car diner.
Pop-Culture, Art, and Interconnectedness
Last but certainly not least, cars have been an integral element of art, cinema, music, and literature. Everything from the novels and poetry of Jack Kerouac to movies like Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1971) have their heartstrings rooted in the feelings, spirit, and freedom that the automotive vehicle offers.
Even people who do not speak the same language and come from radically diverse backgrounds can somehow connect and get on the same page based purely on their love and understanding of this piece of engineering and machinery!
Key Takeaway
In every inhabitable landscape – urban, suburban, rural, or provincial setting, cars have made palpable imprints on the marvels and wonders of the modern day. All around the world – in Switzerland, America, China, Japan, India, or the Philippines, mufflers for sale, monumental racing events, and many other aspects of the automotive industry have shaped our togetherness as a cultural species on this planet.