Giles Kirkland believes there is no longer a need to be a speed-hungry boy-racer.
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As long as it has existed, the car has been closely linked to ideals of masculinity and the contemporary man. From its early days – when it was just a luxury vehicle for rich gentlemen – the car has adapted its image in line with the changing times.
While men certainly still take pride in their vehicle, it’s not out of a highly competitive nature, but more as a means of independence and an ability to achieve their daily tasks.
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Now, possibly, we are seeing one of these major changes. In recent history, masculinity has been about creating the image of wealth and power, leading to the ‘boy racer’ stereotype. However, many will argue that masculinity is much more than this and, in fact, the humble car also represents a greater reflection of who the modern man truly is.
Practicality
It can be argued that that today’s man is less concerned about showing off or impressive people with a loud engine, than he is finding a practical solution for his needs. Specifically, many men are active family members, and this means finding a more suitable car.
This is because the amount of time fathers spend with their children is increasing. When dads are busy doing school runs, shopping, and other daily duties, it’s no longer important to have a small, sporty coupe. More practical options, such as hatchbacks and estates, are being chosen to meet the needs of the modern family man.
This change also reflects how male drivers care about the cars. A quick look at car forums and websites will show that, yes, some drivers do care about underglow lights and larger spoilers, but a growing proportion care about passing their next MOT and using the most fuel efficient tires to save money. While men certainly still take pride in their vehicle, it’s not out of a highly competitive nature, but more as a means of independence and an ability to achieve their daily tasks.
Modern Innovations
It’s safe to say that everyone is involved with modern technology. This includes the typical male. By the end of 2016, it’s estimated that over 2 billion people will have a smartphone. Such a development is already allowing many men to enhance their driving experience, just as the smartphone has enhanced everything else. While it might still be embarrassing for some people to ask for directions, there’s no problem relying on a phone’s GPS for help.
Should it not be better then, to judge male drivers from a broader perspective, rather than the one minority that happens to cause an un-proportionally large number of incidents?
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The same smartphone can also be used to control music wirelessly and make hands-free phone calls. This something many men are making use of, driving between work and family life, using their phone to catch up on the move. Devices such as android auto offer a range of smart features and, for many drivers, this enables the car to be synchronized with devices at home. In this way, at least, the car is becoming a simple extension of home life, rather than a separate image for men to enable when in public.
Going Green
Similarly, the world is also seeing an environmentally-friendly wave in the automotive industry, as full-electric vehicles are just starting to take off as a viable transport option. These cars typically fall into the category of family cars more than they do as sporting variants. It’s how men adapt to these new options that highlight key points about modern masculinity.
For example, it’s been well argued that different ages have different views on the environment, with millennials being one of the biggest advocates for sustainability. Looking at purely electrical vehicles (EV), the recent step up from hybrids, some studies are suggesting almost 80% of owners are male.
It can be argued then that men are more concerned for the environment than image, choosing EVs because they represent the modern issues that are regarded as important. Likewise, the point can also be made that, while EVs don’t offer the same performance parameters, this isn’t a problem for the typical male that isn’t looking to over speed or drive recklessly.
Driving Behavior
Despite all of these positive improvements, there are still countless reports that show men are more likely to crash, as well as being more likely to drive while under the influence of alcohol. If we look at some of the statistical breakdowns, it’s clear that most of these incidents are committed by young male drivers (under the age of 35). As for everyone else, the figures are relatively low in comparison. Should it not be better then, to judge male drivers from a broader perspective, rather than the one minority that happens to cause an un-proportionally large number of incidents?
While many men still have a strong bond and draw to their vehicle, the decisions they make are certainly very different.
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We still live in a world where cars are seen as something to idolize. TV and films still show vehicles as an extension of power. This has been around since James Bond and more modern variants, such as the Fast & Furious franchise, do little to change this notion. While male masculinity can certainly be targeted and linked to how men are viewed as drivers, media, and our own culture are still spreading this older (and arguably unnecessary) image.
Sensibly Speaking
In many cases, the ‘boy racer’ stereotype represents the “money and muscles” image that is often so wrong, yet so easily, applied. The cars are customized to look expensive, offering exhausts and other ‘muscle’ work to show off when in public. Yet, as a quick look at the nearest road will show, is it possible these people are just an overtly loud minority?
It appears that many car owners drive out of a practical need, as part of family life and, even when they have the options, they make more sensible rational decisions. While many men still have a strong bond and draw to their vehicle, the decisions they make are certainly very different. This includes EVs and sensible cars that meet their needs, rather than their wants.
In time, we may see these drivers become more predominant, helping to firmly establish the idea of a more sensible man.
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Photo: GettyImages
I am definitely *not* your target audience, Giles. I’m a “car guy”. What’s interesting to me, just like many articles on this site, is that some of what you say touches on a deeper truth. That is, *sometimes* cars are used as “peacock feathers” for males that wish to display their, whatever, to other males and females. No different than a nice watch, or pair of shoes, or fill-in-whatever-piece-of-material-good here. But keep in mind that sportscars and sensibility are not mutually exclusive. For many, they are a hobby and a really, really fantastic outlet for physical and mental agility, and… Read more »