Ricers - Morons, or misguided souls?
by: mndsm
Who is to blame for the F&F trend? Now normally I would be all about blaming Hollywood and the never ending ability to create a trend out of positively nothing, but i'm not so sure this is the case. Sure, there was exponential growth in the sale of APC wings and invader body kits following the release of the first film in this glorious franchise, but I think there's more to it. I think car snobs are to blame.
Before you try to castrate me, let me explain.
I'll start off with the fact that I am just as guilty as anyone. Often, I will see a post from a member joining a board, or overhear a conversation between two teens that just obtained transportation for the first time. These are kids/people that like cars, but don't have a ton of knowledge. They ask the typical "Which intake should I get?" or the famous "Should I add NOS?". Most of us are inclined to reply with some form of snarky comeback, suggesting that they need more stickers and a type-r badge. Not often do we give them useful information, moreso we just lambast them for what we perceive as ignorance. Every so often, you will get someone who will attempt to provide the newbie with some assistance, but that person is usually lost in the sea of "LOL STFU N00B!!!11!!eleventy!". We're not willing to share our knowledge, other than the firm belief that our particular choice in vehicle is the only one worth owning. I see a kid with a Honda, and my knee jerk reaction is to tell him to sell it and buy a real car, before it gets stolen.
What can we do about this?
Lots of things. First, we can all stop with the auto response to these questions. Instead of telling someone they need more nawwwws, maybe we should provide them with REAL info. Basic facts and figures to real gain vs. modification, what is really out there, and so on. Ask questions. What is the owners goal for the car? What are they looking to get out of it? Innovation can be found in almost ANY form of car modification, from straight drag monsters, to budget franken-chops, even Donks. Yes, Donks. They've done suspension work to cars that would put a lot of 4wd trucks to shame, and they've come up with some of the most eye-scorching paint on the planet. Sure it may not be your cup of tea, and it sure as hell isn't mine, but merit can be found in what they do. We need to share this knowledge with the masses, and encourage people to research the mod they want to attempt, not just blind fire useless banter in any direction that isn't ours. If someone asks a question we cannot answer, or prefer not to, instead of telling them to get lost, point them in the right direction. Give them the knowledge they need to make EDUCATED decisions as to what they want to do. I think if we do that, we'd start to see a lot more thoughtfully modified cars, and less bunk.
Or we could march down to APC and set the place on fire.
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