[techweenie]

P-o-P: "...The SUV and its associated "I'm bigger than you", "I'm a bad-ass", and "I'm soooooo successful - look at me!" mentality tends to drag down the collective dignity and intelligence of the society at large. ..."

I think what's underneath this the real motivation for buying a 'big bad' SUV. It's fear.

People are afraid of other drivers, afraid of terrorists; afraid of the unknown.

A 6,000 lb. SUV or pick-em-up is "intimidating" it speaks for a certain segment of society in the same way walking a pit bull does. Maybe in the same way carrying an AK would. It says 'back off.' If people think it's 'antisocial' to drive a large, intimidating truck, that actually plays in favor of the decision to get one for some. The fact that it won't fit in a lot of parking places is just going to have to be 'the other guy's problem.'

Lots of people feel more safe in a huge vehicle. plus they feel they can take more of their 'stuff' with them, which is also reassuring. I met a woman recently who bought a Suburban so she could take her dog with her everywhere in comfot.

Driving a huge vehicle answers some very basic human needs. But then, so would simply shooting everyone who offends you. Civilization requires some compromise.