The critical mass is a very interesting topic to me because it was something I knew nothing about before. Seeing the We Are Traffic' video was cool because it was amazing to see so many people coming together doing the exact same thing...riding bikes. It was like a parade, but it wasn't a parade. It was this giant movement of free flowing individuals, some of whom wanted to make a statement, while others just wanted to ride their bikes. Looking at something like this made it kind of hard for me to determine if it was a protest or not, but then I realized (after someone mentioned in class) that they said in the video, it was just a celebration and they did not want for the members to come in with angry protest intentions. I have some mixed feelings on the whole event. I like the fact that so many people are doing this and seem so united. It is fun to just look at. Most of them seemed to be just having a good time doing what they love to do. The signs on the bikes are also pretty funny as well. However, I do feel there was a point in the video where they just seemed inconsiderate of the people with cars, knowing they were blocking traffic. I can see where some frustrated drivers are coming from when they get upset. People might be in a hurry to get home, make an appointment, attend to an emergency, etc. That is hard to do with a hundred bikers slowing you down.
At the same time, you can look at the bright side of the whole thing and appreciate the mass for what it is. I really see it as a movement in which people join and ride for purposes specific to them. There is no one reason to ride for the critical mass. If a person wants to do it strictly for enjoyment or strictly for raising awareness, it doesn't truly matter. Also, the lack of established leadership allows for more freedom, such as thoughts and ideas about what a rider wants to do. For me personally, if I was a bystander watching this movement, I would probably be smiling because I enjoy watching events where large groups of people are moving together towards a common goal, ideally or physically (parades, races, flash mobs). I guess, as long as the riders are being safe and respectful, just keep on moving.
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3 comments:
Jeromy, I like your description of how fun it is to see a group of people doing something together and having fun - I agree with you that something like the Critical Mass ride (something celebratory) is really fun and amazing to watch. Your post raises one question for me. Because of the freedom that Critical Mass allows for its riders in in terms of their own reasons to join the protest, does that also take away from each person's views since no one idea has the authority of the group behind it?
In your blog you mentioned that anyone can ride for whatever reason they pleased. I thought it was strange that some of the founders of Critical Mass then went on to say how they discouraged riders from being assholes to drivers. While one might say that they wanted to prevent this for courteous reasons, doesn't that sort of discredit their claim that anyone can own critical mass?
I agree that CM is really more of a movement then anything else, and that it is important to appreciate it for what it is. I like that it was a celebration meaning it is more interesting and fun to watch, like you pointed out.
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