The Speeding Bullet

What exactly is a subculture? According to the American Heritage Dictionary, a subculture is defined as “a culture subgroup differentiated by status, ethnic background, residence, religion, or other factors that functionally unify the group and act collectively on each member.” In a more simplified form, a subculture is essentially a culture within a larger culture. Thanks to the ubiquitous mass media, I was able to watch a movie called The Fast and The Furious which has given me insight into one of the most prevalent subcultures in today’s society. Everyday I see cars “racing” down the streets and wonder if these fast drivers have an ulterior motive behind that heavy foot. I have come to learn that the expression “petal to the metal” actually sums up a lifestyle that is followed religiously by certain groups of people. The past couple of weeks, I had the opportunity to study the life of street racing and learned what unifies and brings this group of street racers together. More specifically, the essence of street racing can be characterized by, and often associated with, the popular artifact of a gun; they both share a sense of euphoria, the empowerment over the law, and dire ramifications.

The tires screech and the smell of burning rubber is in the air. The cars pick up speed and before you know it, they disappear into the horizon, leaving nothing but a veneer of dust to settle onto the ground. So, what are street racers racing for? "I race because it's a rush. I don't do drugs or any of that garbage, so racing is my high for that moment," says Zakk, 19. "It's a rush running from the cops." Street racers continue to race in their attempt to experience a state of euphoria. They race because their “high” can be achieved only by the pumping adrenaline that is produced by traveling at blurring speeds. For street racers, it’s not only about driving fast, it’s about the ability to move at speeds not humanly possible and this is what continues to keep this subculture together. I have learned the emotional release from street racing is also found in the popular artifact of guns. Just like street racers, gun owners also reach a state of nirvana from their little machines. Instead of being able to go hundreds of miles per hour in a few seconds, guns give their owners the ability to hold something powerful in their hands. I asked my best friend Jared, an enthusiastic gun collector and hunter, why guns are so popular. “You know, it’s something you can’t really put into words. Shooting a gun is an experience. It is so scary and loud that it’s fun. You get goosebumps, you shake, and you laugh. The sensation you get after shooting a gun is what makes you want to do it again.” While both street racing and guns shed a feeling of exhilaration through entertainment, they also disperse a sense of empowerment.

Street racers are a cohesive group of individuals that not only seek the thrill of attaining high speeds, but also individuals that want to achieve recognition amongst their peers. Street racers spend thousands of dollars investing into their “baby” so they can beat their opponent and be crowned the top dog. While finishing ahead of another person not only gives the winner bragging rights, it also gives them a sense of empowerment. All street racers share the enjoyment of playing “God”; to be able to create something that will give them super powers such as super speed. All of these improvements, however, come at a cost. ‘"The sky is the limit as to how much we spend on our cars," says Zakk. "I've probably spent about $4,000 worth of mods into my car. At $17,000, I've invested about 20% of the original cost back into the car. However, it is not uncommon to see kids dropping $10-30,000 on high performance motors, suspension, and styling enhancements."’ With all of these new modifications, street racers feel as though these improvements were not only made on their cars, but on themselves as well. As a result, drivers feel immortal and unaffected by any obstacle in their way, including the law. Street racers assume their cars can get them out of trouble with the police, but unfortunately, many face the harsh reality of breaking the law. Ironically, guns seem to have the same effect. Just like the cars, guns give the owners a sense of control on everything around them. Jared could not have put it more clearly. “The reason why I have such a fascination with guns is the sense of power it gives you. When I hold a gun in my hand, I feel fearless. I feel that nothing can hurt me and sometimes, I feel above the law.” Street racers have become a subculture known for its intrepid identity; however, sometimes this empowerment can impair judgment and lead to ominous consequences.

Street races are a source of entertainment and excitement for all those who are involved. Ranging from ages seventeen to twenty-five, participants and spectators get a thrill because they are part of something illegal, informal, and dangerous. This builds a sense of community among street racers and unfortunately, it is a community where innocent people are susceptible to death, but a risk all are willing to take. Street racers are not professional drivers and have never been formally trained to maneuver a car at such high speeds. There is no chance for them to practice which, unfortunately, gives drivers the only option of “on the job training.” Due to a lack of experience, the driver’s vehicle that took them from point A to point B is now a one hundred mile per hour weapon. In order to gain advantage against other racers, some street racers have modified their vehicles beyond the manufacturers’ standards and engineering specs. As a result, a racer can potentially blow an engine and lead his or her car hurtling out of control into a crowd. A gun is just like a car in a street race because of the different ways it can be used. While a gun is a tool to hunt for food, like a car that takes a person safely from one place to another, it can also act as a weapon that kills, just like a speeding car out of control. The use of a car and a gun can be a blessing, making tasks in every day life more efficient and effective. A car and a gun, if used improperly, can also cause fatal consequences: death.

Ever since the beginning of the muscle car era, the subculture of street racing has become ever more popular. Maybe it is because this culture offers so much to a driver: a euphoric sensation, power, popularity. Maybe because as a street racer, it doesn’t matter what color you are or how much athletic ability you have. I have come to learn that what makes street racing so great is its ability to accept every type of demographic. Street racing creates a level playing field so anyone with enough grit can win.

Personal Response

I definitely learned a lot from this essay not only about myself as a writer but also about the content that I studied. After researching street racing, I didnt know how bit of a cult it is. People really dedicate their lives to be the fastest driver in town. Street racing can also be life threatening as well not only in terms of people dying from crashes, but people steal and take other people's cars. Street racing is very dangerous but I guess that is why people like it so much.

As a writer, I feel that this essay was a lot different than the last one. I say this because I feel this essay was more factual based than creative, kind of like a newspaper. I feel my intro was strong and I had pretty good topic sentences followed with good evidence to support my topic and thesis. Overall, I feel like i did a pretty good job.

The Amazing Mouse

According to the nineteenth-century British anthropologist, Edward Tylor, the modern, technical definition of culture is the “socially patterned human thought and behavior.” Here in America, we all share a common culture. However, this culture is not an innate characteristic we acquired since birth, but rather, it was learned through personal experience. Eric Miraglia says that “[Culture] is a body of learned behaviors common to a given human society, acts rather like a template, shaping behavior and consciousness within a human society from generation to generation.” I am fortunate to have been raised in this wonderful country ever since birth. Through my experiences with close friends from various countries, I learned that America has portrayed itself as a “Land of Dreams.” My friend from China, Mike, always tells me his longing to come to America. I asked him why and he responded, “American is the land of opportunity, it is where our dreams come true!” In my English class, I have come to learn that Mickey Mouse, a popular living artifact, best represents my understanding of American Culture: a culture that represents opportunity, a place where anything is possible, and a sense of security.

Mickey Mouse is the face of Disney World, a place where childhood dreams come to life. Interestingly enough, I have found that Mickey Mouse also represents the American Culture as the land of opportunity. When I first visited Disney World, I saw Mickey Mouse at the front gate, holding the keys to anything imaginable for a six year old. Behind him I saw dancing lions, I saw the mountains of Japan within walking distance to where I stood, and I saw a rocket ship en route to the moon. I was amazed by the endless possibilities of what I could do, finding that it was only my hesitation of comprehending a euphoria that was holding me back. Just as Disney World is the Mecca for all children where their fantasies are lived, America is the hot spot for foreigners to make their dreams a reality. My understanding of American Culture is that we Americans are in a place where only the sky is the limit, our imaginations build the world in which we want to create. Foreigners are longing to come to America, a place where we can be a doctor or an artist. There is no one telling us what to do or how we should live our lives. We have resources at our fingertips and a government that supports our success. To any adult in pursuit of fulfilling a full life, this is their Disney World, their Mickey Mouse. This is how Mickey Mouse represents the opportunity of my understanding of American Culture.

Mickey Mouse not only represents opportunity, but he also represents the American Culture’s ideal that anything is possible. If we look at Mickey Mouse and analyze him in the context of the food chain, he is a mouse at the very bottom of the animal totem poll. I think of a mouse as a menial creature that cannot even prey on its own food but rather feeds off of the leftovers from other superior animals. To me, a mouse is so insignificant that its very existence seems unworthy of praise. However, like the America Culture I have come to understand, this mouse is special. Only here in America can a mouse acquire the size of a human and possess the power of brining fantasies into the realm of reality. Only here in America can a mouse become something so despicable of a life form and be made into a universal icon. To me, Mickey Mouse represents that skin color or race does not determine the greatness one can achieve. Mickey Mouse took the image of a creature that is frowned upon into an animal that is most desired by children. Just like the American Culture that portrays anything is possible, Mickey Mouse shows that anyone or anything can achieve a level of greatness, no matter who you are or where you came from.

When I think of Mickey Mouse, one thing that immediately comes to mind is the sense of security I feel. Whether I am roaming the streets in front of the Disney World Castle or holding my Mickey Mouse blanket, I feel safe from the violence and anger of the outside world. The image of Mickey brings about a sense of peace that I know things are going to be okay, a feeling of confidence that this “idea” can bring about safety to me and my family. One other important aspect of American Culture I have come to understand is the sense of security that is permeated throughout the world. America has the strongest military and with that brings a sense of comfort to Americans and its allies. My international friends tell me that America is idealized for its justice system and they desire the confidence of knowing that within the American grounds, they will be taken care of. The image of Mickey himself illustrates the security that is found in the American Culture.

Whether it is in a two-year old’s bedroom or on the tee shirt of a man in Africa, the image of Mickey Mouse is a living artifact of America’s Culture. What makes the American Culture so great are the endless opportunities it provides with the comfort of knowing you are safe. Just like Mickey Mouse, the American Culture is recognized universally, its essence bringing smiles to the faces of many people knowing that dreams can become reality only here in the United States.

In Class Essay #1 Response

I learned that there are many different forms to define the word culture. To me, I learned that the definition of culture needs to be broad in order to encompass all the different types of culture. In particular, I have come to a better understanding of American Culture. I learned that American Culture represents possibility, opportunity, and fantasy.

While writing the in-class essay, I found that I had constructed a creative answer to my essay question. In my mind, I had developed a concept and knew what I wanted to say. The biggest problem for me as a writer is that I have a hard time transcribing my thoughts onto paper. I think I focus too much on writing eloquently than just putting down what I want to say.

A'little about me

Hello my name is Jonathan Lee and I was born and raised here in the beautiful state of California. I recently graduated from a prep school on the east coast in New Hampshire and I am currently taking my second year off after high school. Right now I am trying to take as many transferable classes for college credit before enrolling into college this coming fall.

My favorite pastime is ice hockey which has shaped most of my life. The one reason why I left California to attend a school on the east coast was because of hockey and its dominant role as a high school sport. The one reason why I postponed my college education was because I decided to dedicate some time to play minor pro hockey in New Jersey.

Later down the road, I plan to live and settle down in California. I hope to study architecture/engineering in college but I am still uncertain on which field of study to pursue. If I follow the engineering route, I would love to use my degree to work with automobiles. I hope to one day work with BMW.