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.