Outline of My First Oral Presentation
The Beginnings of Road War
This is a presentation of Road Rage, by Dr. Leon James
and Dr. Diane Nahl, Prometheus Books,
By, Amy Beeler
I. How do we define the
terms "Road Rage" and "Aggressive Behavior”?
A.
Much debate over definitions and the actual existence of the term, due to the
fact that the media coined the term Road Rage, and made it well known
to the public.
1. "The more you tell people it is there, the more they see it"
2. Term used for disgruntled bicyclist and pedestrians
B.
The book defines Road Rage as, "...an extreme state of anger that often
precipitates aggressive behavior, sometimes restricted to words and gestures,
sometimes as assault and battery."
C. The term "Aggressive Behavior" does not have just one agreed upon
definition. The book defines it as, "...reckless behavior, such as running
red lights, or giving someone a 'brake job,' as well as to speeding,
tailgating, and lane hopping." However, many people see these actions as
driving assertively or competitive.
II. No matter the
exact definition, Aggressive Drivers have always been responsible for traffic
problems; worldwide there is a Culture of Disrespect. Aggressive drivers
selfishly attempt to impose their will on others who are considered
to be "in the way."
A.
The phenomenon worldwide. Just a few, of many, examples:
1. Philippine residents see normalcy in their common Road Rage.
2. In Calgary, Canada, drivers freely use vigilante justice
3.
B.
Aggressive Driving worldwide is rooted in cultural ideology.
1. Culture supports and promotes acceptance of aggressive behavior
a. Need to know difference between "stupid acts" and "stupid
people"
b. Atmosphere of unsportsmanlike competition. (E.g. winning ugly)
2. Society needs to learn more constructive ways to solve disputes.
III. How do we learn
this behavior?
A.
We Applaud angry behavior from early ages (e.g. TV wrestling, boxing)
B.
Adults drive aggressively while their children are in the car...our future
drivers. (Learned negativity)
C.Aggressive driving behaviors are a criminal misdemeanor, and often go
unpunished. So inhibitions are lowered, with the belief that they can get away
with being aggressive.
Helpful links:
www.nysgtsc.state.ny.us/aggr-ndx.htm
www.cartipsandmore.com/aggressive_driving.html
www.caa.ca/e/news-issues/aggressive-driving.shtml
Home page: www.soc.hawaii.edu/leonj/409as2005/beeler/home.htm