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| This chapter is about a drivers license; the
values and it meanings. The focus was done on two groups of people.
People recieving it and people losing it.
The first group of people I will talk about is the young licensed and unlicensed drivers between the ages of 15 to 19 years of age. The majority of these individuals had a feeling of, "I can't wait." It says, "Students could not wait to get a drivers license, because they assumed it would have a positive effect on their social life, association pattern, employment opportunities, opportunity for romance, and independence. The legal right to drive was represented as a milestone, one that signaled a new era of adulthood."(pg. 70) |
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| It was mentioned that it was normal to get
a license by the age of 16 years. Teens that did not get a drivers
license shortly after their 16th birthday would be embarassed and woould
probably try to hide the fact. One boy's comment was, "Only geeks
don't want to drive.(pg.71)
Many teens felt that aquiring or not aquiring a drivers license would impact their social life. With a drivers license they would gain more freedom and it would lead to a much richer social life. I remember when I was in high school, before I had gotten my drivers license, my parents had to drive me to the school dances. I made them drop me off outside campus or a block away from the event. I guess because I thought that I would be teased by the other students. Getting a drivers license also changes association patterns. "Get togethers among school mates are considerably more difficult, if not impossible, without a car.(pg.72) It's true, it is very difficult to go out with your friends if you have to meet them by catching a taxi or bus. Dating would also be a major disaster without a drivers license. I feel that this quote says it all, "Have you ever tried to fool around with a girl in the bus?" Imagine if everytime you had a date you had to go with the bus or a taxi, it would suck; Limosine maybe. |
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| The next group that was focused upon were
the senior citizens. Becoming an ex-driver. Losing a drivers
license is a significant and meaningful life situation. Most senior
citizens dread the loss of driving privilages. Some described the
event as "devastating," "heartbreaking," or "a frightening experience like
loosing a rigt arm, or dying."(pg.77)
Never the less they believe that they are able to compensate for their impairments. They felt that experience, not physical imparement is the key factor. These are the few alternatives that they had. They could ride the bus, but many of them have heart conditions or leg problems (poor circulation) that would make it very difficult to catch the bus. The taxi is another option but, usually too expensive. Losing their license, therefore, would confine them to their homes, leaving them dependent on family or friends to take them somewhere. My grandfather is at that age that he shouldn't be driving, he still has his license though. I can see the problem with losing your drivers licence. |
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In conclusion, the drivers license represents the avenue of life. "For the young, the drivers license represents a range of benefits-independence, convenience, access to a myriad of social roles, and nessary transportation."(pg.82) "The right to drive is eagerly awaited among the young and not surrendered willingly among the old (Eisenhandler, 1990)"(pg.83) I know that I might be young now but, someday I won't be able to drive and I hope that there will be a solution for the non-licenced people soon. |