by Dave Paulson

Created on: May 21, 2009

Is there anybody out there who doesn't fancy themselves as some sort of amateur psychologist? It seems that everyone you talk to feels that they have certain insights into what makes other people tick. We all naturally size people up and set our first impressions based on whatever data is available. House size, clothing, a handshake, all hold the potential to reveal the inner soul of the people we meet, but no indicator is more reliable than simply observing the kind of car a person drives - or so some people seem to think.

Now, while not immune to the allure of being able to peer into one's psyche by simply reading their body lines and tire profile, I have come to realize the folly in this particular form of divination. That said, I must admit that car reading is not completely devoid of substance. I mean there are likely very few unemployed fast food associates driving Ferraris, and you won't find many NBA centers in Mini Coopers, but for the most part, the conclusions drawn about people, based on their choice in vehicles, probably say more about the judge than the subject.

Fortunately, unlike other forms of stereotyping, such as those based on race, gender or creed - "ride" reading is relatively harmless. In fact, the practice has yet to rise to the level where we have standard sub-group epithets. So, until we start hearing people referred to as "Humhogs" and "BeemerWeenies," and we all actually know exactly what's inferred, we can feel free to judge at will. We just need to make sure we keep it in perspective and fully appreciate the rules of the game.

We can all agree, that if there were an Idiot's Guide to Car Reading, it would identify that SUV drivers are thoughtless "meanies" who care not about our planet, and that middle-aged men driving sporty convertibles are obviously going through a mid-life crisis. If you drive a minivan, then you must be a soccer mom; pickup truck drivers are obviously bullies who don't care about others on the road, and people who choose red or black cars are aggressive, potentially dangerous speeders. BMW and Mercedes say money, Kia frugal, Ford practical and Prius environmentally conscious: cars really are so much more telling than tea leaves . . .

Personally, I drive a black Mitsubishi Spyder, and since I am middle aged, I guess that colors me in crisis. But wait a minute, that's unless you happen to see me when I'm driving the Aerostar van, or God forbid in my four wheel drive F-350. While it's not impossible

• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next Page >>