Why does everyone assume?
Friday, March 27, 2009
Every day for the past two weeks I’ve walked through Dalhousie Station mall, passing Safeway, across the parking lot, along Starbucks.
And it is there, nearly everyday, that a goateed, woolen-toque wearing, security guard has asked me if I have a car in the parking lot.
He’s asks because of the new pay to park system at the nearby C-train station. It seems people are trying to avoid paying by parking in the mall lot.
Everyday, this security dude glances suspicion my way and asks if I’ve parked in the lot. And every day I say no. So after this happens a few times he says, “I don’t know how you do it. Everyday you walk by. You’ve got to have a car in here somewhere.”
“I told you this the other day. I live up behind here. I walk.”
“But I don’t see you come in.”
“I guess you’re not looking,” I say with a smile.
“You’ve got to have a car.”
“So, ticket me.”
And off I walk, leaving this man slightly smaller, reduced by simmering suspicion.
The point is: why does everyone assume everyone else has a car?
Long live the pedestrian. Viva!
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Comments (2)
Bill Shitt
Calgary
Billions in advertising dollars has instilled this thinking in Joe Public, something I'm sure the "Big Three" (or whatever they are called now) are counting on during these bailout times. Have fun with it. I'd walk by this guy jingling a bunch of keys or carrying a jug of windshield washer fluid, or make it look like you have a remote starter. Or ask where "Section J" is... Sometimes it's okay to tease the animals.
Posted March 30, 2009 03:59 AM
Sean Carter
rosscarrock
seriously, it is not surprising that this guy thinks you are lying to him. since WWII our society has coveted the "car in the suburban driveway" and has actively sold us the suburban way of life. in this equation, bicycles are toys - not vehicles.
Posted April 15, 2009 12:31 AM