The Valpo Core Reader
 

Authors

Mark Willer

Document Type

Cause and Effect Essay

Publication Date

1988

Excerpt

A revealing aspect of American culture is its fascination with automobiles. This fascination can be seen almost anywhere. Car buffs gather around the magazine racks to look over issues of a variety of auto magazines in drug stores. Americans always turn their heads when a sleek red Porsche zips past them on the freeway. Even on many game shows, the most valued prize to win is "A NEW CAR!" Why do Americans cherish cars so much? There are three reasons for this obsession: desire for individual freedom, the aesthetic appeal of the car, and the fact that cars can become valuable vehicles for crafting a self-image.

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