unicyclist observation

[James1822]

But generally, at least where cycling is concerned, I think in the UK the class system can be said to be very much alive.

I'd be interested to know what your impression of that is. Certainly, the abuse I get tends to come from people in the low income bracket. Perhaps they feel that cycling for pleasure rather than trying to get somewhere is incredibly poncy.

I think a large part of it is that people feel you have deliberately gone out to do something unusual in order to be noticed or that you are willfuly creating more risk on the roads and putting yourself in danger. I'm not in the least surprised by the results of this test, although using a unicycle makes drawing parallels with cycling that little bit harder.

[reohn2]

i bet he's one hell-uv-a-happy chappy that bloke. Has he insured himself against breaking into a laugh?

He's constantly worried.

Dare you to shout "boo" into his ear when he's not looking

He gets his fair share of that from me,and always says the same thing,"you'll give someone a heart attack doing that":0)

[reohn2]

But generally, at least where cycling is concerned, I think in the UK the class system can be said to be very much alive.

I'd be interested to know what your impression of that is. Certainly, the abuse I get tends to come from people in the low income bracket. Perhaps they feel that cycling for pleasure rather than trying to get somewhere is incredibly poncy.

I think a large part of it is that people feel you have deliberately gone out to do something unusual in order to be noticed or that you are willfuly creating more risk on the roads and putting yourself in danger. I'm not in the least surprised by the results of this test, although using a unicycle makes drawing parallels with cycling that little bit harder.

All you have to do is listen to people talking to realise the class system is alive and well and it can be inverted,cycling is looked upon by some as either dangerous,for the poor,or pointless(because no one in their right mind would ride a bike when they can drive a car) the fact that the jouney can be the reward never enters the mind of such people,only the destination.Its also true of their climb up the greasy pole of success they just want to be at the top of their percieved whatever.

Class IMO cuts both ways and also across any given social strata,oneupmanship is very much alive because sadly to belittle someone is the only way some can make themselve feel better.Rather than making themselves feel better by helping someone for the sake of it(goodness for goodness sake).

Religion is based on it(true wisdom isn't), though that is only a two tier system (in or out,saved or not,heaven or hell)whereas social systems can be multi structured and complex.
These are just my observations.

[rower40]

quite interesting stuff about class, religion and wisdom

Zen and The Art of Unicycle Maintenance, anyone?

[reohn2]

quite interesting stuff about class, religion and wisdom

Zen and The Art of Unicycle Maintenance, anyone?

just do it,then kill the Buddha, after which you'll hear the sound of one hand clapping.

[Mrs Tortoise]

I really do try not to make judgements about other people, until I get out of bed that is, then it all seems to be forgotten in the struggle for survival.

It's like despairing at the maurauding shoppers in the sales, wondering if they realise that there is more to life than Shopping - well maybe I could tone that down to, being materialistic, after all Shopping is the main religion of most people in the west and I'm an occasional worshipper.

Then I try not to sneer at car drivers et al when cycling, most don't know what they're missing - as long as it's me, I don't mind, and don't diesel fumes just smell wonderful.

As for pedestrians, well, they are all lovely people - when asleep in bed, nearly got run down by a yoof on a bike the other day, saw him just in time, he did thank me for not committing hari kari. See a caring cyclist and observant pedestrian ( well I did see him just in time!).

So, my resolution for the New Year is.... I don't make 'em any more, but along with losing weight, getting fitter, spending less, cycling more, and being less judgemental, maybe I'll just enjoy myself more... chocolate anyone?