Come on now…

Wed, Feb 15, 2006

News


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Originally uploaded by -dario-.

This is where you say, “Nah, I’m cool. I can walk. It’s no big deal.”

Riding 5 up on a scooterped is just not right, ESPECIALLY when one of the passengers is a baby.

Thanks -dario- for adding this to your flickr collection. Great shot.

9 Responses to “Come on now…”

  1. Anonymous Says:
    15. February 2006 at 4:10 pm

    Scootering isn’t ‘recreation’ for the five people on the scooter… it’s a transportation reality.

    People ride that way because on a good day in Malasia or Vietnam one person may make 2 bucks… on a good day.

    If they need to get somewhere, they do what it takes.

    The people in the photo are not wearing helmets to be defiant, or to express their personal politics or their sense of “freedom.” They can’t afford helmets.

    Lucky for them, things are getting better… soon they’ll all have their own cars and the we all know what a perfect solution that is to life’s problems.

    Be thankful you live here, be thankful, but thankful.

    And til you’ve walked a mile in someone’s moccasins, realize you might but “for the grace of” have been piloting that very scooter.

    Reply

  2. Steve Guzman Says:
    15. February 2006 at 6:55 pm

    Ouch. Duely noted. I know I have a bad habit of taking things lightly on this site and… I’ll continue to do so just because it’s my nature. I’m sorry if I sometimes come of brash or insensitive, but this is my outlet to do so… my chance to just be conversational and spill out whatever’s on my mind.

    Mr/Mrs Anonymous, you’re gettin’ me good today… but what you say is true. I appreciate you keeping us grounded…. today at least. ;)

    Insensitively yours,
    steve

    Reply

  3. Steve Guzman Says:
    15. February 2006 at 7:11 pm

    But… You know… They sure are dressed pretty swankily riding on that sweat Scooterped. I think I’d skip on the hat and sweater and spring for a used helmet. Dunno… could just be me.

    Reply

  4. Anonymous Says:
    15. February 2006 at 8:31 pm

    We have a lady here who’s quiting her job to raise money specifically to GIVE helmets away in Vietnam.

    The clothes they are wearing may be half of all the clothes they own. You’ll notice in a typical Vietnamese home there are no bureau’s because there’s nothing to go inside them.

    I think you strike just the right tone on this board. If I didn’t ping you here, someone else would.

    Reply

  5. Doctor J Says:
    16. February 2006 at 1:50 am

    Coincidentally, I started a similar thread on the Modern Vespa forum.

    http://www.modernvespa.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1224

    I also got a similar response about being sensitive to the economic situation in southeast Asia.

    In my defense, though I can afford more, my scooter IS my one and only form of transportation.

    Unless you count the bicycle that I just brought home.

    Reply

  6. Steve Guzman Says:
    16. February 2006 at 4:49 am

    My only personal transportation is my Honda Helix (though the wife has a toddler transporter CR-V).

    My scooter is prolly like a school bus in some countries.

    BTW… Nice job on the transporting of your bicycle Dr.J. I’d like to see you do that with a plasma TV. You could prolly pitch it for a Best Buy commercial.

    Reply

  7. Jeevan Says:
    16. February 2006 at 9:28 am

    very risky drive.

    Reply

  8. Doctor J Says:
    16. February 2006 at 4:15 pm

    “I’d like to see you do that with a plasma TV. You could prolly pitch it for a Best Buy commercial.”

    I was thinking I’d move up slowly. The next step is taking this puppy to Ikea.

    Reply

  9. GlenStoltz Says:
    16. February 2006 at 4:42 pm

    I’ve never been to any other Asian countries, but in the Philippines where my wife is from and where I’ve visited twice, seeing 3-5 people on a bike is quite common in all the provinces.

    PS: Keep up the irreverent commentary. I love it and don’t think it’s out of place.

    Reply

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