Status Symbol?

Walking home from the gym today, I saw someone driving their Hummer down the street. As usual, my first reaction was to think, "what an asshole." I have a similar response when the vehicle is an Escalade, a Suburban, or any other titanic truck-pretending-to-be-a-car, but Hummers trigger that feeling most intensely.

It's not just about the way Hummers look (ugly), or their fuel efficiency (lousy); other vehicles are just as ugly or consume as much gas. Instead, I think it's primarily due to the fact that the company's marketing campaign seems to be a direct appeal for people to revel in their own obnoxiousness. "You're a macho dickhead — buy a Hummer!" So it's no wonder, I guess.

I know some people think their ginormous SUV is a status symbol, but I'm willing to bet that a lot of people share my reaction. So folks, do yourselves and the world a favor, and rethink your mode of transport.