THE END OF AMERICA'S CAR CULTURE?: Upfront Article Response

YOUNG PEOPLE GIVE UP CAR CULTURE FOR INTERNET

In the article "The End of America's Car Culture" the author, Alessandra Potenza, says that years ago young people were all crazy for cars and they were a symbol of the American dream.  Young people of today don't seem to be as interested in cars, as their parents and grandparents were at the same age.  There are many causes for the decline including, revival of cities, more eco friendly transportation, rising gas and insurance costs, and the internet. Teenagers and young adults instead seem to be more interested in the new technology.
One cause for the decrease in interest of cars, is the comeback of the cities.  Potenza states that "America grew more prosperous and Baby Boomers--those born between 1946 and 1964-- began leaving cities in search of safer, less-crowded places to raise families."  Not only did you need a car in the suburbs to get around, but it was a time when two cars in the garage became a popular symbol of the American dream.  Today, cities have become much more popular, and have easily accessible shops, cafes, and activities that you can walk or bike to.  Walking, biking, and taking public transit is becoming more appealing to more young people who are environmentally conscience.  Most are aware of their carbon footprint.  Calvin Leckenby, a 15 year old high school student states, "I don't really think that cars are a great thing to be using and I love to ride my bike."
Another cause for the decline in car culture is that the cost of owning a car is more expensive.  With gas prices at about $4 dollars a gallon, and insurance rates sky high, many would like to spend their money elsewhere.  They would prefer to spend it on new mobile devices and gadgets.
In the text, researcher Thilo Koslowski says, "The i-Phone is the Ford Mustang of today.  He means that the Ford Mustang used to be considered a status symbol, because everyone was into the car culture and wanted a cool car.  Cars were a way for young people to socialize.  They would go to drive-ins to see movies and drive throughs to eat food.  Today the i-Phone is use to socialize by connecting online to research restaurants, text friends to meet or just chat. Status is determined by the cutting edge technology that you have.
 I totally agree with the researcher.  Everyone wants the newest versions, and they aren't cheap.  My dad went to Verizon to get me a new phone and couldn't get in the door because the line was all the way down the block for the new i-Phone!  That says it all, need I say more!
The article "The End of America's Car Culture" by Alessandra Potenza, shows that America's car culture does seem to be coming to an end and technology culture is taking over.