Comment 39984

By moylek (registered) - website | Posted April 20, 2010 at 10:33:58

schmadrian opines re. the lack of public concern for cycling and non-gross mass transit ...

Why should this be a curious element? It's not to me. ... It's the default. It might not be intractable, it might be completely and entirely changeable, but scratching your head over it? Now that's curious.

He's not arguing for the default, as far as I can tell. He's arguing that we acknowledge it and realize that an awful lot of people like it (or think they do) and that we should not act like it's an inexplicable surprise.

I try to approach these things like a compassionate 19th century missionary rather than as a zealous 16th century reformer: learn the language, understand the lives, bring new knowledge, be an example, proclaim the good news ... rather than railing against the iniquitous way that the majority live and demanding that the authorities smash the altars and tear down the painted idols.

St. Francis of Assisi advised his followers to preach the gospel at all times and, if necessary, use words. I believe that we argue eloquently for cycling when we signal our turns, obey traffic signs, walk our bikes on sidewalks, ride sensibly but boldly downtown sans lycra.

All that said, bloody minded fanatics like John Knox and Oliver Cromwell will often effect social change more quickly and thoroughly than half a dozen St. Francises. : /

I'm still opting for loving persuasion peppered with the odd rant, though :)

Comment edited by moylek on 2010-04-20 09:36:01

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