Jul 18, 2006

The Last Rebels

We seem to have a shortage of rebels in this day and age. Punk rock now sings "We're a happy family" without the irony. Nobody crashes their cars in pointless car races anymore (except in Tokyo, apparently). Even New York City cab drivers have calmed down--one of them actually slowed to let me cross the street this morning.

It would be a tragic state, except for one lone group, which bravely continues to fight hard against The Man.

Bicyclists.

Bicyclists obey no law, and recognize no authority. One way street? Great, go the other way. Red light? Excellent, charge ahead. Street a little too crowded with cars for lane-weaving? Well, the sidewalk's right there! Pedestrian stepping out into the street as the little man in the light instructs her to? Mow her down! Brakes are for wusses and slow you down. Signalling makes you predictable. And besides, you need those hands to make obscene gestures at those yuppies that yell at you.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

"We're A Happy Family"
The Ramones, ROCKET TO RUSSIA (1977)

We're a happy family
We're a happy family
We're a happy family
Me mom and daddy.
Siting here in Queens
Eating refried beans
We're in all the magazines
Gulpin' down thorazines.
We ain't got no friends
Our troubles never end
No Christmas cards to send
Daddy likes men.
Daddy's telling lies
Baby's eating flies
Mommy's on pills
Baby's got the chills.
I'm friends with the President
I'm friends with the Pope
We're all making a fortune
Selling Daddy's dope.

My question to you: who needs irony when you've got hilarity like this? (And besides, I'd say they were being ironic in the title.)

Cordelia said...

Um, hello. I'm saying NOW there's no irony, but that back in '77 there was. Jeez.

Anonymous said...

Mom and Dad, stop fighting.