You may notice that the map to the right is a little different than normal maps you may see. It's from a very interseting site you may want to take a look at. http://www.worldmapper.org/. It shows the sizes of territories and countries in comparison to a certain topic. On this map you can see, it is fuel use in the different countries. America, as you can see is the biggest country. This may not be surprising to you, and especially people who read Dave's fantastic comment on my last post. He explained that their is essentially no public transport whatsoever. This is an important fact.If there was public transport in America, would it lessen it's fuel use? Probably. For those who haven't read Dave's comment, do. It will give you a better view of the situation.
2 comments:
That's an interesting map site. I hope it clears up the 'Jesus Land' myth. China is fast becoming the new Jesus Land. There are about 25 million Anglican Christians in Nigeria. That means about 1 in four people there are Anglican. Incredible....
The auto industry was very powerful in the early post-war years and that was why the country invested in the huge interstate highway (motorway) program. America didn't even complete constrcution of it until about 1991. Begun under Eisenhower, by the way. America's infrastructure is different from Europe's and the economy also operates differently. Almost everything Americans buy is transported by truck.
Americans are a nomadic, mobile people. No American knows where he's going to live after finishing university. He could end up in the North, South, West or East. It is common for a young American to end up far far away from his family. A new job can take him far away from everything he is connected with. Some of the things you see in films are true -- a 22 year old uni graduate packing his junk into a rented U-Haul trailer that's hitched up to his K-car. He kisses Mum, hugs his sister, shakes Dad's hand..and he's off. There is no social pressure and no sacrifice. That's why his personal relationship investments with friends and family are almost nil. He can end up 3,000 miles from home and there is no constraints on his choice. It's about "making it" and finding a place for yourself. Regardless of similar cultural currents, in Belgium or Greece, where are you going to go? So I think Europeans are more likely to stay close to their families, despite EU-wide mobility. Choices for Canadian? Toronto or Vancouver. America has that dissolving or unlimited horizon from all sides.
Americans even make a living on the roads. Here's a guy who not only uses the road to make a living, but actually lives on the road...with his pet monkey (no house/flat) - hence the "and best of all, I don't pay property tax." line.
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=5AsqKQptTdQ
Some people also make a living with 'hot shotting', which is pulling small trailers with pickup trucks. If you have a pickup and a trailer, people will hire you to transport their stuff nationwide. Hot shotters live in motels.
http://www.hotshotcarrier.com/
I won't ramble on. I know you already know these things because of your dual citizenship and background. It's just for the readers. Sorry for the sloppy comment in the other post. Lots of typos.
Forgot -- The TV show link I posted in the comment box is that very same theme mobile/nomadic theme. Listen to the song's lyrics. It says it ALL. More than a stereotype.
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=5AsqKQptTdQ
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