"Americans can't ride bikes!" was the claim of a group of senior 6 students as we discussed ways of transportation in the States. Their understanding isn't completely off-base. They assumed most Americans drive from point A to point B which most do, unlike here where few drive and most either "foot" (walk) or bike. It is not uncommon to see someone pedaling a bike with a bed frame balanced on the back, seemingly defying the laws of physics! One can even hitch a ride on a bicycle taxi. Of course, I quickly set out to prove their statement a myth.
At first I was given a student's bike that was way too big for me. I would have needed a boost to get onto the seat which was up to the middle of my torso! Oh the woes of being vertically challenged. A smaller bike was found, but it was still a struggle to get on gracefully especially wearing a skirt. After much laughter and some student assistance I managed to get on it and start pedaling. I rode around the courtyard to the sound of students laughing and cheering. Myth busted!
At first I was given a student's bike that was way too big for me. I would have needed a boost to get onto the seat which was up to the middle of my torso! Oh the woes of being vertically challenged. A smaller bike was found, but it was still a struggle to get on gracefully especially wearing a skirt. After much laughter and some student assistance I managed to get on it and start pedaling. I rode around the courtyard to the sound of students laughing and cheering. Myth busted!
Cultural myth busting could be a blog all by itself.
ReplyDeleteMost pictures showing Americans traveling are of cars, buses, and planes, not us on bikes. That, and the obesity problem are both probably some of the reasons that they believed what they did. It's really no surprise that they thought that we didn't ride bikes!
ReplyDeleteI'm certain this was a conversation around the Berkowitz dinner table :) Emma very insightful. It's amazing the impact media has. Just think of how Africans have been portrayed so often as savage hut dwellers. It couldn't be further from the truth.
ReplyDeleteMs. G-
ReplyDeleteActually, I came up with this by myself, and then we had a Socratic Seminar Berkowitz style. I know what you mean about how Africans are portrayed. Many people think of Africa as one country, and one culture. It's extremely ignorant.