Hacker News Reader

Comment by dsfyu404ed | Hacker News Reader

>my immediate reaction - which I imagine to be the average American reaction - was "what an asshole". However, the Chinese around us on the street had quite a different reaction: "wow what a cool guy/car"

Is "good for him he's enjoying what his nice car has to offer" not an option?

View on HN

By driving his car uncontrolled on a public way surrounded by people? Nope not an option. He's flaunting his wealth by putting other people at risk. That makes him an asshole. Just because you happen to like bullies and assholes didn't make that any less true. On a race track or deserted road? Maybe that's kind of fun and cool, you're generally only putting yourself at risk.

But that kind of dangerous behaviour is what any cool guy / protagonist does in pretty much every action (and not even just action) movie. And people don't usually see those characters as bullies or assholes.

The line between 'cool' and 'asshole' is very slim and depends on your assumptions about the individual in question, their character and motivations.

Yes, and actions movies are silly entertainment for teenagers. Hopefully adults don't actually think the tropes found in action movies should reflect the real society.

Possibly, but only if he were driving in a way that was respectful of other people's safety and well being. Driving recklessly is usually pretty heavily correlated with a disregard for others and a feeling of superiority/being above the rules.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com