Cars as Identity Symbols

For many people, a car is not just a machine to travel. It often shows who they are or who they want to be. A shiny car and a loud engine can feel like a part of themselves. Because of this, cars become more than just tools.

Car companies know this feeling very well. They don’t just sell cars; they sell dreams and ideas. They tell stories that make people believe owning a certain car means they are successful or important. So, buying a car is often about how others see you.

Many people choose cars to look good to others, not because they really need that kind of car. This can lead to expensive choices. Sometimes people buy cars because it feels like it will give them respect or show success, even if the car is not practical for their everyday life.

But chasing this image comes with problems. Cars cost a lot of money. There are payments to make every month, insurance fees, and repair costs. These costs can hurt a person’s savings and make life stressful.

What starts as a feeling of freedom can become a burden. People work long hours or jobs they do not enjoy just to pay for their car and all the costs that come with it. Instead of feeling free, the car can make them feel tied down.

After some time, the new car feeling goes away. Suddenly, the car doesn’t feel special anymore. This can make people want to buy a newer or better car to feel excited again. This is not because the car stopped working well but because society teaches us to always want more.

Society tells us that buying new things shows we are growing or improving. If we do not get something new, some feel it means we have failed. This makes many people stuck in a never-ending cycle of wanting more stuff to feel good.

The way out of this cycle is not just to sell the car or stop buying new ones. The important change is in how we think about cars and ourselves. We should ask, “What do I really need to be happy?” instead of “Which car makes me look better?”

Understanding that a car is only a way to move from one place to another—not a sign of value or success—is very important. A car is not who we are. It’s just a tool, like a bike or a bus, to help us go where we want.

When people accept this, they can feel free. They don’t worry about what others think or try to keep up with new trends. They can live in a way that matches their true values and needs. Real happiness comes from inside, not from what kind of car we drive.

Inspired by:

"You Think You’re Buying a Car — But You're Really Buying This" oleh Beyond the Obvious. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IH6hSdnVn_g&list=WL&index=2&pp=gAQBiAQB.

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