The Power of Automobility

The podcast episode explores the concept of automobility and its influence on transportation systems. Automobility is more than just cars and physical infrastructure, it encompasses the values, visions, and public perception associated with car culture. The term automobility refers to the ways in which people assume and envision this system, including the emotions of freedom, power, and convenience that are associated with it. The episode argues that automobility is an ill-named concept, as it is not solely about individual drivers, but rather a complex entity where agency and responsibility are dispersed. It highlights how automobility is deeply ingrained in society, influencing not only transportation, but also aspects such as religion, movies, and popular culture. The episode suggests that automobility is a powerful system of power, comparable to democracy and capitalism, while emphasizing its influence in shaping societal values and perpetuating violence and inequality.