American Graffiti Essay

American Graffiti: A Moment in History and a Glimpse Into the Future The relationship between humans and cars has been ever-changing. George Lucas’ American Graffiti captures the relationship between American culture and cars in a unique period and hot rod culture. Previously, automobiles were seen as a luxury item accessible only to those fortunate enough to obtain them. However, Henry Ford was able to bring the automobile to a wide demographic of consumers through innovations such as interchangeable parts and the assembly line. He aimed to cut costs and maximize Ford Motor Company’s profits by controlling supply lines, reducing the wait time for materials in manufacturing and production. Through these processes, Ford was able to

American culture shifted towards automobiles as a mode of transportation, as more people lived in the suburbs which required them to commute. As a result, there was a significant increase in automobile ownership which developed a car culture in Southern California: hot rods. Hot rod culture emerged in the 1950s and 1960s and was characterized by people modifying their cars for street racing, combining parts to achieve high speeds. A common theme seen in this class was the pursuit of speed and hot rod culture embodies this concept. In the past, humans were fascinated by the speeds and mobility offered by trains and railways. Since the 19th century, we have pursued speed and mobility. More specifically in Europe, the emergence of trains and railways highlights this pursuit. They made life in cities and the countryside seem closer than really were as railroads pierced through mountainsides. Publications across Europe put railroads in the limelight, focusing on the many benefits they would bring in economic, cultural, and social terms while romanticizing their speed and efficiency In American Graffiti, characters such as John and Bob Falfa are literally pursuing speed as they challenge each other for the title of the fastest car in the Valley. Hot rod culture embodies and captures this same idea as it was fueled by the desire for speed. Coming out

Early automobiles were only accessible to the wealthy and were seen as a status symbol. Similarly, cars and car ownership set people apart in American Graffiti. Terry or “Toad” was seen as a lesser by his peers in the movie, being turned down by girls at the drive-in diner. Terry can be seen driving his Vespa scooter at the beginning of the movie but is later gifted a car from his friend Steve because Steve planned to leave for college. Terry gains a new sense of confidence and freedom when he is handed the keys and can drive Steve’s car. When Terry goes out with Debbie he boasts about Steve’s car and a Jeep he claims to own. Debbie is even attracted to Terry in part because she first sees him in Steve’s car. This example of Terry and Steve’s car relates to the ideas of truth, power, and subjectivity detailed in “Introduction: Impossibilities of Automobility.” Automobiles are subject to creating hierarchies based on the subjectivity of another’s car. For example, those who drive certain types of cars or brands, like a BMW sports car, may be seen as superior to others. Another example of these hierarchies is how John is known for being the fastest in the Valley. He is perceived by his peers as superior. When Bob Falfa arrives in town with his Chevy, he is determined to beat John in a race to claim the title and recognition that comes with it. Even just