An integral part of pop or popular culture is extending one's expression of style to his vehicle. Fads may be short lived, but what is more important is that it reveals strange and unique ways of expressing ideas. Car styling has, in agreeable yet unconventional ways, been able to create certain fads by beefing up the appearance of the vehicle. From window tinting to trim applications, vehicles have been stylized in accordance with the popular trends. Example may be cited of train horns being used in street vehicles roused some positive and also some negative impressions, but it was a bold statement nonetheless. The fads that train horns have created in pop culture appeals to the artistry, image and also annoyance of different groups of people.
What is a train horn? It doesn't need a brain larger than a peanut ? the distinguishing feature, according to many, of the owners of these wacky vehicles ? to know that these are horns meant for trains. Or, more correctly, are fitted on the front of the engine. The engine driver sounds the horn which has, as indeed it is meant to have, an ear-splitting decibel level as a safety measure to announce the train's proximity to human habitation in general or to level crossings or station platforms in particular. That's all right for trains. Customized cars sporting train horns, on the other hand, are merely naked displays of aggressive behavior.
Although some people may not understand why certain vehicle owners spend a lot of money in restyling and modifying their vehicles, some perceive the act as a matter of self-gratifying expressions. While having wing doors and lowered car frames and bumpers may seem sleek and original to some group, some would differ from their preferences. All of this is a matter of expressions of views towards the existing popular culture. The popularity of using train horns as truck or car horns exemplified the impact of the fad brought by train horns in popular culture.
The train horn can be used in many ways as a medium of expression. It could be used in a noisy classroom to bring about immediate silence. It can be used on telemarketers or other harassing callers, who, after hearing a loud train horn on the phone, might abstain from calling in future. It can also be used in music, blended with other instruments, especially in genres like reggae or reggae hybrid. The most popular application of the train horn, however, remains its use as a truck horn.
There's a curious legal problem associated with the use of train horns in cars. Using a train horn is a mode of the right of self-expression and can this right be denied to any citizen. Yes, perhaps it can if it's harming or disturbing others. Imposing decibel level restrictions was tried out once but the police found it impossible to enforce. The owners install them precisely for their loudness! But the horns are sold with markings indicating loudness that's different from what is achieved, so clear proof of violation is impossible! Environmental sensitivity and consideration are needed but today's macho show-offs lack both.
Tags: Automotive
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