I try to be a positive guy. Whether it is people, cars, sports, politics, or whatever, I tend not to go straight to the negative angle of stuff. Yes, I enjoy breaking the chops of weird or ugly cars here on BangShift but I don’t think I have ever gone so far as to be vicious about it. Then again, that is from my perspective. I see it all as being in fun, but people can take things differently. Anyway, we live in a world, especially in the automotive realm it seems of an “everything sucks” culture. The first reaction of many both in person and through their computer key boards is to get straight to the negative vitriol from jump street on any subject. The outcry over the Roadkill Live deal at PRI where Finnegan and Freiburger took the Crusher Camaro, yanked the blown big block out and stabbed a Mast Motorsports LS7 in it with Holley EFI send people screaming from the hills with hate. We heard endless screams of how LS engines suck, how the car was ruined, how it was all a big disaster, and how small animals would be tortured and beaten because of this decision. All of that happened about a month BEFORE the actual event. It was instant. As an exercise, the thing was a total success. The swap was completed, the car drove home getting nearly double the fuel economy, it ran well in all sorts of conditions, and as it turns out went way faster at the drags. What about that sucks? What about that is bad? Why is everyone’s first reaction to anything these days to tear it to shreds? Even stuff like the announcement of the Drag Week tracks brought out the negativity in droves. What gives?
The real reason I felt compelled to write this column came from a wholly separate and more recent situation I witnessed firsthand. I belong to an organization called the New England Motor 
Press Association. Each winter, there’s a big gathering of the membership for a winter driving event where we get together and cruise around in all sorts of new cars and share our opinions and stuff of that nature. Most of the guys in this thing are older than me. Some by a little, some by a lot. That being said, there is a small cadre of us in out early to mid 30s who are involved. I mention the age thing because I believe that the “everything sucks” culture is far more cemented into people in their 30s and down than it is to people in their 30s and up. So at this event there are all kinds of cars and trucks, from the mundane to the really fun. The big dog on the porch was a brand new Bentley Flying Spur with a twin turbo W12 engine that makes 616hp and 510 lb/ft of torque from just off idle to the end of time. It is a huge sedan that can run to 60 in 4.3 seconds and stops pulling somewhere north of 200. It has brakes on it like you’d find on a 747 and the sticker price is just as big at $230,000.
As you’d expect, everyone wanted some alone time with the big bastard of a car and being one of the newer guys in this deal, I drove a bunch of other stuff and waited until the car was free before seeking out the keys and hitting the road. At one point, I was coming back into the lot having just driven another car and the big Bentley came in behind me. I noticed two of the younger guys were in the car and I was interested to hear how neat the thing was. Listen, I am not losing sleep at night with hot sweats dreaming of a Bentley, but if you are any sort of a car guy and someone says, “Oh, hey do you want to drive this insanely rare, hyper expensive, hand crafted car with 600hp and a twin turbo 12-cylinder engine?” You says YES and usually add a swear word modifier in there for good charm.
The two occupants climbed out of the Bentley and I joking said to one of them, “Junk, eh?” I couldn’t believe what came out next. “The interior quality in this thing is shit! The brakes are crap, too!” There it was, right in front of me, the culture of “everything sucks”. He went on to espouse that the W12 engine was junk and that the whole car was some sort of grand failure. Here’s my problem. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and everyone’s is going to be slightly different but we’ve entered this realm of thought now where the first reaction we have to everything and anything that may actually be good is to tear it to shreds. I think it is disingenuous to pass judgement on anything when you have experienced it for 20 minutes as he did with that car. The guy wasn’t kidding, either. He later shared his opinions publicly on everyone’s favorite social media outlet.
I later drove the car and while it was not a life altering experience, the beast struck me as pretty fantastic. On the interior quality side of things, maybe he didn’t know or understand that everything you touch inside that car is real. The wood is actual finished wood. The controls down to the thumbwheels set into the steering wheel are stainless steel, the shifter is so substantial it could be used as a grab handle on the side of a Kenworth. Nothing about the inside of that car “sucked”. Oh, and the brakes do a fine job of hauling that sedan down from near hypersonic back road speeds…so I have been told. Bentley doesn’t need me defending them and I’m not. Like the guy I am talking about I spent 20-30 minutes cruising in the car and that’s not enough time to really convey a truly educated, thoughtful opinion on it but his “this sucks” reaction was both disappointing and annoying. Where did this come from? Where did it start? Why is it so easy to default to “this sucks”?
The racing world is perhaps even worse with this “problem”. Depending on what day it is and who you are talking to, the NHRA sucks, the IHRA sucks, Super Comp sucks, pro mods suck, eighth mile drag racing sucks, pro touring cars suck, Ford sucks, Chevy sucks, Chrysler sucks, and on and on and on. It is ponderous and tiresome.
I had a super enlightening conversation with a magazine editor a year or two ago. This is a guy who has been in (and is still in) the business for a long time. We talked about this attitude and why you’ll never see that attitude permeate his work or his book. He said that in day to day life, people are constantly barraged with the word NO and similar negativity. He believes that a car magazine should ultimately be about YES, learning, being productive, experiencing things, and encouragement. Those words have really attached themselves to my brain and perhaps that’s why I am even more annoyed with the “everything sucks” culture.
As I don’t understand the root cause of it, I’m not sure how to go about fixing a mindset that seems to have infected a generation. Got any ideas? It is certainly a-OK not to like stuff. The world moves because people have differences of opinion but the instant negativity and culture that thrives on it blows my mind. It is the enemy of everything cool about cars and gearhead culture. What changed and where does this mindset lead us?
Damn, that’s an ugly Avalon.
Haha. Just kidding. My preference is old and ugly though. I don’t just want it to suck, I want it to suck LOUDLY.
The LS in Roadkill is another story. You absolutely know in advance that it will polarize the responses. The BBC was beautiful… the LS is, well, it’s an LS. Something I expect from Super Chevy, not Freiburger. Life is full of surprises.
I’ve been cynical since I can remember, and you know what? That sucks. I hate being negative all the time, but I REALLY suck at trying to be a Polyanna.
I’m not in the 18-35 bracket any more, so it may have started a little earlier.. the product of a depression era dad and I’d like to blame it on that but I don’t think that is it. Is it life sucks or just a lame cry of despair for something soul stirring? Hell, I don’t know. I don’t really fit in one of the compartments we tend to want to put folks in.
After long thought (all 10 minutes of it) I’ve decided I’m negative because my dad “thinks” I had a bigwheel but I never did. Haha.
Carry on.
Ooops forgot something. I have a great life. I am extremely grateful for it. I feel like I need to do something truly great before I get reincarnated as a slug.
well, see did the bib B give good road feedback, good idea when it’s limits are met?
it’s not an “everything sucks” it’s I’d expect it to be so much better at what it cost… most performance guys don’t give a crap about real wood….. so to them. it might be junk.. .
YOU also tend to fail into the somewhat p.c. writing mode.. look at the Toyota truck report.. treading lightly so you’ll be able to test the next one..
it’s a balance. some don’t have that balance.. and to say the two that didn’t like the big B.. but rather a import that’s not as refined.. it would be trash to them..
The older ones in the group. already know to be p.c. about their wordings.. sadly say’n what you truly feel is frowned aponed . welcome to the old guard group were you’ll never truly say what you truly feel.. as you know it’ll affect your attendance at more of these type things..
Not to worry my friend. I thoroughly enjoy BangShift. Sorry you have to hear negative comments from these young experts. I’m tempted to try and analyze their mindset, but we’re probably better off just letting them burn brightly but quickly.
I have been aware of the “everything sucks” generation for a while now, that attitude seems to permeate everywhere. I’m not sure if its because its easy to be a dick behind a key board,or simply done for shock value. Maybe these kids really do think they know everything about everything because mommy and daddy told them how adorable and smart they were since conception and they actually believe it. In there defense it could be the exposure to A meda and pop culture that over hypes EVERYTHING, like the brand new totally redesigned 2014 whatever that turns out to be same old same old with a different stripe package. I know one thing, being this jaded 24/7 must be a bummer.
I agree with the hiding behind a keyboard has caused alot of this..but people are getting meaner….very sad. No way to live.
Excellent write-up. I’ve wondered that myself…usually I stay cemented in the all-Mopar “you can only build this, not that” arguments that drove me from pro-Mopar sites, but what bothers me most has happened here: BangShift went from literally a leap of faith project to where manufactures are meeting Brian, buying his “honest” face, and are letting him test-drive cars for a week or so. Eighty-thousand dollar cars, at that. Why? Because Brian is a new face to the game and without knowing for certain what is going on in these executive’s heads, it’s safe to assume that maybe they are wanting a different opinion than traditional rags and their near-blatant ass-kissing, or maybe they consider Brian to be the everyman who has a reachable audience that will give credible feedback. Why else does that explain a Caddy and a very expensive Hyundai here on BangShift?
Speaking of the Equus, how many readers didn’t even finish the article before they started panning the car?
And to say that Brian isn’t honest in his dealings with these kinds of things is absolute BS. He basically said that the Tundra he recently tested was getting better but wasn’t up to dealing with American trucks. I’m sure that isn’t something Toyota engineers and sales wanted to see. First thing he did when he got a Raptor was to jump the thing…though I can assure you that Ford probably encouraged him to do that (so long as it wasn’t in the desert at high speed.) And as for the Hot Wheels Camaro…correct me if I’m wrong, but my understanding was that particular Camaro was a one-off for SEMA. That’s faith for the automotive industry.
Different strokes for different folks is all fine and good, but when it comes to people shitting all over something they don’t like, especially without any real knowledge of the product, do all of us a favor: unplug the keyboard and walk away. Don’t come back until you actually experience it and can properly critique it. Because until you do, you sound like a bitter old man on the porch, or Mr. Horse from Ren and Stimpy: “No sir, I don’t like it.”
that article sucked! 🙂
Thanks Brian! As one who admires all things of the wheeled wonder (including lowriders,Lambos,and lowriders!) I understand we are all entitled to our own opinions .But as for me, i prefer to be surrounded by those projecting a positive aura. Sure we may not like a design, feature or function,but I’m sure in the midst of it all you can find something you like. Try it!
Bob
Reviewers are expected to find fault – the more they find the better reviewer some people think they might be. Since not many are privileged enough to ride in a Bentley let alone drive one, the thing has *got* to suck as in “I’d take a Honda Civic over that Bentley any day” suck. That’s my take on it anyways. Apply this to any car review — skip the “sucks” stuff and see what the reviewer liked — then go drive the car yourself because reviewers suck.
The problem is simple . After years and generations of being lied to … fooled .. manipulated … conned out of our money etc .. by the press-politics- manufactures etc … Cynicism has become the norm . The truly unfortunate part being its cynicism well deserved . And to say its limited to any one generation is utterly false .
Sad fact is … most of those ‘ older ‘ .. like me .. press folks have come to realize that telling the truth can and will cost them their jobs … test cars for the magazines etc they work for [ manufactures vengeance being a reality you’ll learn rather quickly son the first time you dare to say any of them … especially GM .. and the worst of the Bunch .. Ferrari ] .. built a crap car
Second is the reality that most cars today …. along with racing [ where sport has become secondary with only spectacle and manufactured soap operaesque drama being the goal ] … do SUCK ! Have a close look whats underneath that BentAudi …. dig a little and find out where most of the parts are being sourced from … read about Aston Martins faulty cheap arsed pedals they’re getting from China .. in order to save mere pennies .. then tell me how great it is . Then realize like most BentAudi’s .. its badge engineered over priced dreck .. and …. well …
Am I a pessimist ? NO! I’m a dyed in the wool REALIST … and being a realist in this age of political correctness .. everybody deserves a medal [ they don’t ] You’re OK – I’m OK [ you’re not and neither am i ] bs can cost you everything . Because … when it comes to the truth … to quote the movie ;
” You can’t handle the truth ”
As you age a bit you’ll come to realize everything I’m telling you here is absolutely true .
And though I’m no fan of the current ‘ Hipster ‘ Everything is Ironic zeitgeist ….. I’m no fan of your overall approach to life either . One is shaped by what they perceive as the ‘ cool ‘ attitude … The other … yours .. is blinded by the Rose Colored opaque glasses you’ve got resting on your nose . Neither though in any way shape or form dealing with reality
In closing …. discernment son . Its a positive character trait thats being too overlooked these days …. despite the fact thats its probably the singular most important trait needed to guarantee ones survival .. be it financial etc
Here’s a theme song to live by ;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHhrZgojY1Q
Rock On – Grow Up a Bit More – Wise Up .. and you’ll Carry On
Don’t .. and you’ll become yet one more statistic of the current age 😉
One last ; Quality … is very rare indeed … Whereas trash is as common as the rain in London on a Spring afternoon .
So learn to discern …. Praise the quality the few times you’ll find it .. But criticize the trash when you constantly trip over it
It won’t make you popular mind you . But you … your bank account … your work ….and those around you will be much better off for it … and that I can guarantee you !
Opinions are like a**holes, everybody has one. And the only one that really matters to someone should be their own. I have been one to offer my thoughts, both good and bad. Are there vehicles, opinions, ad’s, prices that I don’t care for? Yup. Are there more that I DO like? You betcha. I figure if I become too overbearing, or too much of “fan boi”, then the owner of the website, or vehicle, will let me know.
I don’t fall into the 18-35 group either. I’m just an old fart that likes what I like.
Yeah everyone has one and most of them stink. 🙂
Brian,
I appreciated your article and I largely feel the same way you do. Many are quick to excuse the behavior, be it supposed betrayals by manufacturers etc, but I think it is at one point more simple and more complex.
People want to be liked. Many are probably fearful of taking a stand liking something knowing that someone is going to come along after them and state that it sucks, starting the apparently now inevitable “It sucks” cascade effect. This ultimately leaves that person on the losing team. It is a form of “in grouping” and “out grouping” (you would be wiser to seek a good explanation of those terms via scholar pedia, or other trusted source as I would lose your attention before I finished explaining it).
The long and the short of it to me is that this is a result of laziness and people wanting to feel they are part of the in crowd. Well, news flash people: The in crowd sucks. 😉
Brian,
I wouldn’t write off a whole generation. Its hard to appreciate things that are bought and not built. These days most young’uns don’t really make anything, they consume it. I imagine its pretty easy to get cynical when you don’t really understand how your consumable things come about because you’re missing a big part of the picture. You think your “hard earned” money is enough to force the physical world into your idea of perfection…a recipe for “everything sucks”…I would love to drive the Bentley. Keep up the good work Brian!
BKB
This was a great column Brian and spot on. I find myself right in the middle of that generation (in my mid-20s) and I think it has to do with a couple different things. A lot of ‘younger’ people have learned that complaining gets you things. Unfortunately, sometimes it works. Think about all the people who complain in restaurants to get a discount on their bill or get a free drink. People try to abuse the system. The other thing people want is to feel important, even though their opinion doesn’t matter. It’s an ugly fact about this generation and I (as well as many others) try to just work hard and enjoy life. I assure you that we’re not all like this.
Anyway, loved the article! Keep up the great work! -Bill
Brian, great insight. I was actually planning on writing and submitting to BS a similar editorial, but I never even find time to work on my junk any more never mind write articles. What inspired that “plan” was the amount of hate that showed up on FB when you and Chad had the ZL1 vs L71 slapfight a few months back. I thought the BS posts and videos were absolutely hilarious (and whoda thunk a ladder would fit in the Camaro?), but I just couldn’t believe all the “sucks” comments people were posting. My first thought was “all you complainers are really following the wrong website if you can’t get into this”, but then I started thinking bigger. Real big. Could there be a correlation between the decline of the American civilization (you can’t deny it’s actually happening), and the “everything sucks” mindset. I think there is…
my fat fingers suck… should be Z71 not L71.
Good article, and it is spot on, as far as the crusher camaro don’t worry that motor is only on loan and they plan to put the blower motor back in, I would take eithier, they are both far superior to any of my junk projects.
When I look at cars today, I would say everything is very, very good. Go back to the 80’s and early 90’s and drive something. Some of it was good, but the majority wasn’t so great. Everything sucks couldn’t be more wrong.
Thankfully he laid off Thunderbirds and DeLoreans =D
I hear ya Brian. I blame crap woe is me music from the 90’s.
I think it’s a money thing, “rich people suck” spreads onto anything pricey sucks too, the new normal socially.
Look how far Mitt got, “He’s rich, he sucks”.
The everything suck mentality runs rampent through all facets of the automotive world. From my personal expierence I find it to be more prominent in some groups then others. Being a 31 year old I’ve been in both the domestic and euro and JDM “scenes”. No single group is more “this sucks” then the JDM crowd.
I have never seen a group so quick to tell you exactly why some car sucks, why an individuals modifications suck, why the color, model and everything else sucks. They sure love to brag how evo’s, skylines and stis are the best, but if you ever spend anytime around the people who actually own those cars you’d think twice about ever wanting to go near them since they love to say how much they really “suck”.
The euro scene guys can really be supportive in person, but all to often fall into brand snobery. Especially when they have a luxury mark like an Audi (I have one of these), BMW or benz.
At the end of the day the domestic guys sure love to stoke the fire in the battle of the big three. Ford, chev and dodge guys constantly riding eachother. But can usually appreciate a nice car, hard work or effort put into the car.
Sure in all the groups the gloves do come off and “that sucks” attitudes certainly exist, but I agree that the younger groups certainly display it far more consistantly then the older.
On another note, never browse a make or model specific forum if you want to stay away from the that sucks attitue. Every car seems to suck according to the owners. I don’t get it.