Should we ban 'moton'?

[Lizban]

Out of intrest does anyone now the derivation of Moton and Cager?

 

[magnatom]

Group hug between cyclists and cagers, no erm motor vehicle operative/dependant.

It's just slang though isn't it? As already said cyclists get worse. If used in public though, it would be a bit negative as it's deriding the persons choice. But on here I doubt anyone really cares as we understand why there is bad feeling sometimes.

I think sometimes it is just slang, but sometimes it is used with intent, and the association with the intent can always be there in the background.

When I was a child we had a shortened name for our local corner shop run by some men from Pakistan (I'm sure you can guess it). I was young, didn't know or understand the implications of the word. Obviously as soon as I learned I stopped using it (especially as they were two of the nicest men you could meet). Of course this is an extreme example, but moton is often used to refer to motorists in general, so using the word, even if not meant in such a way, can suggest an us and them mentality.

Don't get me wrong, I can understand why people use words like that (and a lot worse), I just wonder if it helps us.

 

[Rhythm Thief]

Some people are morons, whatever they drive or ride. I suggest we use the term "morons" for these people, and gradually phase out the word "motons".

 

[Crackle]

Oooh, you could get into metaphysical discussions about when does a cyclist cease to be a cyclist? Is it when he gets off the bike? When he takes his lycra off? Or is it when he buys a bike from Halfords and becomes a POB?

(Disclaimer: Halfords sell some nice bikes these days!)

Well I don't cease to be one when I get in a car, which is more than I cycle, I make sure cyclists get the respect they deserve. Likewise I don't cease to be one when I'm out walking the dog or myself. But what am I when I'm on my bike with the dog next to me?

I've met some fairly grumpy un-thoughtful cyclists too and pedestrians. It's lazy to label people, lazy and dangerous, life is complex, even normally thoughtful people have their moments.

 

[magnatom]

Indeed it is, and until motons and cagers learn to respect other road users let alone cyclists, I will continue to use those words. You and I know that motons and cagers give out far more and worse to cyclists then the other way round.

Knowing your a decent chap Ian, I understand that you don't mean all drivers are motons (do you?). However, what I am trying to say is that someone else reading it from outside cycling sees it as a general slur and hatred of all drivers.

 

[bauldbairn]

I started wondering about the use of words like moton, cager, etc.

I don't like them. It helps to perpetuate the us and them mentality. In my mind we are all road users, be us cyclist, driver etc. If we want respect, we must show that we respect others.

It's true, I agree - for the last 20 odd years I've covered on average +30k miles a year. On / In; car(business,pleasure) / motorbike / scooter / 7.5 ton lorry / bicycle.
I've seen good / bad drivers in all these categories - where do we draw the line? We're all road users - only cyclists are the more vulnerable.

 

[ianrauk]

Of course I dont mean ALL drivers no.
Why on earth would any non cycling moton be perusing this forum anyway? Apart from deliberately wanting a row, to wind people up or just to cause a bit of Aggro?

Knowing your a decent chap Ian, I understand that you don't mean all drivers are motons (do you?). However, what I am trying to say is that someone else reading it from outside cycling sees it as a general slur and hatred of all drivers.

 

[rich p]

I don't recall ever seeing the words used in Cafe; they mean nothing to me. I ride a bike, I drive a car and I also drive a van. A red one - RVM.
Are you sure that you haven't got a chip on your shoulder?

 

[thomas]

I don't recall ever seeing the words used in Cafe; they mean nothing to me. I ride a bike, I drive a car and I also drive a van. A red one - RVM.
Are you sure that you haven't got a chip on your shoulder?

They're used in commuting. I don't really see the harm in it.

If you get rid of Moton/cagers, then get rid of POB...they're on a bike, they're a cyclist...

 

[magnatom]

I don't recall ever seeing the words used in Cafe; they mean nothing to me. I ride a bike, I drive a car and I also drive a van. A red one - RVM.
Are you sure that you haven't got a chip on your shoulder?

In what way Rich?

 

[Norm]

Or is it when he buys a bike from Halfords and becomes a POB?

(Disclaimer: Halfords sell some nice bikes these days!)

I'm sure that you can see there is significant irony in you posting that in a thread that you started about disliking generalisations, even with the disclaimer.

Generalisations and pigeon-holing aggrieve me. Someone can be a cyclist but have periods of "motonic" behaviour when driving, and someone who owns the dog can be the most considerate driver you'll meet.

You can "treat everyone as if they are out to kill you" to try and maintain your safety bubble but remember that we share our space with individuals, most of whom will respond in kind if treated with respect and grace.

Out of intrest does anyone now the derivation of Moton and Cager?

No. I had ass-u-me-d the former to be a derivative of "motorised moron" and the latter to refer to the safety cage in which motorists find themselves, compared to pedestrians, cyclists and those on motorbikes. If that is not the case, I would indeed be interested to hear more.

 

[magnatom]

I'm sure that you can see there is significant irony in you posting that in a thread that you started about disliking generalisations, even with the disclaimer.

.

The irony was entirely intended. That's why the wink was there!

 

[Norm]

The irony was entirely intended. That's why the wink was there!

Excellent. Had me LOL did that.

 

[John the Monkey]

"Moton" actually refers to the parasite that infects the minds of susceptible humans when driving, as any fule kno.

 

[CopperBrompton]

Personally I find the term childish, and agree it perpetuates a silly us-and-them attitude.