Why do we still hear people joke about hitting cyclists?

[classic33]

"As a community, we are increasingly vigilant about many forms of abuse. Online trolling, school bullying, domestic violence, workplace harassment, racism in sport – all are rightly condemned because of the potentially deadly harm they cause.

Whether we’re talking coward punches in pubs or misogyny in politics, abusive language and behaviour is dangerous. It undermines our sense of respect for one another.

So why, given our growing awareness of these dangers, do we still hear violence against cyclists publicly encouraged, even if only in jest?

By cyclists, I mean people riding bikes – any type of person, on any type of bike, riding for any reason, anywhere. Why are people “one of us” when they are in their car, on public transport or walking, but “other” and treated differently when on two wheels?"
http://theconversation.com/why-do-we-still-hear-people-joke-about-hitting-cyclists-31214

 

[slowmotion]

It was perfectly OK to say the same about disabled people , jews, black people and gays not so very long ago, certainly within my lifetime. Education takes time. It will come though, probably when a lot of people realise that it's a blooming sensible form of transport.

 

[Shut Up Legs]

(sigh) As usual, Australia is setting examples (the wrong ones).

 

[classic33]

(sigh) As usual, Australia is setting examples (the wrong ones).

I'd say they're setting the right example, by making the issues known to a larger audience.

If the same thing were to happen here, I doubt it'd make the paper!

The piece quoted could apply to almost any country.

 

[steveindenmark]

I must mix in the right/wrong circles because I have never heard anyone joking about this.

Steve

 

[glenn forger]

I must mix in the right/wrong circles because I have never heard anyone joking about this.

Steve

Except last week when you defended someone who did exactly that:

http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/another-pathetic-dim-witted-tweeting-driver.164550/#post-3267614

 

[steveindenmark]

I meant personally.

And the post you refer to was a 17 year old girl getting frustrated by being held up. I dont for one second think she meant what she was saying.

 

[Mugshot]

I meant personally.

And the post you refer to was a 17 year old girl getting frustrated by being held up. I dont for one second think she meant what she was saying.

That's right, it was just a joke.

 

[Drago]

If she didn't mean it, then why bother saying it?

 

[glenn forger]

Some of the Australian stuff is just bonkers. It's not thoughtful or constructive, it's just bullying an out-group. I haven't met many Australians and never been there but I've heard some jaw-droppingly racist stuff from Antipodeans.