Tony has broughten it

If I had to read just one Kansas City related blog, it would probably be the prolific Tony's Kansas City, an often irreverent and oversimplified but painstakingly updated and funny look at what goes on in KC. I often agree with Tony, particularly in his frustrations with the Star. One frustrating element, however, is that Tony likes to complain about white people and their disassociation with and marginalization of minorities. It is humorous, but not so much so as it is tiresome, particularly when he contradicts himself with a rant about white people that ride the bus.

Tony's rant is that riding the bus "does not make you unique," as if riding the bus was just something people do to be cool and if you aren't poor and non-white, you are a poser.

On the contrary, riding the bus DOES make one unique simply by virtue of it being a rather exclusive activity, particularly among annoying white urbanites like me. The vast majority of trips taken in Kansas City are taken by car, so those that choose to use the bus, particularly with a car available, have made a conscience choice to be different.

I don't quite understand Tony's hostility toward young white people who are willing to take advantage of a transportation solution that so many poor minorities rely upon. Would he prefer that those whities kept to themselves in their safe automobile enclaves, further encouraging a disparity of opportunity between rich and poor and an ignorance toward alternative transportation? In one post, he complains about white people and their ignorance toward minority issues. In the next, he complains that white people are doing the "poor" thing and riding the bus.

If riding the bus becomes some sort of moral vanity, it is a good thing. Increasing the awareness of the bus is good for those riders that rely upon it. Increasing ridership means that those poor, non-white people we white people hate so much will have better transportation options and increased mobility.

Tony suggests that we attach all of the "white people with glasses" to rickshaws and make them useful. What of the people commuting by car? Are these people somehow more useful because they won't ever even have to talk to a person that isn't exactly like them, their entire life being their garage, their office and racist talk radio in between?

Good for us annoying white people who want to ride the bus. We should feel self satisfied. It does make a difference, however small, and it is more than sustainability and the environment at play, which most people don't take the time to realize. There are racial aspects and quality of life aspects. When destinations don't need a parking spot for every person, our city becomes a better environment that brings more opportunity to everyone. Attacking the satisfaction of bus riders smacks of the ignorance that is often employed to dismiss the bus as an option only for the poorest people so one doesn't have to think about their transportation choices or the impact they have on the community.

I guess in Tony's world, the only explanation for a white person that isn't racist is that he is a self-righteous poser. Hmm, which one should I choose?