Fat chicks and Chevrolet Cavaliers/Pontiac Sunfires

[elmwood]

I've noticed that a proportionately large number of Chevrolet Cavaliers and Pontiac Sunfires are driven by overweight women. Is this just selection bias, or is this something you might have noticed, too? If it's not selection bias, what would make these cars favorites of overweight women?

[mlerose]

The Superhero used to have a Pontiac Sunfire, and the only thing I can think of is that they're 2 doors (or, at least, his was) so maybe easier to get into for bigger people?

[Doyle]

You're treading on dangerous ground. Be prepared.

[Euryphaessa]

This isn't a phenomenon I've noticed. Cavaliers and Sunfires aren't exactly uncommon cars and I've seen them being driven by a lot of different people. Actually, come to think of it, most of the people I know who drive either a Cavalier or Sunfire are around my age group (say, 18-25) and it's their first car that they've actually owned. Maybe there's just a lot of overweight women in your area. Do you notice the age of the driver?

Also, speaking as a fat chick, I wouldn't drive either of them if I had a choice.

[Who_me?]

How dare you call the gravitationally challenged fat!!

And every time I see a Pontiac Sunfire, it's a yellow convertable with hot young women driving it. Cavaliers on the other hand, the driver can be anyone at all.

[SoylentPopTart]

Checking in to say in fact I know a fat couple who drives a Sunfire. They think it's all that too when it's just a Pontiac.

Can 't say that I've noticed any sort of trend though.

[Taur]

Every time I see a car, it's either a Cavalier or a Sunfire. Coincidence? You decide.

[Sleeps With Butterflies]

This is a topic you think you can get "just the facts" on?

[Kat]

My first car was a black Chevy Cavalier. It was 2-door and had really no options at all. I had to unlock the doors manually, and roll down the windows all by myself.

I made sure that my 2nd car had 4 doors, power locks, power windows and all that.

[bufftabby]

Originally Posted by Sleeps With Butterflies

This is a topic you think you can get "just the facts" on?

Sure thing! There's actually a little-known law from 1987, restricting the driving of Sunfires and Cavaliers to Persons Of Extended Size. Any person less than 200 pounds found operating such a motor vehicle will inevitably be fined most severely.

[Portia]

Dammit Dan, I wish like hell you'd stop with these horrible threads where you stereotype and belittle people and their actions based on size, race, age, ethnic background, apparent level of income, etc. It's tiresome and obviously done to make you feel better about whatever you feel bad about yourself about. I'm sick of it, Dan, goddamn sick of it. You did it in person when we were driving around Detroit and you've been doing it for years on both boards and I had really hoped it'd be different over here, but nothing's changed. "Why does X group always do Y action?? Hey, look at the people I think are worse than me, so I can feel better, everyone!"

[srzss05]

Originally Posted by bufftabby

Sure thing! There's actually a little-known law from 1987, restricting the driving of Sunfires and Cavaliers to Persons Of Extended Size. Any person less than 200 pounds found operating such a motor vehicle will inevitably be fined most severely.

Nevermind.

[Ramsey]

I don't know about Cavaliers and Sunfires, but my favorite ex-boyfriend's dad used to tell me all the time that only fat chicks drive purple cars. I do happen to know one fat chick who drove a purple Sunfire, so it looks like you're both probably right.

[elmwood]

Originally Posted by Portia

Hey, look at the people I think are worse than me, so I can feel better, everyone!"

Any reason why you decided to reveal personal information, which is a big no-no on most boards?

Hey, I didn't say base model purple mid-1990s Ford Escorts, so leave me the fuck alone, okay? Sorry I was a shitty date.

[Portia]

Originally Posted by elmwood

Any reason why you decided to reveal personal information, which is a big no-no on most boards?

Hey, I didn't say base model purple mid-1990s Ford Escorts, so leave me the fuck alone, okay? Sorry I was a shitty date.

A) Dunno what the rules are here about that, doesn't matter - you need calling out. And when it comes to revealing personal info you reveal far more about yourself in your posts than I ever have.

B) First and foremost, and you knew this was coming, not one microsecond of hanging out w/ you could possibly have been considered a date - I'd detail exactly why and how but I have no wish to destroy you completely. Remember the last time you tried to guilt me on a message board? That didn't work out too well, did it?

C) It was a Mercury Tracer and it was not a base model - guess you only remember that the windows rolled down manually b/c I couldn't open them from the front for your dogs.

D) Why don't you leave groups of people to whom you generally do not belong alone?? Why don't I ever see a thread about single white guys from Buffalo who question their religion background who all have dogs??

[elmwood]

Originally Posted by Portia

A) Dunno what the rules are here about that, doesn't matter - you need calling out. And when it comes to revealing personal info you reveal far more about yourself in your posts than I ever have.

Whatever, Tamara.

[bufftabby]

Originally Posted by Ramsey

I don't know about Cavaliers and Sunfires, but my favorite ex-boyfriend's dad used to tell me all the time that only fat chicks drive purple cars. I do happen to know one fat chick who drove a purple Sunfire, so it looks like you're both probably right.

I drive a purple truck, and I'm not a fatty.

[Portia]

My real name!?! Now that you've said it I cease to exist!

Everyone here came from the Dope, they all know what I've posted on the Dope for nearly ten years, which is far more than just my real first name. Still you avoid the question I posed - why don't you stop w/ the formulaic and uninteresting threads that have no value but to point out the joy you get from stereotyping?

[Pansy]

Originally Posted by elmwood

Any reason why you decided to reveal personal information, which is a big no-no on most boards?

Did I miss something interesting? Like actual personal info?

A very common first name is not exactly classified info. Jesus, I'm related to 6 Dans, 11 Bobs, 11 Bills, 5 Mikes, and married two Jeffs (divorced one). Hell, I personally know two Dans and three Daves on the SDMB. Which one is which when?

Get over yourself, cupcake.

Hugs -- Dee

[elmwood]

This thread is so full of love.

[Portia]

Does that mean you're going to stop coming up w/ the same thread over and over? Hell, on the Dope you didn't even always go back to them, just drop your little stereotype bomb then sit back and watch the fireworks. We all like attention but we're also here for discussion and debate.

Your hypocrisy about personal info being revealed is mind-boggling, as you used to link to your own personal website, etc, not to mention your other, very personal threads.

[Sleeps With Butterflies]

Originally Posted by Portia

A) Dunno what the rules are here about that, doesn't matter - you need calling out. And when it comes to revealing personal info you reveal far more about yourself in your posts than I ever have.

B) First and foremost, and you knew this was coming, not one microsecond of hanging out w/ you could possibly have been considered a date - I'd detail exactly why and how but I have no wish to destroy you completely. Remember the last time you tried to guilt me on a message board? That didn't work out too well, did it?

C) It was a Mercury Tracer and it was not a base model - guess you only remember that the windows rolled down manually b/c I couldn't open them from the front for your dogs.

D) Why don't you leave groups of people to whom you generally do not belong alone?? Why don't I ever see a thread about single white guys from Buffalo who question their religion background who all have dogs??

I agree that this thread seems unwise and unkind for no good reason, but I have to say that as an outsider you're coming off a little "scary in a bad way" here. Maybe it's seeing these comments right after your "When I am empress I will tell other adults how to live their lives" post, but dayum. Might want to take some deep breaths and step back.

[Portia]

Originally Posted by Sleeps With Butterflies

I agree that this thread seems unwise and unkind for no good reason, but I have to say that as an outsider you're coming off a little "scary in a bad way" here. Maybe it's seeing these comments right after your "When I am empress I will tell other adults how to live their lives" post, but dayum. Might want to take some deep breaths and step back.

Thanks for the agreement, and yes, you are overthinking and comparing apples to oranges.

[Sleeps With Butterflies]

I'm not comparing anything to anything. I'm reading your words and noting that you seem like you're having a bit of a fit. My dilemma is wondering if it is just this topic that has you pinched or (after reading your other thread) is this... you.

[Xan]

Originally Posted by Portia

Thanks for the agreement, and yes, you are overthinking and comparing apples to oranges.

You sound like a total loon. Seek professional help now.

[Darmund]

Originally Posted by Sleeps With Butterflies

I have to say that as an outsider you're coming off a little "scary in a bad way" here. Maybe it's seeing these comments right after your "When I am empress I will tell other adults how to live their lives" post, but dayum. Might want to take some deep breaths and step back.

As somebody who has NO idea what history there might be here... I agree with Sleeps.

ETA: Not that Elmwood/Dan is coming off a whole lot better.

[Portia]

Originally Posted by Sleeps With Butterflies

I'm not comparing anything to anything. I'm reading your words and noting that you seem like you're having a bit of a fit. My dilemma is wondering if it is just this topic that has you pinched or (after reading your other thread) is this... you.

Do you mean I'm defending 'fat chicks'? Or just chicks in general with my threads? I'll take that as a compliment, regardless of intent, however...
No, it's that I came to these boards to get away from some of the things I hated about the Other Board and this same annoying retread thread we've seen for years from this poster was a thing I was sick of and never wanted to see again.

To sum up - it could have been 'Pomeranian Owners All Eat Schnitzel w/ Their Mouths Open' and I'd have told him off.

[bashere]

Yeah...if I can chime in, this doesn't end well for either of you. I mean, at best it's embarrassing.

It'll be interesting to see who says "you know, this is stupid" first.

[Jeff]

Originally Posted by Portia

To sum up - it could have been 'Pomeranian Owners All Eat Schnitzel w/ Their Mouths Open' and I'd have told him off.

Ok, so you really are a fucking whack job.

[Portia]

Originally Posted by Jeff

Ok, so you really are a fucking whack job.

Come on, you've never had that one acquaintance who makes the same wrong-headed (and sometimes offensive) argument a dozen times in the same way for years on end that you want to tell to cut it out? If you haven't had the pleasure, some day you will.

[Sleeps With Butterflies]

Originally Posted by Portia

Do you mean I'm defending 'fat chicks'? Or just chicks in general with my threads? I'll take that as a compliment, regardless of intent, however...

Ok, I've tried to be delicate, but you're determined to walk away with a compliment regardless what I say. You are coming off like a BITTER NUT JOB.

here is my proof:

Originally Posted by Portia

To sum up - it could have been 'Pomeranian Owners All Eat Schnitzel w/ Their Mouths Open' and I'd have told him off.

So you have an axe to grind that you would swing in any thread just to get the chance to tell him off? So you were sick of things on ANOTHER board so you'll start them up here? That's crazy shit. How about taking your garbage back to the other board?

[Uthrecht]

Well, hang on. I think the point there (my reading of it) was that she would tell him to knock it off in any thread where she perceived him as doing what she didn't like and specified above. Which is part of her example thread title. I don't see that as looking for any old thread he started.

I think throwing his name wasn't necessary but not a big deal, and drawing personal history is pretty much fully unnecessary and distracting to any point being made (on either side).

[Higgs Boson]

Plus, she didn't say 'he used to do this on the dope so I'm telling him off here' - she said he used to do it there and it annoyed her and now he's doing it here and it continues to annoy her - so she's telling him off here. I don't really see why she should have to 'take her garbage back to the other board' when what's annoying her is happening here too.

[Portia]

Originally Posted by Higgs Boson

Plus, she didn't say 'he used to do this on the dope so I'm telling him off here' - she said he used to do it there and it annoyed her and now he's doing it here and it continues to annoy her - so she's telling him off here. I don't really see why she should have to 'take her garbage back to the other board' when what's annoying her is happening here too.

See, why can't I be as succinct as all that??

[Bodhiman]

My wife drove a red Cavalier. She's not a fatty. But when we sold it, a fatty bought it. And I'm more concerned about the fat chicks using the scooters at WalMart when they obviously need the exercise of walking! What types of car they drive doesn't really get my attention.

[Radical Edward]

Originally Posted by Portia

Still you avoid the question I posed - why don't you stop w/ the formulaic and uninteresting threads that have no value but to point out the joy you get from stereotyping?

I think I once asked him why he had to be such a racist sexist fucking bastard all the time, but he never came back to that thread. It may have been the one about how all Mexicans are afraid of dogs, or the one about how Linux users are fat, live in their mom's basements, and never bathe. Don't get your hopes up.

[john ingram]

Originally Posted by Portia

See, why can't I be as succinct as all that??

It takes practice.

But, I like where this thread is going. Bet you'll never guess MY first name.

[john ingram]

Originally Posted by Radical Edward

how all Mexicans are afraid of dogs

Mexicans?! What about black people? Now theres a race that's scared of dogs...

[Radical Edward]

Originally Posted by john ingram

Mexicans?! What about black people? Now theres a race that's scared of dogs...

So I've heard. That doesn't make elmwood any less of a racist sexist motherfucking bastard. And your real name is Fred, I'm guessing.

[john ingram]

Correct on all three accounts! Radical Edward takes the Gold!

[Radical Edward]

Ferrizzle? I just pulled the name Fred out of the air. Huh.

[john ingram]

If you pulled my surname out of the air, I'd be really impressed.

[Radical Edward]

Higgins?

[john ingram]

That's pretty close...

[elmwood]

All 7,000,000,000 people on the planet, plus or minus, are all the same. All cultures are the same. All social groups and subcultures act in the same way, have the same shared life experiences, and enjoy the same tastes in music, fashion, food and the arts. Human society is a sad, dull shade of RGB 128-128-128 gray. No color, no variety, no traits that distinguish any of us from one another. Happy now?

FWIW, I'm a graduate educated white, middle-class liberal male. My lifestyle, likes and dislikes often resemble many of the items that on the Stuff White People Like blog, a blog that presents stereotypes of left-leaning, city-dwelling whites. Guess what? I can identify with about 75% of this list.

Love the accusations of being a racist, sexist bastard. "You're racist. Disprove it!" It's next to impossible to prove a negative, unfortunately, so it's not worth it trying to defend myself in this thread. This thread was a stupid idea, I'll admit, so I think I'll go back to debating those who are defending a minaret ban in Switzerland on the SDMB.

Meanwhile, the OP. My conclusions from reading the earlier posts in this thread: Cavaliers and Sunbirds are cheap cars (first-time car buyers implies "very affordable"), they appeal to those without much money, there's a greater level of obesity in lower income groups, so therefore there may be more likelihood of seeing overweight people in Cavaliers and Sunbirds. Sunbirds and Cavaliers appeal to women more than men; they often show up on chick car lists on other sites, based on some Googling around after starting this thread. Part economics, part selection bias.

Time to step off this choo-choo, and watch the trainwreck resulting from Portia's flipping the switch to a stub track. Excellent derailing, Tamara. By the way, I really wish you would have at least offered to pick up some of the check at Benihana in Farmington Hills, which you recommended for dinner; that set me back $80.

[Radical Edward]

Actually if I hadn't been at work when you started this thread I'd have been in here calling you racist and sexist before Portia. And I'm pretty sure if you're racist, sexist, and a bastard, you can't call yourself a liberal. At least, that's my opinion and I'm sticking to it. I think I may have said this before, but: fuck you, motherfucker.

john ingram: Huggins?

[john ingram]

Nah. I'd rather talk about you identifying with 75% of the "Stupid cliche shit that white people are supposed like" list. I scored about 11%, and I consider myself pretty fucking cracker.

[john ingram]

Originally Posted by Radical Edward

john ingram: Huggins?

Getting warmer!

[john ingram]

Originally Posted by elmwood

Guess what? I can identify with about 75% of this list.

Break it down for me, Dan. Which 75% rings true with you?

[Jeff]

Oh John, thank God you're here. The thread wasn't derailed enough already.