Friday, May 14, 2010

Pimped Out Prius

Here in the Land of Prius, the diminutive hybrid Toyota has long been used to send a message about its occupant to the outside world. That statement could be "I'm aware, I'm concerned; I think globally and act locally." Or, "I value the earth and its resources above petty materialism and european luxury". But most often I think the statement Prius owners really want to make is "I'm a unique individual who wants to make a difference in the world and I can spend 30k on a car to show it; ergo, I am better than you".

However, It is difficult in the Land of Prius to stand out as a unique consumer, because there is literally a Prius on every corner (I challenge anyone living in the Land of Prius to walk a block without a Toyota hybrid encounter).

The solution? "Pimp Your Prius", a practice that I find hysterical. It's not without a hint of irony, intended or not, that an automobile originally concepted to be compact, versatile, environmentally friendly (read: sloooow) and "affordable" is so often externally modified to look like an elitist "rice-rocket". Most often with window tint and expensive wheels, the Pimped Out Prius makes a definitive statement, although I'll leave it to others' opinion what that statement is.



Although I try to digitally capture images of these magnificent specimens, admittedly it is difficult to find the Pimped Out Prius stationary and in the wild, as their owners no doubt prefer to ride a dutch bicycle, beach cruiser, or "fixie" through the urban jungle whenever possible, in order to stay completely carbon-neutral (Don't They?!?). So I will share them here as I find them.



If you've seen a Pimped Out Prius you would like to share, Please send submissions to pimpedoutpriusland@gmail.com. Be sure to include the location.

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