This is not about the DMV.
Yesterday, I spent four hours at the DMV here in Brooklyn trying to switch my Texas license to New York. The initial line was unbelievably long, clocking in just under two hours for me to be assigned a number for my category, which lead to another hour wait for my photo to be made by a man who would be better suited working in a funeral home, followed by yet another number that, when called, would allow me to pay.
My point is not to inform you of the terrible inefficiencies of the DMV (though, as an example, “estimated wait time: 6 min.” Actual: 45 min.) I instead will tell you a short story about an oddity of the American culture I find myself in. Perhaps you will agree.
After the first 45 minutes of waiting in line, my book began to get a bit dull so I took a break to look around. I realized I had only moved 4 lengths of the winding line, with at least 6 more to go. Massive amounts of people around me of all size, age, race, and religion looked like pitiful cows waiting to enter the slaughterhouse. (It did not help that I was reading Fast Food Nation). I saw many people desperately trying to pass the time, rubbing their backs and feet from the uncomfortable position. Then I noticed the TVs; several 42” screens placed sporadically around the room, designed to entertain and distract customers from the truth of this business’ flaws. Broadcast from these TVs were helpful driving and safety tips, images of what happens if you were to drink and drive, and various other reminders to the effect of, “Become an organ donor in case you do drink and drive!” But then the strangest thing flashed on the screen: Jennifer Garner holding a child. Below the picture in large letters said:
“Jennifer Garner spotted grocery shopping in L.A. with her daughter Serafina.” Then the reminders, the ones that actually applied to the DMV, began again.
I couldn’t help but think that it’s really freaking messed up that we live in a society where our assumed common denominator and interests lie in the lives of people we have never met, never even seen in person, and do not know at all. Jennifer goes shopping in L.A., as normal mothers do when they have mouths to feed, and suddenly, someone is compelled to forward on the good news to folks standing in line at the DMV in Brooklyn, NY! Thank God, right?? Otherwise, how would I know what Jennifer was doing yesterday. She never returns my calls.
What is wrong with us?
