Yesterday we examined the bicycle as a metaphor for something or other in the film whatever it was by that guy who did the thing, and if somehow you’re still awake today we will put an end to that by taking an in-depth look at noted filmmaker and soon-to-be Cybertruck owner Spike Lee and his own relationship with the bicycle:
If you’re anything like me, you probably don’t sit around worrying what Spike Lee may or may not have bought for himself today. However, if you’re the Editor-In-Smugness of Streetsblog, not only do you find it troubling, but you also feel entitled to pass judgment over his purchases:
Wait, a racist anti-Semite made that car? Funny, that doesn’t look like a Ford:
I mean yes, the Cybertruck is absolutely an over-the-top wedge-shaped Brömobile, and as soon as it hits the streets it will immediately join the pantheon of vehicles that make passers-by turn their heads and utter the word “douchebag” to themselves. At the same time, it’s Spike Lee’s money to spend, he’s a 66 year-old man, and quoting the character he created from the movie he made to imply that he’s somehow underwriting killing and racism seems like a particularly lame way to attempt to “own” him on the Internet.
There’s also the fact that the filmmaker’s relationship with both Brooklyn and the bicycle runs far deeper than that of the person critiquing him. Of course, when you think “Spike Lee” and “bikes,” you immediately think of the classic scene from “Do The Right Thing,” in which the bicycle is a symbol of gentrification:
Setting aside the socio-economic commentary, this scene is prescient as fuck. The thumbies? The man-bun? The fanny pack? Tell me this guy’s not on his way back from the Nutmeg Nor’Easter:
In any case, in watching this scene, you’d be forgiven for thinking that to this day Spike Lee tosses and turns in bed at night as he is tormented by visions of both Larry Bird and bicycles. However, while the man is definitely not a Celtics fan, he does ride a bike:
Based on available photographs, of which there are many, he appears to be partial to flat-bar singlespeeds. Sure, lots of famous people get photographed on or around bicycles and it doesn’t really mean anything, but clearly he’s used bikes to get around filming locations:
And to join protests:
And he’s even been spotted riding with the smuggo de tutti smuggi, David Byrne himself:
What’s more, in his first movie, “She’s Gotta Have It,” his character established the bicycle as an integral part of Brooklyn Cool long before the rest of the world understood that Brooklyn was cool:
Sure, today that dialogue would get you cancelled, but back then it got you a Nike deal, and never before or since has the cycling cap reached so far into the popular culture:
I mean I’m in no way suggesting that “collabos” are measures of integrity or anything like that, but how many celebrities have done them with cycling apparel companies?
But how does he feel about cars and driving? Well, he has been critical of them:
Though to be fair that’s only because he was upset that he didn’t win an Oscar:
Also, if you really want to throw up in your mouth, forget the Cybertruck and watch him sell you a Cadillac:
I felt like I was mere moments from finding out whether leather upholstery is resistant to semen stains.
Nevertheless, whether it’s Air Jordans or Cadillacs, Spike Lee has never shied away from conspicuous consumption, and if he wants to engage in it or promote it then that’s both figuratively and literally his business. While boasting about purchases or promoting cars that come with crippling payments doesn’t exactly make the world a better place, neither does telling other people what they should do with their money, especially when they’ve earned it themselves. There are also people who like to see the people they admire flaunt their success, and while I may not necessarily be one of them, I do think the advocate types undermine themselves when they suggest people are wrong or stupid for wanting certain things–especially when it’s things many of the advocates already have themselves. (You know, like cars.)
So is Spike Lee doing the “right” thing by acting all giddy about his goofy Cybertruck?
[SE Bikes]
I don’t really know and I don’t really care, but I think at this point he’s earned the right to do whatever he wants.