Street Racing: Sketches

After a bit of thought, I have came up with some sketches that can be suited for the topic as metaphoric visuals.

The first sketch shows a driver signing a contract to the Grim Reaper. The Grim Reaper is known as the spirit of death. This symbolizes when one race on the streets, they put their lives on the line. Metaphorically, the  person is promising his life to the Grim Reaper or death.

This is also similar to the first sketch. But this time, the grim reaper is in the passenger seat. This symbolizes when one's adrenaline is pumping, he will start making foolish decisions that can cost one's life.

This sketch is a bit different on idea. Basically this shows a wheelchair with a bucket seat and harnesses. Bucket seats is a strong resemblance of racing as it is a standard safety requirement in all race cars. The image of a wheelchair resembles the lifetime injuries caused by street racing.

 This sketch is a bit similar to the previous one yet this conveys a stronger message since it emphasizes on death instead of injury. With the bucket seat as the tomb stone, one can have agood guess of what the deceased died from.

In my opinion, the last sketch would be the best since the elements are very familiar yet it conveys a strong message loud and clear. This is basically just a mock up of the metaphoric design. With the bucket seat as the tomb stone and the dirt to resemble a grave.

Media Arts 2: Street Racing Proposal:

Title:

Street Racing: Where the speed kills you.

Issue:

Street racing is an illegal form of motor racing that occurs on public roads. Street races can be spontaneous or well-coordinated and organized. There are a lot of types of street racing forms but most agree street racing originated during the 1930s in the United States due to the prohibition of illegal liquor (moonshine) trafficking during the time.

Street racing is now a worldwide issue which happens in any country where automobiles are easy to obtain including USA, Japan, Canada, Europe and Australia. Studies suggest that the two main causes for this issue to occur are firstly lack of funds and facilities for the racer to practices and carry out their interests (car-modification and recreational driving). The other cause would be projection of mass media and pop culture where street racing is projected through blogs, films and Youtube videos.

Road Safety

The biggest issue concerning street racing is the aspect of lack of safety where accidents can occur. This endangers both racers and by-standers. Street racing related deaths in the US alone involves young men aged 15-29 is at a whopping 58% which sparks a major concern among authorities.

Car theft

Street racers are also known to be able to obtain highly sawed after parts and highly skilled in car customization. Due to the motivation to make ones car go faster, a person can go to many lengths to for find a particular part. This can also drive a person to convict car theft and carjacking. Police statistics suggest currently the most stolen car in the US and locally in Malaysia is the Honda Integra and Proton Satria GTi respectfully. Both these types of cars are known to be respective vehicles when it comes to street racing.  

Therefore, authorities must address this issue delicately. Car enthusiast will always want to test out their modified cars. So if authorities kind these individuals to a safe path, less street racing related fatalities would happen. It would take a long period of time to resolve the issue but it can be prevented. It is just a matter of doing things in the right place.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Street_racing

Persona:

-Veteran driver

-Was once part of his local racing syndicate.

-Once lost a friend due to illegal racing.

Target:

-Young men aged 15-29 who have an interest in cars and motoring.

-This type of people is prone to be involved in illegal racing since majority of illegal racers come from this age group.

-Living in an urban and modern surrounding where street cultures flourish. Regardless of racial background.

-Exposed to Hollywood type action films.

-The audience will also be able to know about the dangers of street racing.

Abstract:

The issue basically addresses that street racing syndicates is a catalyst to many types of other criminal activity including theft, gang-related crimes and reckless driving. This syndicate is also a major cause of death for young men. If not stopped, families will suffer due to the lost of the young men in their families.

Photos by Mat Canyon