Pandemic Watch: Have masks replaced fuzzy dice in windshields?

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If you grew up on the south shore of Staten Island and certain parts of Brooklyn you probably remember people driving their Caddys, Camaros, Trans-Ams and Vettes with their foot out the window, an arm on the roof and fuzzy dice hanging off the rearview mirror. Many of the students in my high school and neighboring schools drove like this. Music was blasting out of their cassette players. Usually, Madonna, Prince or some dance music. You had your headbanger music, too. New wave was the best. Many of the fuzzy dice drivers were clad in their Z. Cavaricci’s, parachute pants, spandex and leg warmers. Chains with their names and religious medallions added to the touch. Let’s not forgot the cigarettes and the big hair.

The fuzzy dice was the trademark. So many students cruised around in their daddy’s Caddy’s. Who am I to talk? I had one, too. I never had fuzzy dice or anything off the windshield. I played new wave and wore a lot of black. Still do.

The origin of the fuzzy dice is traced back to air force fighters, who placed it above flight instruments during World War II. It was supposed to represent the high degree of risk during the flight and was for good luck.

In many states, it is illegal to have them or anything hanging off the rearview mirror. It is considered a distraction. Many of the aforementioned drivers had air fresheners and religious emblems hanging with their dice.

Thanks to Covid-19, I’ve noticed many cars with masks hanging off the rearview mirrors. Instead of driving with their foot out the window, people are driving with the masks on and the windows closed. Sometimes they open them. Bear in mind, I don’t live on Staten Island anymore. I do miss it. I’ve seen memes saying that people who drive with masks on with the windows closed have the same intelligence as the people who need the instructions for cooking a Pop-Tart. I never liked them.

The pandemic has caused us to witness fashion changes, people growing beards, coming to work in your PJs and doing our work and play via video conferencing. With all the changes, I guess our driving statements can change, too. Just be safe.

Other posts can be viewed at:

“Pandemic Watch: How will we be entertained?”

https://mitchellthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2020/06/08/pandemic-watch-how-will-we-be-entertained

“Pandemic Watch: Communicating via video,”

https://mitchellthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2020/06/03/pandemic-watch-communicating-via-video

“Single Life,”

https://mitchellthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2020/06/02/pandemic-watch-single-life

“Pandemic Watch: Seniors and lifesaving phone calls during the pandemic or other times,”

https://mitchellthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2020/06/01/pandemic-watch-seniors-and-lifesaving-phone-calls-during-the-pandemic-or-other-times

“Pandemic Watch: There are places I remember.”

https://mitchellthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2020/05/28/pandemic-watch-there-are-places-i-remember

“Pandemic Watch: Creating a new fashion statement,”