Admission Quote by John Waters
“It's time now to rent a car, roll down the windows and prepare for your first big thrill: the freeways. They're so much fun they should charge admission. Never fret about zigzagging back and forth through six lanes of traffic at high speeds; it erases jet lag in a split second. You're now heading toward Hollywood, like any normal tourist. Breathe in that smog and feel lucky that only in L.A. will you glimpse a green sun or a brown moon. Forget the propaganda you've heard about clean air; demand oxygen you can see in all its glorious discoloration.”
About This Quote
Source Film: Hairspray, 1988
The quote celebrates the chaotic, exhilarating experience of driving on Los Angeles freeways, framing traffic as a thrilling, almost surreal adventure that contrasts with idealized notions of clean air.
In simple terms: Driving in L.A. is wild and exciting, despite the smog.
Key Takeaway
Embrace the chaos and enjoy the ride.
Themes
adventure
urban life
contradiction
freedom
sensory experience
Mood
energetic
ironic
playful
Type
cultural critique
observational
When to use this quote
- road trips
- city commuting
- tourist experiences
- night drives
Key Concepts
urbanism
sensory perception
cultural critique
Questions to Reflect On
- How does embracing chaos affect your sense of safety?
- What does the smog symbolize in your life?
A Different Perspective
The excitement may overlook safety risks and environmental concerns.
![“I also remember a line from a song by Smog [Bill Callahan], which seems to describe the experience of a town-dweller moving to the country: "I was raised in a pit of snakes/Blink your eyes - I was raised on cake."” quote by Quentin S. Crisp](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/950/quentin-s-crisp-4149_bills_i-also-remember-a-line-from-a-song-by-sm_299534.jpg)
