Open AccessHarley‑Davidson on Polish Roads: the Mythical Aspects of Automotive Fascination
Author(s) -
Jolanta SzymkowskaBartyzel
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
ad americam
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2449-8661
pISSN - 1896-9461
DOI - 10.12797/adamericam.15.2014.15.11
Subject(s) - mythology , passion , adventure , automotive industry , art history , history , art , aesthetics , literature , psychology , engineering , social psychology , aerospace engineering
Harley‑Davidson is one of the most recognizable brands of automotive products. The brand is saturated with mythical meanings which include defiance, rebellion, adventure and the desire for limitless freedom. Harley‑Davidson is also a synonym of America – the motorcycle was created to make a “trip of a lifetime or a groundbreaking journey of purification,” and open American spaces are the necessary condition for fulfilling this myth. In Poland, the myth of Harley‑Davidson is also carefully cherished by enthusiasts, for whom Harley‑Davidson is much more than just a motorcycle. This text is an attempt to analyze the functioning of the Harley myth in Poland. Some texts of Polish culture using the Harley‑Davidson will be discussed as well as forms of practical implementation of Harley‑Davidson passion (H‑D clubs, rallies, etc.).