Cars: Are Americans really so superficial?

"As design has become increasingly important to a car company's success, almost every auto manufacturer is looking for a distinctive look that will help it stand out in an increasingly crowded marketplace," states a new article, that adds, "'Design DNA' is all the rage as carmakers try to make their vehicles stand for something."

The article cites Chrysler as an example of how 'design DNA' can be successful. Chrysler, of course, is the only one of the 'Big 3' that is actually doing well, and design is a big reason according to the article.

So, America is nothing, but a nation of bling, bling? We really are as superficial as most of the world sees us?

We suck up huge amounts of the world's oil, paying off terrorists and governments that absolutely hate us, but that's O.K. as long as we look cool?

Many times I've been on the Forums of AutoWeek, and many members criticize the drivers of hybrid cars relentlessly. Why? For trying to help the environment, for trying to reduce foreign oil dependency?

Why are so many Americans more concerned with looking cool than being cool? Is the American psyche really so dysfuntional?