The Ice Cream Truck: Joy or Menace?

Now that summery weather is upon us, it's time for another low-stakes debate.

For some people, the sound brings a wave of joy and excitement. For others, total dread. We're talking about the distinctive, music-box jingle of the ice cream truck.

It's often heralded as a nostalgic sound of summer. But some people resent the temptation these rolling carnivals bring to the block (for adults and for children).

So tell us where you stand. Ice cream trucks: joy or menace? 

Tweet your thoughts using #MyWrongOpinion

This is part of an ongoing series of low-stakes debates called "You're Entitled to Your Wrong Opinion." The point is to agree to disagree and not get TOO worked up about the anthill you're willing to die on. Have an idea for what should be debated next? Tweet @shubasu with your suggestions.

Idling Softee trucks waiting in front of playgrounds are loud and dirty. Electric ice cream trucks for cleaner summer nostalgia. #mywrongopinion

— LA Guevin (@pleasetakenote) May 4, 2018

@shubasu Ice cream truck music signifies summer and yes, it's wonderfully nostalgic. However, it's also annoying when I'm trying to compose or record music. The trucks circle the neighborhood (in Staten Island) every day, all day, and kills projects. #earworm #mywrongopinion

— Charlie (@CharlieRice) May 4, 2018

The Mr. Softee truck parks on my corner blaring its endlessly looping jingle at top volume and driving me mad. For my street it is a noise menace souring the arrival of warm weather. Ditch the music or at least greatly limit it. #mywrongopinion @WNYC

— Adelia Honeywood (@AdeliaHoneywood) May 4, 2018

#mywrongopinion. Menace to my waistline.

— bruceegert (@bruceegert) May 4, 2018

#mywrongopinion ice cream truck jingle interrupts my midday nap!

— HerHoliness (@HerHolinessC) May 4, 2018

1) Turkey In The Straw should only be played on string instruments
2) diesel exhaust is the worst ice cream topping

Why do we allow these rolling power plants to idle outside schools and playgrounds, especially on #airquality alert 🚨 days?

— DoorZone (@D00RZ0NE) May 4, 2018

It’s a right of passage for every parent to deal with the anticipated Mr. Softie jingle. Our parents dealt with our excitement or disappointment when we were kids. Those who are now parents, it’s payback time. Tune it out. It’s not going away. It’s ice cream! Yum!#mywrongopinion

— Allison McCartney (@amjmjrm) May 4, 2018

Mister Softee ice cream trucks are only a menace when they drive away before I can get a cone 😩🍦🍦#mywrongopinion @WNYC @shubasu

— Carl Charles (@oh_rarl) May 4, 2018

Native New Yorkers know, Mister Softee forever. @shubasu #mywrongopinion

— clay williams (@ultraclay) May 4, 2018