all things californian

Surf instead of Church

 

    Living the life of a surfer in

Southern California

is a complete dream of its own, while simultaneously sharing the dream of self-realization.  Awesome waves mixed together with warm weather gives So Cal ideal surf conditions.  Many surfers who live here realize the beaches are exceptional and take full advantage of the epic conditions, surfing whenever they possibly can.  It is this addiction and passion which is shared among surfers that brings about a surf culture for

Southern California

unlike anywhere else.  As a result of this beach culture, many surfers lead a flexible, laid back lifestyle.  This lifestyle can be defined as the “expression of the inner self, as distinguished from the representation of the outer world” (Susan Fort 32).  For surfers, the beach is an escape from the real world, where all stress and worries can be left behind on the sand.  Only the waves and the ocean exist, nothing else distracts the surfer, leaving him to ponder his own existence and spirituality.  As noted by Taylor Gordon, “Encinitas swells with spirituality, and a peaceful aura resounds from its relaxed beach culture.” In short, the surf culture in

California

is incomparable to any other dream, yet satisfies the dream of self-realization at the same time.

Ecological Challange

California’s Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park is the home to half of the remaining Coastal Redwoods, some towering over 360 feet; their grandeur captured in the photograph I took, emphasizing the importance of preserving State Parks and other untouched natural areas for anyone to capture their dream of a natural paradise (Redwood). In the center of the photo is one of the older trees, (most of these older trees averaging a lifespan of 500-700 years) its size contrasting with the younger redwoods which now populate the majority of Redwood forests remaining in the State of California (Redwood). Among the undergrowth is a log that has been cut, a reminder of the logging industry that has methodically and thoughtlessly destroyed the plentiful forests of California throughout the years. The trail that cuts through the ferns and meanders among the wooden giants, indicates the love and efforts that have gone into saving these massive monuments of nature, allowing the citizens of this state to visit and enjoy them. This unique forest represents the foresight of the pioneer ecologists of California in the 1920’s, who realized the importance of saving untouched areas like this, and resolved to save the area when the trend was to utilize anything that could be put to profitable means. The politicians and the booster industry of California were actively attracting “middle-class tourists and new residents” by presenting the State “as an unspoiled and bountiful paradise”; and therefore, were motivated to enact legislation to create these areas of sublime beauty. (Bernstein). As time passes, we continue to lose more pristine natural wonders to development, which makes it imperative for all of us to follow our predecessors’ examples by continuing to preserve more areas for the delight and admiration of future generations.

Works Cited:
Bernstein, Sheri. “Selling California 1900-1920”. Made in California. Art, Image, and Identity 1900-2000. Eds. Stephanie Barron, Sheri Bernstein, Ilene Susan Fort.
Berkley: University of California Press, 2001. 65
Redwood National and State Parks. Official Map and Guide. National Park Service. US Department of the Interior. Department of Parks and Recreation State of California. GPO. 2005

"THE" Dream...

The greatest Californian dreams ranging from hopes for riches and fame to those who wish the impossible, these dreams are mostly put in the head of younger children and teenagers. For not being the individual that the society in California wants, for example, not being financially empowered or the unwilling of a young teenager to receive an education, the creation of a machine has been molded. These examples are just two of many more of how the California dream has been created to benefit a small handful of people. Who might those people be? It might be those men and ladies living in big fancy houses that look down on the blue collar working class. The idea that California should be represented as the greatest place has created a world where all the wrongs and bad things such as drugs sexual exploitation crime or basically anyone who is not the owner of the big fancy house. In California the idea that every individual is molded into being a college student is unrealistic, ok the world does need educational leaders but the same world does need just as bad the working class. From plumber’s landscapers and anyone who may fit in between, these where the creators of the great land of California and in a sense California has lost the backbone in which it was created on. The selfish California dream is the real reason to why many pursuit all the great things on this golden state. If you take a look around almost everyone at this time is out to get theirs in a sense, what I mean is that we all do what we do in a selfish manner and that what I do will better me in a way. A teacher might say that he is in it for students but in reality he or she might just be happy knowing that "I" did something and now "I" feel better. My California dream of survival in an injustice world :)

This is all I was able to write after having writers block so yeah. . . (P.S. not intended to be offensive either)

Venice Beach: Freedom to Be.

The sidewalk that borders the sand in Venice Beach, California is diversity at its best. People-watching is a favorite past time of many visitors to the beach. From the unique street preformers, artists and musicians to the psychic fortune tellers and crazies, there is always something to do and see.  Venice Beach reminds me of the California dream of personal expression. California is a place where people feel that it is okay to be different or odd. We embrace that here. Venice Beach is a loud collision of these dreams. Everywhere you look you see people just doing, and being. And even though they are all different from each other, they still keep everything peaceful and harmonious. There is no tension between local preformers and residents. I have even seen impromtu bands start up, where everyone is welcome to join in and sing or play their instrument. The local "attractions" down there feel safe, happy and accepted. Venice Beach allows anyone the comfort of being themsleves, and the freedom from being judged by it.

The Existence of a Utopia Confirmed

Many might consider California to be a state that houses the stress of thousands, and also the perfect concoction for economic and emotional failure. Although California's environment of high demand might verify people's negative aspects about the state, the truth is that there are areas of California that offer an escape from the troubles that emerge within one's realm. As a matter of fact, California does not possess only one utopia, but many that are dispersed throughout the golden state. Compared to those who hold a job and support a family, a student does not really experience the difficult predicaments that lead to a loss of motivation or drive. It does not mean though, that a young adult is exempted from the pressures that arise in everyday life. When I was in high school, I had many situations in relation to academics colliding, creating a stress that was at times unbearable. Fortunately, during that moment in time, a plan to visit Six Flags was considered and finally agreed upon. When the trip to Six Flags was over, and the time to have fun arrived, my expectations were not met. What had actually happened was that my expectations were immensely surpassed. Instead of pondering on my problems, I had left those troubles at home and focused my attention on the attractions. Rushes of dopamine overcrowded my synapses, creating a euphoric effect that I wished was eternal. The roller coasters contributed to my addiction for fast movement, screaming, thrills, and repeated exposures to rides. Life was extremely cherishable, and all the problems became small specs of dust that could be thrown under the carpet and forgotten about infinitely.  As it was once put by Carey McWilliams “California was an island on the land”(16)

Works Cited

McWilliams, Carey. "Carey McWilliam's California: The Light and the Dark." Reading California -Art,Imageand Identity, 1900-2000. By Stephanie Barron, Sheri Bernstein and Ilene Susan Fort. New York: University of California P, 2000. 1-416.

Dixon Lake: Peaceful natural paradise or Thrilling adventure land?

Who would have thought the California dream of adventure would be present in my average day at work? When I woke up last Saturday, the adventurous and risky dream was the last thing on my mind. I work with the mentally disabled population, mostly autistic kids. Our activity was to have a small picnic and enjoy a slow boat ride at Dixon Lake, Escondido; the plan sounded very appealing, I mean, Dixon Lake should be a peaceful place for the clients to appreciate nature and connect to the rich, beautiful California landscape, right? Instead, our calm boat ride turned out to be quite an adventure! A coworker and I were in-charge of three young clients on the boat; we purposely got close to shore in order to see ducks. Unfortunately, our boat stopped and got stuck due the extended seaweed maze located just below ourselves. All five of us were in shock; the children expressed their fear by holding on to my coworker and me. This natural crisis confirms the California Dream of great adventure requires to “ expect the unexpected” in any everyday situation. I decided to take the risk and attempt to remove the accumulated sea plants from the boat’s motor. Luckily, my coworker noticed the presence of a set of oars in our boat; which were used to row away from the seaweed labyrinth. The California dream of adventure transmits unwanted aspects such as being stuck in Dixon Lake, client’s anxiety, and time seems to take a slower pace; however, the California dream also conveys positive outcomes such as teamwork and trust. This Dixon Lake occurrence taught me not to take things for granted. Dixon Lake is known as a peaceful, recreational, natural paradise, but the majestic lake serves as symbol for the California dream of thrilling adventure. Wow, it’s interesting how a regular day at work could bring a strong eye-opener of the adventurous California dream!

California Beauty

“ I think of the view from a favorite arroyo in the late afternoon, the east slope still bathed in sunlight, the far slope already full of dark shade and lengthening shadows.” (Reading pg. 19)

In my opinion, the quote talks about the beauty of California, and the nature that this state has to offer. The quote states that California is a peaceful and beautiful place. The art also shows the beauty of it. Seeing how part of the mountains getting darker while the other part still has a bit of sunlight, shows that the quote and the art have the same meaning. California does not have to be a place in where there’s no peace, it can be a place where people can meditate and be calm. A place to think about peoples life and the nature of the state. To think about how the civilizations is destroying the most interesting, peaceful places in California, and to appreciate what is here now and not to be sorry later. Both the quote and the art show that California is a beautiful place to live Without these nice places, California would be a place of filth and waste. California would not be called the Golden State.

Work Cited

Barron, Stephanie. Reading California: Art, Image, and Identity, 1900-2000. Los Angeles: University of California Press, 2000.

Bierstadt, Albert. The Sierra Nevada In California. 2 September 2008. www.globalgallery.com/prod_images/aa-0180.jpg

Golden State's Got Color

California is rich in culture. Everyone and anyone wants to live here. The sun never sets on the golden state, or so we choose to believe...

"You know the difference between basketball games played in California and those played in Utah?
Games in the Golden State got color."- Nezumi Kozo. "Think about it... Watch any highlight from a series game in Utah and from just looking at all the white guys it becomes quite comical in nature."

When watching one of the game highlights my friend commented on one the background shots, he's like, "Wheres all the Mexicans? Or any Blacks? Too many White fools~haha."

Watching the Golden State/ Utah games made me realize that California's got color. Never had I previously realized how culturally diverse California is. The Utah Jazz fans were predominately white, with a few minorities spotted here and there in the crowd. When you watch a game played in California however, the crowd looks like a bag of M&M's, mixed with every color of the rainbow.

Disneyland CA

    I just went to Disneyland California Adventure with my girlfriend the other day and we had so much fun.  For those who don't know, Disneyland has two parks in Anaheim.  One park is the original Disneyland, and the other is Disneyland but based on California.  California Adventure is definitely about California.  The second you walk into the park, The Beach Boys are playing over the speaker system with "Hollywood" (the Disney version) to your left.  Walking through Disney Hollywood was a lot of fun.  My girlfriend and I had a blast on the Tower of Terror, but one of the most interesting spots in Disney Hollywood was the pictures backlot.  There is a Disney animation studio that shows the process of some of Disney's most popular movies.  I liked this studio because it challenges the myth of making it easy in Hollywood.  For each character in each movie, a long thought process was involved using many artists and many different art mediums.  Even though Disney Hollywood plays on the Californian dream of fame, the studio represents the hard work put into the movie making process.
   One of my favorite rides is Soarin' Over California.  On this ride, the rider sits down on what looks like a hang glider and is then placed in front of a huge screen that takes up your whole view.  During the ride, the rider flies over California and checks out the beautiful landscape.  The coolest part is when I was flying over the orange groves and pine trees and the ride lets out the scent of oranges and pines.  The smell was a subtle and a nice surprise for riders.  The reason i thought this ride was so cool is because it shows the beauty and diversity of the Californian landscape.

California Culture

Does California have a defined culture? I think so. California's culture is comprised of free-thinking ways to welcome all cultures as its own. The melting pot that is California will someday usher in a new age of reason. To me, the California dream is not to free ourselves from the struggle to attain peace, but to be free from the oppressive chains of our past, and to eventually live harmoniously with one another without the question of where you came from.

Will the world ever accept these ideas? It's hard to say really, but what I do know is that California has been successful in changing the minds of many Americans living outside of California, which goes to show you California's impact on areas outside its own borders.

It is not so much the state that makes up California's culture, as it's the people themselves. New generations of thinking- blind to color- have set the international standard for world peace, and continues to thrive with each pro-active thought that develops in a child's mind.

Can we argue that California has no culture when in fact California's culture reflects upon the world?