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6 Californian Misconceptions that need to die

Take these East.

Andrew R. McKinley

Jul 30, 2018

National Storytellers Society

224

6 Californian Misconceptions that need to die

Photo by Ahmet Yalçınkaya on Unsplash

So, I was aware that people had jokes and general misconceptions about California and Californians to be more specific. However, it wasn't until I joined the Army and started traveling this country that I really discovered how misinformed and misunderstood Californians are. Let's put some of these common misconceptions to rest, shall we?

1) "Oh you must surf."

Surf

Photo by Casey Horner on Unsplash

First off, I grew up in the Sierra Foothills of Northern California, an easy 3 hours from the beach. So no, I do not surf. Besides, a good portion of California is Agriculture, and not everyone loves the beach.

2) "I bet you miss the Beach."

Beach

Photo by Conner Murphy on Unsplash

Like I previously said, I grew up roughly 3 hours from the beach, in Northern California. What people don't seem to realize is those beautiful picturesque beaches they see on T.V. or in commercials are in Southern California. The state is huge! It has over 840 miles of coastline. The ocean is cold in Northern California, and I mean cold. The 'North Pacific Gyre' current runs down a bulk of the coastline, making the water pretty cold year round. Not to mention there are some pretty powerful waves and undercurrents throughout the bulk of the coastline. It isn't until you get down closer to San Diego (close to 600 miles from where I grew up) that the water gets warmer and calmer.

3) "How's the Hippie scene?"

Hippie

pexels.com

First off, it's sort of offensive. But secondly, most of California is Liberal, Republican or Conservative Liberal. It is filled with Farmers, Ranchers, Tech Businesses, and practically anything else you can think of. It's a very accepting state. But, if living and working with or around open-minded people makes you a "Hippie," so be it, just don't live there.

4) "Winter is coming, you excited to see snow?"

Snow

Photo by Tony Ross on Unsplash

Actually, yes I am, but not because I've never seen it before. I personally love the snow and enjoy the winter months. Where I grew up we would get between 13 - 30 inches of snowfall per year, sometimes much more. California is huge and full of different environments and terrains. So, snow is nothing new to me though, I have discovered in my travels across our country, what different cities and states call snow is not necessarily the same thing as what I grew up with. So, I'll give you that one.

5) "Hey, do you visit Los Angeles or San Diego often?"

Visit

Photo by delfi de la Rua on Unsplash

California is a large state, in fact, it's a huge state. It is the 3rd largest state next to Alaska and Texas. So, no. San Diego is nearly 600 miles from where I grew up and roughly a 10-hour drive, one way. Let me put California in more perspective: From the California - Oregon border to the California - Mexico Border it is nearly a 1,000 miles, that's practically a 16-hour drive. Additionally, with all this said, California is spread out. San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego are not close together, so let's get that straight. Just driving from one town to another can take a couple of hours.

6) A warning to you visitors

Warning

Photo by Austin Lee on Unsplash

Yes, there is a rivalry between NorCal, Northern California, and SoCal, Southern California. Get used to it. But, know this. If you are an outsider, it maybe best to refrain from joining in on a conversation between Californians. It is sort of just a debate between resident's and sometimes it is not appreciated by either party for an outside opinion to be presented. In no way should this stop or scare you from visiting the Beautiful state of California. It's just more of a small heads up.

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6 Californian Misconceptions that need to die

Take these East.

In This Article:

1) "Oh you must surf."

2) "I bet you miss the Beach."

3) "How's the Hippie scene?"

4) "Winter is coming, you excited to see snow?"

5) "Hey, do you visit Los Angeles or San Diego often?"

6) A warning to you visitors

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It's Been a Long Winter Break

Making the world safer through language.

1. Use singular they for people whose pronouns you don't know, people who use those pronouns, and stop using him/her.

2. Stop using the words "opposite sex" or "both sexes" or "opposite gender" or "both genders".

3. Ask people's pronouns when you meet them.

4. Use the word cisgender.

5. Stop saying "born a boy/girl" about a transgender or non-binary person.

6. Stop using the term 'preferred pronouns'.

7. Stop using a transgender or non-binary person's dead name.

Sometimes, we just can't help the feelings we have

1. Wow. My voice sounds amazing with this song.

2. Okay, if you can't sing, don't do it.

3. But wait, I don't think I can be friends with someone who isn't going to jam out in the car with me.

4. Dance part in the car! Even when I'm alone. Because every song is my favorite.

5. Stop light. Act calm. Be cool.

6. Yes! Green light! Back at it!

7. I don't know this song, but I'm going to sing along anyway.

8. Why am I not famous yet?

9. Being next to someone who can't sing so you feel good about yourself because you rock!

10. OK, I'm so good. I need to sing louder so I can help these people out.

11. My voice doesn't reach some of those notes, maybe I should sit this one out.

12. Randomly bursting out in song and getting weird looks because of it.

13. God, thank you so much for giving me a good voice.

14. Man, I feel bad for people who can't sing.

15. Was I just humming? Did they hear me?

16. Having dance moves to go along with most songs.

17. Not being able to stop yourself at correcting people when they mess up.

18. Maybe I should post myself singing.

19. Nah, can't do it. Dumb idea.

20. Having my own personal concert in the shower. Every single time.

Normal people wouldn't understand

1. Having time to nap between classes or at all.

2. Waking up 10 minutes before your class starts and making it there in time.

3. Making it to class in general

4. Only having to hit the snooze button three times.

5. When you didn't do the homework and the teacher decides not to collect it for that day.

6. Getting that "I'm sorry, but class is cancelled" email.

7. Finding a quiet seat in the library.

8. Actually enjoying a class and understanding all of the material.

9. Having a friend to eat lunch with.

10. Finishing an assignment before the due date.

11. When there is free food on campus.

Becuase of all things to be addicted to, you're addicted to making money.

1. You can't remember your last day off.

2. Whenever someone asks to hang out, you're working.

3. When you do see your friends, you're in a "treating mood."

4. You work so much you don't have time to spend the money you're making.

5. You're too tired to function when you aren't working.

6. Finally seeing your friends and having way too much to catch up on.

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