The United States of America has always been considered a melting pot of various cultures and traditions. As migrants flocked to the country, whatever it is that defined America in the past is slowly changing as immigrants bring with them their beliefs and culture, and practice the same in America. The states across the nation have different stories to tell about how they came to be, including who the early settlers were and how the state became progressive. California is one of these states that can claim a history of failures and triumph. Nevertheless, with each downfall, a better California emerges. These experiences have helped define what the people of the state are like. A real Californian is an individual who loves adventure, seeks opportunities, craves for progress, stability, and independence, and most importantly, possesses a hopeful disposition in life.
Oftentimes stereotyped as people who always head to the beach, Californians are naturally sun and nature lovers because of its location. They simply enjoy the outdoors a lot that is why they have been known as an adventure-seeking lot. They appreciate nature and find time to commune with it. California is not all beaches though as it has mountains, forests, marshes, and deserts as well. Hiking, biking, skating, swimming, and running are just some of the many activities that Californians adore. However, not all of them are outdoorsy by nature, although they have always been associated with being slender, tanned skin, and fit bodies.
Californians seek opportunities in everything they do. This can be attributed to the events that led to what it has become now. Beginning with the Spanish era when early settlers and other Americans would go to rivers to mine gold, California has grown to be known as a state that is capable of providing work opportunities to all people. After the postwar era, California depicted a life of ease and beauty that has attracted many other Americans and foreigners to the land. With landscaped lawns and palm trees around, the image of California as a place of adventure and opportunity lives. With the establishment of the entertainment industry in Hollywood, more people found themselves with jobs, money, and living exciting lives (Spooner, p. 44). They love performing and would try their hands at acting, singing, dancing, writing, and other forms of creative endeavor. They do not easily give up on their dreams and are known to be go-getters. They pursue their dreams to the end even it means following it as a hobby or as a part-time activity. As such, California has attracted young immigrants to its fold.
They also see progress as a depiction of success. They pursue their education relentlessly, thus, it is not a surprise that the state is home to great artists, intellectuals, business people, thinkers, and writers, among others. Because of their pursuit for knowledge, they think with their own minds and think independently. They are educated about various issues and are naturally opinionated. They dream big and when they dream, they see themselves as CEOs of their own companies or pursuing higher levels of learning. The progress is seen more through the wondrous places in California such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Hollywood (Quay, p. 208).
Because California is home to various races, cultures, and ethnicities, it is no wonder that Californians have adopted an open mind when it comes to mixed races. They are open to diversity as various types of peoples, industries, and communities find solace and hope in the city of dreams. This openness may be attributed to the various migrations that occurred in the state from before the Great Depression and after the wars (Spooner, p. 42). It even has traces of Hispanic influences despite its contemporary look. Thus, with California offering a rich racial mix of people, the glare of independence has drawn more people to it.
Despite this, Californians are friendly and approachable. They are always ready to help and they smile a lot. Even strangers get the benefit of a smile from a fellow stranger. As a matter of fact, most Californians I have met have a sunny disposition in life and have an optimistic outlook towards the future. They always remain hopeful that despite problems and issues that come their way, things will always get better. They have a great sense of hope about one's state of life and how changes can occur. With high hopes and a positive view of life, Californians will always stay at the top of the game. Thus, hopeful is one of the more resounding ways of defining a real Californian. Because of these positive traits, many people are often easily attracted to them.
Defining what a real Californian is is not difficult as they embody the most positive traits that human beings can possess. They are adventurous, opportunity and progress seekers. They love the independence that living in friendly California affords them. As Californians continue to dream, they maintain a healthy, happy, and hopeful disposition that is most often associated with Californians alone.
References
Quay, J. (n.d.). Interviews. PDF.
Spooner, D.S. (n.d.). A new perspective on the dream. California Dreaming: Myths of the Golden Land. PDF.
