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Re: Seriously...
Posted By: Tranio, on host 198.36.174.1
Date: Thursday, June 29, 2000, at 12:38:50
In Reply To: Re: Seriously... posted by Ellmyruh on Thursday, June 29, 2000, at 09:50:22:

>
> > ...the other big misconception that people have about us Californians is that we are all wealthy. I don't know if it's the Beverly-Hills-90210- lifestyles-of-the-rich-and-famous media slant that does it, or what, but I have had heard comments from back-east or down-south relatives and friends to the effect of, "well everyone knows that all you rich Californians....". Gee, it can't be my ten year old (non-convertible)car that's giving them that impression. When I challenged one of these misled folks on this, he stated he "hadn't seen any slums when he was out visiting last time". Hmmm, so I guess all the homeless people panhandling on traffic islands don't count...you have to actually go to a designated slum?...which is *usually* the first thing I like to show out-of-town guests when they arrive, yeah right.
> >
> > Koala"just another working stiff"mom
>
> My thoughts exactly. How many people, when they vacaction to "sunny California," plan on stopping by a few slums for a Kodak-moment?
>
> Ell"Poor working college student"myruh

My one and only time I was in L.A. was somewhat by accident. We were taking a train to Needles, CA which meant that we had to transfer trains in L.A.. Well, after a trip that's worthy of a Rinkforum "Adventures of..." post, we missed the transfer. Amtrak was kind enough to take responsibility, put us in a hotel for the night, bought us breakfast, cab fare, and bus tickets. Back to my point... The cab ride took us down a few major streets, which featured more homeless in one place than I had ever seen. For a mile or two, the sidewalks were nothing but a solid row of cardboard box houses. Not a lot of money to be found here.

I think the idea that all Californians are rich could easily be attributed to how it's portrayed in the media and movies (as well as television programs). First of all, what part of California receives the most publicity?... Hollywood and celebrities. Both of which just scream money, luxery, extravagence, over-indulgence. I need not site examples, because we could all compile a huge list of such. Additionally, what was the last movie made in which we see anyone living in a house that's only 1000 square feet? On film, even the most modest of middle income families live in a huge 5 bedroom, 3½ bath, multiple car garage home. Which, of course, just says, "Even someone with a humdrum, nowhere kind of job can afford to buy a huge house and support his entire family in spite of this inflated real estate market."

That's the message sent, so that's the one that's received. I think it's safe to say that there are more wealthy people in California than in any other state, but that's not representational of everyone.

T"hat was a bit more than I had intended to say about it. Oh well, now I just need to tude my "ranio