I think living in California for almost all of my life has made me unaware of the vast differences in people that vary from state to state. California is kind of its own little bubble on the coast, soaking up the sunshine and surf. Moving to the east coast for college, has made me more aware of the fact that California stereotypes are a little more accurate than I thought. However, there are definitely some common misconceptions that people ask me all the time. Once I came to the east coast, I heard these things all the time...
1. "I have a cousin who lives in California... Maybe you know them!"
California is much bigger than a lot of people think it is. The state is actually the third largest state, running 800 miles north to south. Odds of me knowing your cousin is almost impossible.
2. "Do like all of your friends surf?"
The typical question that most people ask. And the answer is actually yes. Most people do have the hobby of surfing if you live in a coastal town. However, if you live more inland, you won't have many surfers.
3. "Do you surf?"
Tried it, but let's be honest, I'm not good. Also, depending on where you live in California, the ocean waters are a lot colder than people think. A cold current runs all up and down the coast of California, making the ocean waters a lot colder than the east cost waters. So yes, if I am going to surf, I still have to put on a wet suit, especially in Northern California.
4. "I went to the LA airport once, how close is that to San Fran?"
Not close. At all. Again, the state is absolutely massive. It would be hard to make that trip in a day, especially with all of the traffic. But most people, living on the East coast, assume that you can make the commute in a day because most states on the east coast are small.
5. "Marijuana is legal right? Can people just smoke all the time?"
I mean marijuana is not completely legalized. It is regulated. And more often than not, police officers have bigger issues than weed.
6. "Do you eat a lot of Mexican food?"
Yes. I am a Mexican food snob. In almost any town, there will be several Mexican restaurants. And not just like a Taco Bell or Chipotle, but a quality sit-down Mexican restaurant.
7. "OMG is California sunny all the time?"
I mean, yeah, it is sunny. But to make the generalization over the whole state can't be accurate. If you lived in Northern California bay area, it is more cloudy from the bay fog. But sure, California is pretty sunny, and we aren't subject to tropical storms.
8. "Why aren't you tan?"
Hmm. Good question. But there is this stereotype that all Californians are blonde and tan. And while I may be blonde. Not everyone is perfectly sun kissed all the time. I wish.
9. "Are there a lot of hippies in 'Cali'?"
The common stereotype associated with California. And honestly, there could be more than in your state. But it is a big state...
California is widely diverse with all kinds of stereotypes attached to the enormous state. And while the stereotypes are true to some areas, they cannot be applied everywhere.
