Interview with Rachel Continued...
I ask, “What other stereotypes have you encountered about Californians?” “People think Californians are stupid bimbos and that we all know celebrities; and also that we’re very ‘granola’.” Being from California, I completely understand what Rachel means but I ask her to elaborate. She rolls her eyes. “It’s like a stereotype that a typical California person will be jogging across the street going to yoga followed by some sushi for dinner all while holding a bag of granola.” I can’t help but laugh again. “That’s a very stereotyped idea! Also that everyone surfs.” She further vents, “I don’t surf! “Do you find that people get San Diego and Los Angeles confused a lot in regards to the way of life or characteristics of each city?” Rachel looks puzzled so I continue, “For example, do you think people automatically associate celebrities with Southern California?” “I haven’t noticed it recently but I remember when I was younger and told people I was from California they would say, ‘Oh, my God. Do you know celebrities?’ That’s simply because they were young and naïve. I don’t think people associate San Diego with celebrities. It is more so Los Angeles.” “Right,” I agree. “Let’s move on. What do you think California has contributed most to America?” Looking around and inspired by her environmentally friendly dorm building, she says, “I think California is a very green state. We are proactive with preserving our environment, environmental laws, etc.” Naturally changing the subject back to celebrities Rachel says, “Also, we contributed celebrities for movies. Hollywood is the hub. We basically birthed the Kardashians!” Once again, both of us laugh and understand what it means to be from only 100 miles away from the Kardashians. Since celebrities and a laidback vibe seem to be major aspects of California, I ask Rachel, “What aspects of California do you see in yourself? “That’s deep,” she smiles. “I’m a beach girl. I love the ocean. I don’t think that would be the case if I had grown up anywhere else.” Stopping to think she continues, “I have more of an East Coast mentality though. I’m more stressed and competitive than most people you encounter. I have an East Coast mentality and California personality.” Thinking back to the beginning of the interview, I inquire, “Do you think living outside of the United States influenced your personality at all?” “Yeah,” she nods. “I think if I had stayed in California for those five years of my I might be a different person. It’s complicated because I consider San Diego my hometown. I grew up there yet at the same time I didn’t. “Right. You’re developmental years were somewhere else,” I add. “Yeah; but then again I’m similar to all my friends that grew up in California their entire lives.” “Like me!” I proclaim. She affirms, “Exactly. The interview tapered off with some laughing and easy smiles.
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