Opinion: Despite problems, California still a trendsetter

I must admit to a certain grudge against Californians who come rolling into New Mexico with an attitude of superiority over us poor souls.

It’s a prejudice I developed after a few years living in the Land of Enchantment, after seeing more than enough arrogant Californians coming in and trying to tell the rest of us how best to live and behave.

I’ve held the same grudge against Texas, but developed it years earlier while growing up in Arkansas. But I felt my own attitude of superiority when, within just a few years: the Razorbacks exited the Texas-centric Southwest Conference, a nail in the SWC’s coffin; our guy beat their guys in the 1992 presidential election; and a rich Arkie bought their beloved Dallas Cowboys way back in ’89. 

Good-natured prodding aside, and back to California, I’m rethinking that grudge after a week in San Diego.

Some left-coasters may act a bit on the uppity side when visiting our “lesser” states, but surf-side they’re as friendly and down to earth as can be.

Maybe this feeds the California stereotype, but what the hell, it makes a point: I was in the Pacific Beach area when I saw a short, round, roly-poly person, whom I’ll call a man because that’s the way he looked to me. Odd-looking by most any standard, I thought. I think he was dressed up for a night on the town, in a way that accentuated his plumpness. In other words, he had embraced his appearance — which was fine to three average-looking guys walking happily alongside him.

I’ve no idea what was going on there, but I was impressed with the roly-poly’s self-expression and his friends’ obvious acceptance.

Nowadays, I’m sure you can find this type of behavior in every big U.S. city, but I’ll bet it started in California and moved inland. That’s not unusual, you know; California’s been a trendsetter for our nation for about a century now.

Slowly but surely, we’re becoming a nation that not only accepts its diversity of races, cultures and lifestyles, but embraces them all as well. And just saying I think that’s a good thing makes me sound more Californian than, well, Texan, for sure. 

These days, Texans like to point out that California’s population is on the decline, while theirs is increasing, and that’s true enough. But in the long run, part of California’s problem will be Texas’ problem, too. Climate-related catastrophes are contributing to the California exodus, something that hasn’t stymied Texas’ growth yet, but chances are it will soon enough.

Consider the recent wildfires that scorched the Texas Panhandle an omen for what’s to come.

And before we decide to write off California and its “left coast” mentality, let’s consider why it has become the wealthiest, most populated, most liberal state in the nation. 

Sure, there are big problems out here — some of the biggest, as a matter of fact. But this is also where some of the world’s most creative solutions are born.

For all its ups and downs, California is still a trendsetter.

Damn, no wonder they’re so arrogant when they come to New Mexico. Too bad there isn’t a big sports team out here we could buy. That would show ’em.

Tom McDonald is editor of the New Mexico Community News Exchange. Contact him at:

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