I've always wanted to travel. It'd be the greatest compliment to life, I'm sure you'd agree. I've always wanted to get out of the desert and breathe in the broadleaf evergreen trees, or even needleleaf, and get lost in the foggy day until you climb up that hill and capture the cumulous clouds. It never occurred to me till recently how much your environment influences you. I don't just mean the climate, but the people and how it affects your passions. It made me conclude that wherever my boyfriend and I decide to live it will be somewhere where we would have positive support.
My politics teacher used political parties as an example. He believes you should involve yourself in a party because wherever the majority of the party exists, you should live there to have support for your career choice; in general, it's healthy. I don't agree so much with giving myself a title, however he serves a point. As a lover for creativity and voicing your opinions, I want to be somewhere that consists of free thinkers, positive energy, and relaxation. I picture myself living in the forest someday, but as a political point of view I suppose my desire would fall under liberty. I need to live somewhere where liberals exist because I want support to do things I love and be around people to share that with (maybe that's why I'm going to San Francisco ;-) However, I don't think most people follow this logic, or theory.
How do you feel about this theory? If you agree, has this changed your perception about where you live? If you disagree, please elaborate your reasons. Thanks.
Physically moving to a location (like a country or state) would be a bit much for me.I live in a place that's supportive and non supportive of some of my major values and beliefs so it's not perfect, but I understand the need to surround yourself with like minded people who are positive and supportive. It's not illogical.
ReplyDeleteI guess we must have made that kind of choice. My family's move to Canada was driven (apart from the breathtaking beauty of the country itself) by the sense that here was a place that was laid back, tolerant, fun-loving, and family-friendly (as in children were to be seen and heard enjoying themselves, not hidden away where they couldn't annoy anyone).
ReplyDeleteI think we made the right choice.
I'm not huge on politics, I admit. Mostly because my family gets so...passionate about it and I hate confrontation. As for where I live, I live where life has brought me. I hope to someday life to where I bring my life. =]
ReplyDeleteSpot on.
ReplyDeleteI always wanted to live in Berkeley. San Francisco is too.. idk. I don't really know how to explain it, but Berkeley being the college city I got to see a lot of the bohemian aspect and music scene there and I fell in love. Regardless of which, living in the IE is pretty suffocating.
On a trip to LA we were talking to a pretty flamboyant gay guy who was just aghast at us when we said we were from the IE. Like, "...what do you guys do for fun there? I thought only bros and hos came from there."
...yeah.
San Francisco is one of my favourite American cities. I remember driving there from Vancouver, when I was 18. Someday, I hope to visit the city by the bay, once again. I did a blog about that trip and you have brought back some memories. So thank you.
ReplyDeleteOf course, a positive environment starts from within. Being environmentally friendly, as you realise, is more than doing our bit to create a cleaner, greener planet. It's about being environmentally friendly with each other.
I understand what you are saying and I agree with you.
Thank you for your ongoing positive interaction and take very good care of yourself.
In kindness and peace, Gary
NiaRaie - Hmm, why would it be a bit much for you? You've made a point though, there will never be a perfect place. I mean, there's always something to complain about, isn't there? Hope you're doing good, regardless.
ReplyDeleteBotanist - Good for you guys. It's certainly a risk, and I'm glad it ended up being worth it. Canada always comes off as being a laid-back place. I'd like to visit someday.
LT Elliot - Ha, it's totally hard to talk to people about politics, especially family (I understand.) Most people are set in their ways so it's hard to share opinions. Anyway, that is a good way to look at your life. And here I go with a cheesy quote though it's fitting, "Life is what you make of it."
Cela - The I.E. is totally looked down upon, but could you blame them? It's funny how each city has different stereotypes of us. Usually we're known for the gangstas! That's what you should have told the flamboyant guy! haha. But you should definitely move to Berkeley someday. It seems like you might regret not going there. Maybe after UCR?
Klahanie - Oooo I'll have to read your post, link me :) I agree with you: the first change is yourself. I think I'm ready for the drastic change now, but that won't be till next year! I appreciate your comments, Gary. Take care.
I think that strategy assumes an awful lot of monolithic thought and culture among parties. There are a ton of Republicans in both Alaska and Indiana (two places I've lived), but they're hardly the same in terms of the social or thought environment they create.
ReplyDeleteThat said, I do think think that the outlook that the people around you have and the way they approach the world and other people around them is a critical and important part of your environment. It's definitely a worthwhile consideration. Maybe even a critical one.
It is difficult to assess until you've lived there, though, because external appraisal is always difficult. At least half of what's important to understand (not just observe) is how they treat new folks who move in and start to live among them.
I do think, that it’s possible to find supportive, like-minded people almost anywhere you go. That said, San Francisco is the only American city I’ve ever visited, and it is a fabulous place.
ReplyDeleteThe enigmatic, masked blogger
Yes I agree with Mask-I've managed to find like-minded people in every state I've lived in-though I consider those states to all have vastly different reputations. Move to San Fransisco because it's awesome and if you happen to run into a boat load of people who share your values and beliefs that will be an added bonus
ReplyDeleteHi Lettucehead,
ReplyDeleteThat's very kind of you to ask for the link. Here goes, sorry you will have to copy and paste.
http://klahanie.blogspot.com/2007/11/from-lions-gate-to-golden-gate.html
Enjoy your day, Gary:-)
I think your politics prof was onto something. I have definite liberal leaning opinions about most things. I live in an area that is largely conservative which makes my views on most topics wildly unpopular with my friends and associates. I love politics and can get outraged with the best of them but I would prefer to be outraged in the company of other like-minded individuals rather that confronting people whose opinion I don't have any more chance of changing than they have of changing mine.
ReplyDeleteI do agree. My vote is almost always "wasted" up here in Alaska since it's such a conservative state. I will always vote though.
ReplyDeleteWe've thought of Oregon more than once...