Reflection 4: A House Divided—Northern California vs. Southern California

Northern California's Golden Gate Bridge

Southern California's Hollywood Sign

It may not be obvious to those outside of California, but many amongst us are of the belief that we are, in fact, two separate states. They don't believe we are literally two states, of course, but some Californians feel that our state is nonetheless made up of two distinct cultures: NorCal, centered around the Bay Area, and SoCal, centered around Los Angeles. Some even claim that crossing the line from one region to another (generally thought to be Hwy 58, from San Luis Obispo to Bakersfield) is like crossing from one country to another. Admittingly, this is a vast generalization about a very diverse place, yet Northern California's cooler climates, liberal politics, and geek chic style do stand in contrast to Southern California's sunny beaches, conservative suburbs, and glamorous trend-setters. Just compare NorCal's sparse and uniform Facebook to SoCal's flashier and jumbled MySpace. Are we really two families living under one roof? How are we truly alike, and how do we truly differ? Are these differences only superficial or do they represent real fractures between the two regions? And which California are you more likely to see on TV or in film? Finally, what of often-forgotten Central California?

Requirements:

• MLA format
• 2 pages minimum

Due: We 3.14 / Th 3.15