California, Most Hated State.. Why? (Los Angeles, San Francisco: college, taxes, living in)

[movingawayfromtherain]

I thought It would be interesting to get some perspective on this from people who live there. Most of you probably realize california gets a pretty bad wrap across the country. This attitude springs up from many people who probably have never even been to california at all.

So my question is, is this some kind of myth? What causes California to have such a bad reputation; is it the economy-there are worse states--is it the large latino population? is it because it contains Sanfrancisco? Seasonal Fires?

What are your thoughts?

[movingawayfromtherain]

And maybe even better question, does it deserve it?

[JordanJP]

Originally Posted by movingawayfromtherain

I thought It would be interesting to get some perspective on this from people who live there. Most of you probably realize california gets a pretty bad wrap across the country. This attitude springs up from many people who probably have never even been to california at all.

So my question is, is this some kind of myth? What causes California to have such a bad reputation; is it the economy-there are worse states--is it the large latino population? is it because it contains Sanfrancisco? Seasonal Fires?

What are your thoughts?

gonna list a few generalized grievances I have heard against the state, both while I have lived there and when I've moved:

-high taxes
-high cost of living
-dirty
-Attitude of some people living in San Fran, "holier-than-thou"
-San Francisco (politics)
-Berkeley (politics)
-Los Angeles (politics)
-attitude from some Californians that have never lived somewhere else, that is it the best thing since pre-cut baked goods
-too liberal
-too conservative (depending on area and person)
-does not mesh with a great deal of the US in many ways

[Fontucky]

I've been all over the Bible Belt, so I can understand why they'd want something else to focus their ire on. It's easier that way.

[1208]

and an even better question...what the hell are you talking about? who says california is hated? don't mean to ride your ass man but when you generalize like that and assume that it's a universal truth that people hate california it sounds kind of foolish. I dig california a lot. if everyone hates it, why is the most visited state?

now, if you said CALIFORNIANS instead, then we could go somewhere. I would say they are hated because they are self absorbed, narcissists who are new agey, the worst kind of liberal (while still remaining deeply racist inside) who flock to other states and build huge mcmansions and kick and scream that these new places SUCK because they don't have whatever froo-froo shops these people are used to and GOD they are so IGNORANT back in Cali we would NEVER do this and that and blah blah blah.

[movingawayfromtherain]

"who says california is hated? "

Open your eyes my friend.. You can see this attitude pretty much everywhere these days.

[Fontucky]

I wish this attitude was reflected in decreasing population numbers. Sadly, it's not.

[Captain Obvious]

They hate our freedom.


Okay I don't know.

Maybe all of that crazy crap out of SF like taking toys out of happy meals or having safe injenction facilities for heroin addicts.


Although I guess it could be worse...



http://www.collegeflavor.com/ProductImages/mississippi180.jpg (broken link)

[bmw335xi]

Originally Posted by movingawayfromtherain

I thought It would be interesting to get some perspective on this from people who live there. Most of you probably realize california gets a pretty bad wrap across the country. This attitude springs up from many people who probably have never even been to california at all.

So my question is, is this some kind of myth? What causes California to have such a bad reputation; is it the economy-there are worse states--is it the large latino population? is it because it contains Sanfrancisco? Seasonal Fires?

What are your thoughts?

Ummm I'm not sure where you live, but California has a great reputation, not just domestically, but especially from overseas. When I lived in Florida, my friends wished they could afford living in California. When I lived in Australia, 100% of my friends said they want to see California if the took a trip to the states. Go to the World Forum on City-Data and do a poll of different states...I'm positive California will be in the top 3, but most likely #1. The only people I've met who have a negative view of California are FAR right wing conservatives who let politics ruin their lives. I guess someone has been watching too much Fox News...

[LASam]

Your idea of how the country perceives California doesn't seem to jive with this Harris Poll:

Harris poll: California rated most desirable state