Two blocks east of the ocean, stretch your legs at Santa Monica Place and the adjacent Third Street Promenade, an indoor/outdoor shopping area and icon of contemporary Southern California urban culture. The surrounding streets are among the liveliest in Southern California; people actually walk, enjoying street performers, trendy cafes, bookshops, and movie theaters. For another slice of heavenly shopping, stroll along Montana Avenue and Main Street downtown. You can find Farmers Markets, which is one of the favorite shopping places among local chefs, started from
In Barbara Berlund’s Making San Francisco American: Cultural Frontiers in the Urban West, Berlund explains how San Francisco grew from a young settlement which grew rapidly thanks to in part of the California Gold Rush which took place in 1949. Of course with the growing of this small settlement came it’s conflicts and how it rised to where it stands present day. A primary factor which helped San Francisco flourish a ton was the influence from those who had power and chose what would happen throughout the city, for example the Big 4. Those who were wealthy did not make this city what it is today without the help of people who made up the middle class as well. Every establishment within this city set the social order as to how the inhabitants of San Francisco would go about their life in society.
In less than forty years, the city of Compton went from a shielded suburb near the confines of Los Angeles, to a terrorizing image of American culture. The results of this transformation and creation of “gangsta rap” is still well renowned today. Through de jure segregation, Reagan economics, undermining of black prosperity, N.W.A., and “Boyz n the Hood”, the city of Compton told its story and became a global image. This paper will analyze the shift of culture in Compton and the transcendent cultural effect it formed in America.
The culture object I chose was the film “Pleasantville”. The movie is about two high schoolers, David and Jennifer, in the 90’s who are transformed into the television show “Pleasantville”. As alluded in the title, the show they mysteriously appear in is perfect; nothing ever goes wrong. David’s first instinct is to follow the plotline of the show, he doesn’t think they should disrupt the citizen’s lives. Jennifer has different plans, and has sex with one of the boys at the high school. This concept is completely unknown to the people of Pleasantville, and stirs the town into turmoil. Everyone then starts acting out line; they have feelings and emotions that control their actions. They no longer all have the same mindset.
Upon initial research of the rich heritage of California the two minority groups that stood out as especially influential in historic California and today’s society are the Native Americans and Hispanic Americans. To better understand and identify with these minority groups we must identify the common themes within their day to day life. By researching each culture’s common family traditions, religious beliefs, arts & entertainment, and language one can gain a greater appreciation of many different kinds of people, and in turn have more effective relationships in a multicultural society.
Los Angeles was a very different world in the tumultuous era of the 1930’s and 1940’s. There were many things that made the headlines, not all of them outstanding events to be remembered for their daring or heartwarming abilities. In 1930, LAX was opened in Mines Field, so named for the real estate agent that secured the deal for the 640 acres in southern Westchester to be converted into landing strips instead of fields of wheat, barley and lima beans, as the field was prior. The city bought it as a municipal airfield in 1937, and the airport continued as Mines Field until 1941 when it changed to Los Angeles Airport, then to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in 1949. Although LAX is currently a world renowned airport, it wasn’t always the center of attention. Prior to its inception, the primary airports for Los Angeles were Burbank and Grand Central Airport in Glendale. It wasn’t until 1946 that they started serving LAX, because it was just too far out of the way. At that time, it was located east of Sepulveda Boulevard, which ended up being rerouted to the west to loop around the new runways that were created in 1950. Nowadays, LAX is considered one of the busiest airports in the world, with nearly 60 million passengers using the airport each year. They also have a dual function as a civil-military base, providing the U. S. Coast Guard an area to launch, operate and repair their HH-65 Dolphin helicopters. (Delta Mike Airfield, 2008). Although the birth of LAX is a notable part of history in L.A., it was only the beginning of many not-so-good firsts for the city.
Cultural value orientations are the, “basic and core beliefs of a culture; that have to deal with one’s relationship with one another and the world” (McCarty & Hattwick, 1992). All cultures may encounter challenges with the media and society of how their beliefs and values are represented. There are several factors that resemble how cultural values influence a culture, more specifically the Hispanic culture in Yuma, AZ. Some of those factors are, the expression of their individual and collective identity through communication, cultures identity expressed though the mass media channels, examples of the value orientations that influence the groups communications behaviors, and one of the major events that challenged Hispanics identities.
Southern hospitality is the best in the world. People that live in the South are very nice and are always willing to help another person in any way they can. If someone is from out of town and needs directions to a certain place southerners will make sure he or she knows how to get there before he or she leaves them. Southerners are very polite. Every time we pass someone on the rode, we are going to wave at him or her. Towns in the South have fewer people and everyone knows everyone. The people in the South are nicer than anywhere else in the United States.
The HBO series; The Wire (2008) is an excellent show that examines the hardships and troubles that many face while residing in urban areas. The Wire portrays the daily lives of those living in the city of Baltimore, Maryland for what it is. The show does not hide any details of the true issues people face living in this area. The Wire depicts three central themes surrounding urban areas: the drug trade, organizational dysfunction, and the role of the media influencing public views. These three themes can be seen throughout the television show as well as while viewing race and crime as a whole.
You don't grow up choosing where you want to live, especially if your family is not financially stable. By witnessing the deaths, crime, and gang activity; you adapt to the environment. My parents are undocumented and moved from Mexico to Los Angeles to create a stable life for themselves and their children. Working in construction, under the scorching sun everyday, my father pushes us to do our best in school and receive the education that will open countless doors for us, but it's not easy where we live.
“Hotel California” by The Eagles has been the recipient of much speculation since its release in 1976. Although many other interpretations exist including some which claim this song to be referencing drugs, much evidence suggests that “Hotel California” is, at least partly, making a statement about the lifestyle of drug and alcohol users particularly in the large cities of California. As with many songs, duality of meaning exists in “Hotel California.”
Since 1848 to the present, California has had strong periods of representing the American Dream with its egalitarian advances and times of overwhelmingly democratic positions. Also, California was once a place for economic opportunity, attracting people from all over the nation. Since 1990, however, California has witnessed a reverse migration. Once a land of hope and opportunity, California has slowly been turning into a land of despair.
The County of Los Angeles has something for everyone. From its derived history to its plethora of entertainment options, it is one of the most well known counties in Southern California. According to HighBeam Research, “Los Angeles County is the nation's largest manufacturing center,” (HighBeam Research, LLC.). Los Angeles County and Los Angeles city are often confused with each other, however, Los Angeles city is in Los Angeles County. Los Angeles is advancing every minute, which is why it is the most populous county in the United States. L.A.’s county seat is Los Angeles city which is also the largest city in California and the 2nd largest in the U.S. behind New York City (HighBeam Research, LLC.). Los Angeles County in Southern California includes a rich history, a stable government, and major cities with a vast variety of entertainment options.
The extensive amount of money that it costs to buy a house in California (CA) is one of the main issues of housing. The pricing differences between California and other parts of the United States is exceedingly significant. The general cost of California homes, $437,000, is more than double the cost of the typical U.S. home, $179,000. The renters also face greater costs, nearly 50% more than the national average (6 Taylor). California is difficult to afford. A home in California costs double the amount of the average U.S. home. When people come to California looking for a better life, their dreams become crushed once they recognize the reality of the California economy. Prices are too much to handle. “California’s housing markets rank
Altogether the Portland Saturday Market is one of the most wonderful places to be during the summer. I love being able to see the many types of people that attend, and to watch the performers dance or sing. While you do that you can always grab something new to eat every time that you are there. Elephant ears, philly cheese steaks, pizza and many more types of food are bound to create a wonderful aroma for you to find something just right for your mood at that moment. Also, to see all the amazing arts and crafts that people have for you to buy is an amazing opportunity to buy something someone in your family will love as much as the person who made it. If you haven’t been to the Portland Saturday Market you are missing out and I surely hope that you get to sometime soon.
Essential shopping is mainly done by the residents of the area around the commercial area.