I have started to realize that I am snobby in the eyes of a Californian. I always thought West Coasters were snobby and East Coasters (north east - the
snobbiness of the southern debutante lifestyle is a whole different story) were down to earth. So what's the deal? I think I have
deciphered between the 2 coasts'
snobbishness.
As I walk through the halls, down the street, stand in the elevator, I mind my own business. I look straight ahead, don't say a word, and go about my day with a solemn facial expression. This I would say, is a learned way of life. With the fast paced east coast lifestyle, who has the time to waste their breath on a stranger? On those very few occasions when someone does mutter a hello or good morning to me while opening a door or getting onto an elevator, I mutter a simple hello back and give a half smile, and once again, look straight ahead. To east coasters, this just signifies that we are just going about our business and not being nosy in someone
else's life. To non east coasters, this may seem very snobby. An old coworker who had just moved to the DC area did ask me once why people are so mean. She said she would walk her dog and none of her neighbors would ever say hi. And I replied to her explaining that strangers don't really talk to each other, even if you DO share a wall in your apartment complex. Even my new roommates from the east coast press the door close button on the elevator numerous times to make sure it closes before someone else can jump in. (HA! I have told the world about your secret elevator manner - sorry!)
As I am now living in LA, I have noticed that people are very friendly. Too friendly in my book. They actually talk on the elevator or passing by in the hallways, even on the street! They say "hi, how is your day?" I am still getting used to this demeanor. I don't really care how their day is, why do I need to talk to them? This week someone in my apartment building started a conversation on the elevator. He even stuck out his hand for a good shake. WOW - what a concept! I was very taken aback. So today, I decided to try and be "friendly" on the elevator. I talked to one of the cleaning ladies who picks up my trash everyday at work. She was wearing the same nail polish color as me so I said "I like your nails, it's the same color as my toes." And she whipped out her nailpolish from her pocket. And we had a nice conversation, well, a broken english conversation. As i exited the elevator and started walking back to my desk, I had to let out a big sigh of relief and thought to myself 'wow, that was so much effort. how stressful. I feel so fake.'
So now I realize that, I myself, am the snobby one.
On the other hand, these Californians are snobby in their own way. There are two distinct 'californian snobishness' aspects.
Snob type 1: The world revolves around California. This is just a guestimate(probably an exaggeration) , but I bet 60% of non immigrants and non transplants have never been outside the state of California excluding the Nevada side of lake tahoe and vegas. Also, they probably think those places are still part of California. I think about 50% of Californians that I conversed with do not know the location of the white house and ask 'which sate' DC is in. You know those shows where they go around and ask people questions about polititions, or geography questions, and people are clueless? Those 'on the street' interviews. Well, those interviews are probably all done in California.
Snob Type 2: Those in the entertainment industry/hollywood scene. Depending what part of town you are from, this stereotypical statement holds true, California is all about beauty. If you don't have the right hair, the right clothes, the right body type, the right tan, the right labels, you are looked down upon. This is true in MANY other places throughout the US, but it is prominent here when strolling around beverly hills (remember pretty woman?), hollywood, and orange county. I experienced this type of snobbiness and judgement once during a night of unsuccessful clubbing, once when someone looked down on me because of the car I drive, and one more time when entering an elevator with some friends where some VERY hollywood looking girls gave us a once over followed by a disgusted facial expression. My self esteem went from 10 to 1 in those very moments. BUT I will not resort to conforming to these so called 'elite californians.' I am an average Jane. And I love my average Jane self. I will keep using my unstylish but functional across the shoulder lesport bag and my knock off designers. I will keep shopping for $10 sale items at marshalls, tj max, and macy's. I will keep buying ALL my accessories from street vendors bargaining for the best price. Of course, every person is intrigued by anything designer, me included. But I will not break the bank to have something with a label and I will not look down on anyone becasue they cannot afford something with a label. Once upon a time, I was a little materialistic, but I have been trying to change that about myself. No matter if you own something with a label or not if all ends up in the same place...a landfill. No matter if you have the perfect body, hair, face it all ends up in the same place...buried in the ground.
So it seems that we may all have a little bit of 'holier than thou' attitude in us. What is your definition of snobby? Is it worse to walk around without a smile and ignore those who may wish you a good day, or is it worse to smile but look people up and down with a judgemental attitude?
I just got back from Las Vegas on Monday from Miriam's Bachelorette Party. I cannot divulge any happenings that went on during the trip, but do I have some crazy Taxi stories for you!
