California Dream

California has been a place for dreamers since the first account that mentioned the name “California” by Montalvo. It has since than taken form over a number of  historical events from the Gold Rush, to modern day technological era of Silicon Valley. California for me defines the opportunity of education, ability to form your own identity, experience a mix of different cultures and ethnicity that is impossible in most other places, and also enjoy so many different weathers and have different natural setting minutes from one another.

           Education is what drives majority of people to come to California because it opens up doors to success and prosperity. My parents were raised in Pakistan where their family was farm owners and workers. Majority of their income was achieved from doing labor work. It is very similar to Denise S. Spooner description of Iowans in the article, “A New Perspective on the Dream” where 62% of Iowans who chose to migrate from Iowa to California were either “…children or grandchildren of farmers.” They wanted to give their children a chance to choose their future based on their personal abilities rather than being constrained to family business. It is because of my parent’s hard work that I am motivated to make the best of what California offers from its free education to limitless supply of guidance. It wouldn't have been the same if I were raised in my home country. I wouldn’t have had any chance of succeeding and studying. I enjoy volunteering a lot and have been involved in teaching, campaigns, sports, and camps that wouldn’t have been possible in Pakistan. The government here is very supportive of its children and it should be a motivation for all too take advantage of it and find something they are passionate about. California has given so many children the opportunity to go to school and college and become a professional person. The value of education has increased immensely over the years as noted by the Silicon Valley that has brought so much more acknowledgment and respect in our society.

          Identity is an important part of growing in community that is so diverse in culture and race. It’s necessary for children to feel they belong to a certain group based on similarities and gain acceptance. It’s common growing up to experiment with the mix of groups that are made based on ones interest in sports, music, clothing style and economic level. I’ve noticed growing up in East Side San Jose that it didn't necessarily matter the amount of money your parents made but you did have to present yourself in a way that showed you were well-kept.  I remember in middle school trying to fit into a certain group as Jack Lopez in “Cholos and Surfers” was trying to assimilate himself into the identity of Surfer and not be known solely on his ethnicity. He wanted to identify himself with other Californians on a more social level, which for him was being a surfer.  This was possible for him by “…wearing baggy shorts, large Penny’s Towncraft T-shirts and go barefoot…” Today, if you want to fit it its also based on ones clothing. For example, my brothers enjoy basketball and having been playing for a number of years but it wasn't until high school that it became “necessary” for them to buy the newest basketball shoes that come out for each season or the newest ps3 NBA game so all their friends could get together and play it.

California has such a vast and unique blend of people from all walks of life and world that most times there isn't a need for anyone to travel and experience other cultures. California is probably the only place that celebrates multiple religious, ethnic, national holidays for Americans with international backgrounds. People from Asia, Africa, Russia, Europe all come here to gain freedom and acceptance without any restrictions from their government or neighbors. People are able to re-create themselves by choosing to keep and leave the things they like about their culture and others they don’t much care for. It is possible for Californians to embrace other cultures or religions as they like. No one is really judgmental as long as you make your choice and feels strongly about it. Live and let live is the motto.  But there is a sense of lacking in community that James J. Rawles explains, “Freedom from tradition leads to disorientation and rootlessness, tolerance attracts the unbalanced and antisocial.”  It is possibly true that at times when California was forming it was uncertain and changes were hard to accept.  My father has spoken many times about the stress of growing up in a small-town community where people constantly badger you on everything from the way you speak, dress, act, dress, etc. It seems my father’s negative experience as well other Iowans led to their settling in California and forming a very anti-community life-style.  It has affected how community and families interact with one another. Overtime though California has formed it’s own culture where traditions are blending with other cultures and forming new ones. It has grown along with its vast population.

I personally feel that the most wonderful thing about California is the landscape and environment.  I like being able to drive and see hills for miles along the bay area. I like being able to live close to city yet far enough that I don’t have to be overcome by the constant busy life of business people. As most of the articles we read stated California is filled with natural beauty that attracts many just by that alone.  James J. Rawls description of California is very true as the mere mention of California “…conjures up images of stunning natural beauty. Endless blue skies and spectacular seacoast…gentle hills and soaring mountains…” Many mid-westerners in America also traveled to California because they wanted to escape extreme hot or coldness of their states.  The beauty of California has been describes in movies, music, literature and images that led to increase allure of life in the valley is still very much alive today.

California is mix of emotions, ideas, thoughts, actions, freedom, opportunity and life-style that is still being dreamed about throughout the world. The California dream is visible based on the amount of international students that come to study in California compared to others states. It is a place for self-improvement, social acceptance, and most of all a place of learning for the motivated and dedicated. Most people if you ask about their Californian dream will reply that it has been fulfilled in ones aspect or another.  I say that my California dream is always changing and growing along with the change and growth of California itself. It is constantly on the move and some days you see the beauty of it and other times you may not but the dream is always there and never disappear.