Written By Ken Hulsey
"From the beginning, California promised much. While yet barely a name on the map, it entered American awareness as a symbol of renewal. It was a final frontier: of geography and of expectation."One of Starr's most frequently cited quotes appears in the preface of his 1973 book, "Americans and the California Dream 1850 - 1915." Curious about the quote, I managed to find a PDF version of the book and browsed through several chapters. I must say, it's a fantastic retelling of California's history. While the original quote caught my attention, I also discovered an excerpt that is equally thought-provoking!
"It was an adventure of imagination and spirit to return to California's early years. Reaching its maturity sometime in the decade before World War I, provincial California, its population a bare fraction of what it is today, possessed an intimacy now impossible. Artists and intellectuals knew one another and tended to share certain hopeful assumptions regarding the region where they lived and worked. They were hopeful because, although many opportunities had been squandered, all was not lost. California yet ached with promise. In this more complicated time, when hope is not so certain and the promise is unclear, the faith of those years must come to our aid. Although Californians of today inhabit a civilization and grapple with problems only dimly dreamed of in the nineteenth century, the struggle of previous generations, the emergence of provincial California, deserves scrutiny. It was, after all, the founding time, when, for good and for evil, what it meant to be a Californian was first probed and defined. That past act of definition is part of a present identity. That California continues, in part, to live. One blind to its beauty and moral significance, one dead to the drama of its yearning, has little chance of continuing its struggle: a struggle, it must be remembered, undertaken and carried on amidst corruptions and failures as distressing as those which assault the present. Obscurely, at a distance—then with rushes of clarity and delight—Americans glimpsed a California of beauty and justice, where on the land or in well-ordered cities they might enter into prosperity and peace." - Kevin Starr (1972)(San Francisco)
California is currently facing numerous challenges, many of which can be traced back to a disconnection from the true essence of what it means to be a Californian. The state has turned a blind eye to its rich history and the stunning natural landscapes that define it. The sentiments expressed in the 1970s resonate now more than ever. It is crucial that we advocate for political and social reforms that can restore California to a place where people can thrive in peace and prosperity.
We envision a California that reignites its role as a beacon for art, culture, and innovation. Historically, this state has shown resilience in the face of adversity, and we hope that the current turmoil will inspire a generation of Californians who are willing to make their voices heard and drive meaningful change. Let us take inspiration from the powerful words of Starr and commit ourselves to rebuilding California today, before it’s too late. Together, we can pave the way for a new golden age for this remarkable state.
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