Leaving Arcata and the Stepford Hippies
"Arcata: Ian (drummer) was hanging out in the Weinlander taking a load off when a frantic young woman approached, and with hands on either side of the door, inserted her dreadlocked head into the van.... She asked Ian, “Have you seen a guy walking around? he’s about 6 foot, with dreads, brown carhart pants and a black jacket and backpack.” The answer to that question was one of quippy simplicity: Yes, I’ve seen him about 50 times today.
What we realize is that young men and women of their early 20s make pilgrimages to Humbolt [sic] County. They set out on a journey with the intention of discovering themselves, and the world, through a unique life of nomadic travel, rich doobage, and bumming change to buy the occasional fatty dank super vegan pre-made spinach wrap at the local co-op.
In Humbolt [sic] County, however, they are no longer outside of mainstream society—they are the mainstream. They’re all the same! There’s no one to bum change from because everyone is already trying to bum a dollar. They’ve all traveled the majestic distance to live independent “fuck the system” lives, and ended up in a total system of their own." – John Weinland
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But what about the feces! Don't forget the feces!
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3 comments:
Hey! Is that us they're talking about? I wonder if Asheville, Nouth Carolina attracts the same people. I hear it does. Perhaps a sister-city project is in store.
i don't find john w's comment to be very interesting at all - just ignorant. Of course not all dreadlocked folks living in Arcata or passing through "bumming change" are the same.
he just sees things differently, or at least thinks he sees things differntly than them, and then feels licensed to net them all in the same generlization and use put-downs. Maybe this makes him feel superior to them...?
Anyhow, I won't stoop to the same level by commenting on "folk musicians" such as himself or his music in particular, but you can probably see where that would have been heading...
Can't help but wonder why the North Coast Poster, the newest contender in the blogsphere ring, felt that this was such an interesting or important view to give expression to...
Excellent commentary. Also, notice that when HSU lets out for the summer Arcata loses 95% of its homeless/beggar population.
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