Wednesday, December 06, 2006

"The Flotsam of the New California"

didion

I’ve been reading Joan Didion’s Slouching Towards Bethlehem in recent days and have to say that it has made it into the “Federalcheese Canon.” The essays are about the absurdity of 1960’s California and the illusion of the “Golden Dream.” As someone who grew up in California, I can say that what Didion says was true of California forty years ago, is still true today. The title is borrowed from a Yeat’s poem and relates to what she sees as the failings of the “counter-culture” revolution. She is not against the idea of rebellion and change in the ‘60’s, but is highly critical of the masses that claim to be a part of it. The masses that in reality are naïve young men and women who are merely following what they believe will postpone reality for a just a bit longer. People from all over this country seek out California because they believe it is the answer. Most find out the hard way that life is just as hard in California and often worse. There is a piece praising Joan Baez and the Institute for the Study of Nonviolence, as well as an essay exposing the self-referential and innocuous state of the Center for the Study of Democratic Institutions. Didion trys to make sense of life in the Haight. She even reports from the set of John Wayne’s last film, The Sons of Katie Elder. But her most poignant work is when she gets personal and describes what it’s like to be native to such a bizarre and contradictory place.

13 Comments:

Blogger Justin Cooley said...

postpone reality for a just a bit longer.


That's a shot at me, isn't it?

6:56 AM  
Blogger Bill Eseltine said...

I'm neck deep in reality, amigo. It's no trip to Cleveland. If it was a subconscious shot at you I say this: Run like the wind boy and don't look back. BTW-Is it still snowing?

9:16 AM  
Blogger Bill Eseltine said...

And I apologize to those who know that Rooster Cogburn was John Wayne's last movie.

9:20 AM  
Blogger Justin Cooley said...

more like Rooster Cockblock.



I don't even know what this means.

6:16 PM  
Blogger Justin Cooley said...

Jason Schmidt--Dodgers opening day starter

5:14 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

John Wayne's last movie wa "The Shootist"

2:42 PM  
Blogger Justin Cooley said...

ha ha owned by mom.

8:56 PM  
Blogger Bill Eseltine said...

Mom, you always do this. Why can't you just stay out of my life like the judge ordered you to back in '83!

8:46 AM  
Blogger Justin Cooley said...

speaking of flotsam, congrats on the Giants signing Russ Ortiz to a minor league deal.


edit: Giants rumored to be looking at Bruce Chen. Enjoy.

8:20 PM  
Blogger Justin Cooley said...

oh, also they just signed Ryan Klesko.

Ha.

8:22 PM  
Blogger Bill Eseltine said...

Deride if you will, but. . .ah who gives a shit, they'll finish in third like always. Sigh.

12:55 AM  
Blogger Justin Cooley said...

I can't wait until they name Dusty Baker their new GM.

7:08 PM  
Blogger Wuj said...

Up yours Willie

1:42 PM  

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