Author: - Anthony Marais

To quote Kierkegaard, 'life can only be understood backwards, but must be lived forwards.' Similarly, perhaps the most revealing aspect of this 'chef-d'oeuvre' is the final page on Marais. As a Californian anthropologist, he is perhaps more qualified than others to make such a commentary. At least readers get a view about 'la-la landers' through Californian tinted spectacles. The question remains though; is his guide a case of the partially sighted leading the partially sighted? The extent to which Marais remains impartial is commendable yet one can identify a hint of a Foucauldian struggle between his being both a Californian and an intellectual. In psychological terms of course, intellectualization is a defence mechanism against the horrors of what remains undiscovered in the unconscious mind. If I am guilty of intellectualization here, then please forgive me. It is perhaps because I have been to California... twice, and fell in love with one, briefly! In my defence, this 'manual' was yet to be printed. So which of Marais's warning signs could I have heeded and which should xenophobes take note of?

At an 'intrapersonal' level, Marais warns us that the stereotypical Californian scores highly on the Eysenckian dimensions of personality. They are stable extroverts as opposed to labile introverts. They have narcissistic tendancies tempered only by their egocentrism. Marais warns of a delusion supported mainly by plastic, Holywood (this is not a misspelling) and the dollar, a sort of Holy trilogy. They are gregarious and childish yet have a psychopathic propensity. Perhaps the smile reflects nothing more than inner turmoil and confusion.

At an 'interpersonal' level he warns of the dangers of the 'special relationship'. This, Marais warns, may only last a few seconds. Like young children, friendship lasts only as long as the game lasts. Paradoxically though, the Californian is too busy being friendly to know you. The shades help promote the ethic of out of sight out of mind, you will not according to Marais, get that postcard. In order to satisfy some Weissian drive for emotional closeness, you may find yourself uttering those immortal words 'I do'. Marais claims that to a Californian this frivolity extends to an agreement to the 'ideal' and loving divorce party, to be held at some time in the future. And what of the grounds? You may have done nothing more than to question the sanity behind your partner's delusion.

At the societal level, Marais identifies differences between east and west. The further west, the less puritanical the culture. Running east to west from Hearst Castle is the north-south demarcation line. (Be warned, 'hearst' is an old English word for corpse, and a derivative of the word hearse). Northerners see themselves as down to earth, and southerners see themselves as 'stylish producers'. There exists a Weberian stratification maintained by closure and usurpation. The extent to which one is Californian correlates positively with the extent of perceived ownership. Which other group as Marais says would be audacious enough to have an element, Californium, named in support of their own image. Californium is after all, artificially produced. It is also radioactive. You do not want to get too close then!

Finally, I was not Caliphobic before I went. I therefore conclude that Marais's book should be considered as an obligatory travel document. I can hear the airport officials now, "show me your passport, boarding pass and XGC please". In true style, I dedicate this review to myself.

Stephane West.


This is a very funny and informative book.   October 20, 2001
 5 out of 5 found this review helpful

I learned alot about the root of many peculiar Californian behaviours and attitudes. Even some Californians I know who have read it, tell me this book has helped them to understand how the rest of the world sees them.