L.A. - an icon

The color white, can it be considered a color at all? After all, white is merely a configuration of shades stimulated by the perception of light in the human eye. Often times, the shade of “white” crosses the mind when thinking of the city of Los Angeles. Bright lights, platinum blonde babes, and hazy skies- all things notoriously found in the alluring region of southern California. Needless to say the shade engulfs the city and manipulates the masses in the idea that “white is the new black”.

Roaming the streets of the stars, this iconic theme presents itself in a different type of instance. Hollywood. A distinctive type of social atmosphere and a signature thread holding together the unique quilt of Los Angeles. Walking down the strip, you can see the desperation in people’s faces. The eagerness to fit in, and the desire to be included; a blank and white gaze overcomes their appearance. At times, walking down the strip is like walking through a morgue- except these dead bodies are wandering around, aimlessly looking for a place to go where they will feel alive, only momentarily. Blankness, another feature of Los Angeles is a commonality when thinking of the iconic city.

The concept of living in a bubble also reiterates the appeal to LA. However, this bubble we all think surrounds us and protects us, is actually in fact a thick layer of smog encircling the area we call home. This white smoke that makes us sick and causes our world destruction is our oasis. Many of us have become immune to the constant allergies; however, the moment we step out of our “bubble” and into clear skies and clean air, we immediately wonder for a brief second why we continue to go back to the polluted place we cannot live without.

Why, if the bright lights and white skies are so bad for us, is LA so intriguing and desired to settle down in? Are we all that addicted to the idea of Los Angeles, or are we all living here to find something that has been idealized and force fed to us through the concept of “white being the new black”? It’s a funny concept to ponder because Los Angeles is like a drug, it has an appeal, a high, and a come down. It’s an addiction many of us try to fight, however, can never get passed the relapse. White. It’s all around us, and it makes our world go round. The shade perceived by our human eyes represents much more than a reflection of color, but also a way of living and a way of distinguishing real from imaginary. Except in this case our eyes are jaded, probably because we have been staring into the light for way too long.

-Chelsea Vogt

(Photo by ohsweetsunday.blogspot.com)