How You Know You’re A Real Angeleno

There’s been enduring debate bantered about when defining a true New Yorker. But what about a real Angeleno? (And for those of you who don’t know, we in Los Angeles call ourselves “Angelenos.”)

Local writer Hector Tobar, from Brand X, set out to do just this. And he did a pretty good job, though, as a native Angeleno myself, I think he left out a few important facts: First, kids growing up in L.A. know at least one working child actor or model. Second, the golden era of the Lakers–during their string championship wins and losses in the eighties with Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, and the rest of the team–is and forever will be considered sacred.

Tobar’s list is fleshed out with more explanation, but here it is at its bare bones:

1 Don’t fawn over celebrities.

2 Use your turn signals.

3 Barbecue, garden, enjoy the outdoors — at all times.

4 Be cool with ethnic diversity.

5 Know your shortcuts.

6 Appreciate Vin Scully… legendary L.A. Dodgers announcer.

7 Acknowledge and respect local traditions.

8 Don’t ever say: “L.A. doesn’t have any seasons.”

9 Don’t wear your civic pride on your sleeve.

10 Define it your own way.