A Note About Los Angeles

Underestimate us at your own risk.

LAPD in front of Barbara Kruger’s Untitled (Questions), which adorns the exterior wall of MOCA’s Geffen Contemporary in Downtown LA. (photo by RINGO CHIU / AFP via Getty Images)

If I hear one more time that there is a dark or sinister energy in Los Angeles, or another social media post simply marveling at the fact that Los Angeles – wouldn’t you believe it, of all places! – is the place where the revolution is starting, I might commit seppuku.

It was only six months ago I saw the same wonder, sometimes borne of awe, sometimes of condescension, that Los Angeles was coming together in community to support the victims of the Altadena and Palisades fires.

Those who are surprised by the extremes to which Angelenos will go to support, defend and protect each other woefully misunderstand what this city is like – our history, culture, and values. I will admit that it’s easy to get the wrong impression: we’ve made our reputation on the creation of images and sale of fantasy, which can undoubtedly read as quite shallow.