<p>I read this (below) somewhere and wondered if it’s pretty much spot-on. I have a feeling it is. I have Swiss-Italian family members who have lived in SLO and Cayucos for *generations *and I tend to think they’re somewhat “cowboys” (and girls) just because of their livelihood. They are longtime cattle and avocado ranchers, most of the kids graduates of CPSLO in fruit science, animal science. Those kids are now running the ranch, although one of them is also a popular artist in the area (Western etchings). Anyway, I’m curious if most folks makes an effort to get along and agree to disagree.</p>
<p>Cowboys vs. City Slickers
Theres an unusual demographic breakdown at Cal Poly that is, I think, unique among California schools: The division between Cowboys/girls and City Slickers. Because its both an agricultural school and a top engineering and architecture school, theres a pretty even mixture of rural and urban/sub-urban students, and they are about as different as can be. The city slickers drive compact cars and may have Obama bumper stickers while the cowboys almost all drive gigantic trucks and have McCain/Palin 2008 on their back windows. For the most part, this doesnt cause any real strife, but there is a minor tension between the ultra conservative cowboy students and the more liberal city slickers. If it ever comes down to it, my moneys on the cowboys.</p>
<p>My daughter is in a funny situation. She’s more on the liberal side. Always has been, although she’s not political nor does she voice her opinions much. She has a boyfriend (since the summer) who seems to be more conservative. He’s not a “cowboy” or redneck by ANY means, but I know his views tend to lean to the conservative side. He also got my daughter into country music. Anyway, I’ll be interested to see how she fits in–whether she takes on the more conservative views in SLO or sticks with her liberal opinions. Or maybe like many, (including myself), will end up somewhere in the middle.</p>
<p>One thing that bothers me about SLO and Cal Poly is their supposed negative view on gay rights—or at least their history of not being real supportive of Gay Pride. As a straight person I am a STRONG believer in gay rights and would hate to see a hateful attitude clouding an otherwise wonderful experience at Cal Poly. Or ANY kind of prejudice for that matter. I realize diversity isn’t one of their strong points. I can handle that as long as there isn’t racism and hurtfulness.</p>
<p>Any thoughts on that from current students or parents? Or are things starting to look up in this regard?</p>
<p>2Leashes, I’m not at all familiar with Cal Poly’s generalized attitudes on social issues such as gay rights. One thing I hope is that all colleges, including CP, will spend more time helping the students grasp the issues that will affect their quality of life. We have soaring taxes, runaway debt (most to China), a broken tax system, out of control spending from our federal government, some state governemnts that are even more poorly run, we are fighting two wars, face a nuclear threat from Iran in less than 2 years, and the list goes on and on. I hope Cal Poly focuses on helping their students understand these types of issues. </p>
<p>I totally agree, Mariner116! As well as learning now to live more ‘green’ and protect our natural resources for our next generation and beyond. </p>
<p>And, again, my daughter falls somewhere in the middle, both politically and socially. Maybe after she meets her “cowboy” relatives in Cayucos and SLO, she’ll lean more toward their side, for all I know. :)</p>
<p>2Leashes: That’s a fairly accurate description. There’s a pretty good balance between liberal and conservative minded students and professors. It makes for some rather interesting classroom discussions – that’s about as far as it goes. There’s not much political activism on campus and for the most part, everyone gets along just fine.</p>
<p>I know there have been some isolated instances involving a few knuckleheads making racially insensitive displays over the years – all of which were condemned and handled swiftly by the school’s administration. Those unsavory acts are certainly not representative of the university or the community as a whole.</p>
<p>Thank you 08alum. That seems to match the feel we get when we are in town and on campus. I also think that Cal Poly will begin to see a lot more students of color and ethnicity. Students who have overlooked CP in the past are now choosing to go there because the UCs are out of reach by cost or difficulty. More people may be looking to State schools and CP is one of the best!</p>
<p>Thanks, 08alum! I think every school has those few who always seem to be more extreme. Look at some of the UCs lately with all their protests and vandalism. Naturally, it wasn’t the whole student population taking part in this. Sometimes the news media would like us to think that, though. Same with Cal Poly and any unsavory acts of the past. The majority of kids aren’t into that, I’m sure. I actually kind of like that there’s a mix of “Cowboys” and “City Slickers”. That’s diversity right there! ;)</p>
<p>Good friends of mine moved to Paso Robles 14 years ago from our mutual hometown of Santa Cruz. They love it there. They’re enjoying the slower pace. It’s definitely been beneficial for their family. My friend admitted it was a bit conservative for them, but they just keep their liberal views to themselves. All in all, they really enjoy Paso and SLO. Lots of wineries going in now, too, she said.</p>
I have Swiss-Italian family members who have lived in SLO and Cayucos for *generations *and I tend to think they’re somewhat “cowboys” (and girls) just because of their livelihood. They are longtime cattle and avocado ranchers, most of the kids graduates of CPSLO in fruit science, animal science. Those kids are now running the ranch, although one of them is also a popular artist in the area (Western etchings). Anyway, I’m curious if most folks makes an effort to get along and agree to disagree.</p>
I didn’t even bother to click on his links. </p>
Same with Cal Poly and any unsavory acts of the past. The majority of kids aren’t into that, I’m sure. I actually kind of like that there’s a mix of “Cowboys” and “City Slickers”. 
That’s diversity right there! ;)</p>