"Misfit Utopia"

Call it what you like. A haven for misguided, over educated, secular progressives. Or... a place to come if you, have a desire to live, say, or act out, in any way you want without incessant harassment by the powers that be. While I completely understand why many people would fear the diverse lifestyle that is very much "in your face" here. I cant think of a place that I have been in the United States that embraces true freedom to the degree that the Bay area does. I have spent the last week exploring as many sub cultures as I could possibly make time for, and no they were not all hippie, non conformist clubs. Some were Christian fundamentalists, community leaders, and just "normal every day people." I have been pleasantly surprised as my notions of where our country is headed as a whole slowly began to disintegrate, even if only for a couple of days. My hope was partially revived as I interviewed person after person from all walks of life that believed in uncompromising freedom for all, Peace, and a sustainable future for our world. I was even more surprised by the sheer number of people I spoke with, that were actively involved on one front or another, walking their talk. Good job San Fransisco. My time hear can be summed up with one word "Kindness." I was confronted on every corner of this massive city by people that wanted to know what I was doing, and if I needed any help? My usual response was "yes" if you are interested I would like to talk to you about some things on camera? This usually led to a walk, either to the home of the participant, or a park or cafe where relative silence could be had for the interview. On one such occasion I was taken to a large park filled with about 1000 happy people playing frisbee, barbecuing, just sitting around talking and enjoying the perfect 80* weather. I watched and filmed in amazement, as a large bus filled with costumed people pulled up to the park. The group piled out, lined up, and proceeded to run circles through the park, singing songs, dancing and playing games with the stunned summer crowd. While I could describe what I was seeing in many different ways, I think the way I felt would paint a much better picture. I was feeling happy, yeah just completely happy. I stood there with the biggest smile that I could manage, and watched as these costumed marauders put a smile on every single face in that park. Later that day, I interviewed a progressive preacher from Berkeley along with some of the flock, three nudists riding for the environment in San Fransisco, and a couple of gangsters in Oakland trying to "keep it real." My time in this city was special, maybe I just hit it on a good day, maybe it was because I was carrying around a huge camera, or the bright yellow sign on my back.But I like to think that this was a sort of diverse mecca for people actively trying to involve themselves in a beautiful world filled with interesting, kind and creative people.