Oxymorons and the "Inland Empire"
June 23, 2008
Last week I was reading an editorial the subject of which was the housing slump and the economy in general. The final sentence in the editorial listed some terms that might be oxymorons. The last two words in the column were "Inland Empire".
This whetted my curiosity about the term "oxymoron" and why one might think that "Inland Empire" was such a term.
"Oxymoron" is defined as a combination of contradictory or incongruous words; Something (as a concept) that is made up of contradictory or incongruous elements. Some commonly used oxymorons include same difference, jumbo shrimp, deafening silence, accidentally on purpose.
Now, I have always wondered how "Inland Empire" came to designate the two county area of Riverside and San Bernardino. I am curious enough to research this and will post what I find. If any of you know, please click the comment and let me know. But, back to the oxymoron status of "Inland Empire". Clearly we are inland California. How did we become an empire? And what is contradictory about an empire being located "inland"?
According to Wikipedia, scholars debate about what exactly constitute an empire. It began as a state that extends dominion over populations distinct culturally and ethnically from the culture that held the power. Other definitions emphasize economic or political factors that create the uniting of populations.
It seems that the combination of Riverside and San Bernardino counties have economies that do create "empire". For me, "inland" and "empire' are not contradictory terms; hence, no oxymoron.
Last week I was reading an editorial the subject of which was the housing slump and the economy in general. The final sentence in the editorial listed some terms that might be oxymorons. The last two words in the column were "Inland Empire".
This whetted my curiosity about the term "oxymoron" and why one might think that "Inland Empire" was such a term.
"Oxymoron" is defined as a combination of contradictory or incongruous words; Something (as a concept) that is made up of contradictory or incongruous elements. Some commonly used oxymorons include same difference, jumbo shrimp, deafening silence, accidentally on purpose.
Now, I have always wondered how "Inland Empire" came to designate the two county area of Riverside and San Bernardino. I am curious enough to research this and will post what I find. If any of you know, please click the comment and let me know. But, back to the oxymoron status of "Inland Empire". Clearly we are inland California. How did we become an empire? And what is contradictory about an empire being located "inland"?
According to Wikipedia, scholars debate about what exactly constitute an empire. It began as a state that extends dominion over populations distinct culturally and ethnically from the culture that held the power. Other definitions emphasize economic or political factors that create the uniting of populations.
It seems that the combination of Riverside and San Bernardino counties have economies that do create "empire". For me, "inland" and "empire' are not contradictory terms; hence, no oxymoron.
posted by shirley harry at 8:29 AM
2 Comments:
The "Inland Empire" of Southern California is the unofficial name of the area adjacent to, and inland from, the Los Angeles and Orange Counties. Previously referred to as the Orange Empire for the area's historical orange groves and industry, the term "Inland Empire" was coined in the 1950's in order to make a distinction between this area and the large, coastal regions, especially Los Angeles. Since the I.E. is not a formal name of the area, there are no proper boundaries, although the San Gabriel Mountains are often used as a starting point. Located about fifty miles from the coast, an "inland" empire was born.
But why "empire?" By definition, the word empire usually indicates a political nature. However, it is a word that also elicits thoughts of size, grandeur, abundance, and productivity. Beginning with its orange industry and growing into the thriving metropolitan area it is today, the IE is often associated with such attributes. Comprised mainly of the San Bernardino and Riverside Counties, the Inland Empire includes over 35 cities, such as Chino, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Loma Linda, Redlands, Riverside, and Corona, among many others. The Inland Empire is not only the second largest region in California, but is also in the top twelve of the entire United States.
I’m not sure how the words “Inland Empire” are an oxymoron. The Inland Empire is located in the inner part of Southern California and as Shirley stated in her blog, the “empire” had to do with the strong economy in the 50’s because of the citrus industry. Today, it’s still considered an empire not only economically but for recreation & relaxation reasons. You can always find places to go and things to do in the Inland Empire.
They say that you always find happiness in your own backyard. The Inland Empire is considered to be Southern California’s backyard. There’s always something to do for everyone in the Inland Empire as long as it doesn’t involve the ocean. I have lived in the Inland Empire for almost 20 years and much to my surprise, my husband and I have always seemed to find somewhere to go in the Inland Empire, such as the Orange Blossom festival in Riverside, and at Christmas time we visit the Mission Inn to see the Christmas light display. For racing fans such as ourselves, there’s always something going on at the Auto Club speed way (formally known as California Speed Way), The Orange Show and Perris raceway. Not only do these places host major events such as NASCAR & NHRA, but you can always find smaller race events going on. And if you like riding motorcycles like my husband and son, there are plenty of off-road sites and motocross tracks they can ride. My personal favorite places to go are Oak Glen for apple picking and the Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine festival. As long as it doesn’t involve the ocean, whatever you like to do, you can probably find it here in the Inland Empire.
Post a Comment
<< Home