Meaning: The quote "Los Angeles was an impression of failure, of disappointment, of despair, and of oddly makeshift lives. This is California? I thought." by Joseph Barbera, the famous cartoonist, offers a thought-provoking reflection on the city of Los Angeles and the state of California. The quote conveys a sense of disillusionment and surprise, as the speaker's initial expectations about the city and the state are challenged by the reality they encounter.

Joseph Barbera, known for co-founding the animation studio Hanna-Barbera and creating beloved cartoon characters such as Tom and Jerry, Yogi Bear, and The Flintstones, was not only a prominent figure in the world of animation but also a keen observer of human nature. It is through this lens that we can interpret his quote about Los Angeles and California.

The use of the word "impression" in the quote suggests that the speaker's perception of Los Angeles was shaped by the visible signs of struggle and imperfection. The city, often portrayed as a glamorous and aspirational destination, is here depicted in a contrasting light. The impression of failure, disappointment, and despair implies a sense of unfulfilled expectations and a pervasive feeling of disillusionment. This sentiment may resonate with individuals who have experienced the disparity between the idealized image of Los Angeles and the complex realities of life in the city.

The phrase "oddly makeshift lives" adds another layer of complexity to the speaker's observations. It hints at a sense of transience and improvisation in the way people live their lives in Los Angeles. This portrayal aligns with the city's reputation for being a place of constant reinvention and the pursuit of dreams, often resulting in unconventional lifestyles and career paths. The juxtaposition of "makeshift" with the grandeur commonly associated with California alludes to a more nuanced and unvarnished perspective on the state's social fabric.

The speaker's incredulous reaction, "This is California? I thought," further underscores the disconnect between the stereotypical perception of California as a land of opportunity and abundance and the gritty, unvarnished reality that the speaker encounters. This rhetorical question encapsulates the speaker's surprise and perhaps disappointment at the stark contrast between expectation and experience.

It is important to note that Joseph Barbera's quote reflects a subjective viewpoint, shaped by his personal encounters and reflections. Los Angeles and California have been the subject of diverse interpretations and perceptions, and the quote offers a glimpse into one individual's experience of grappling with the complexities of these iconic locations.

In conclusion, Joseph Barbera's quote captures a sense of disillusionment and surprise in the face of the perceived failures, disappointments, and makeshift lives in Los Angeles. By invoking the image of California, the quote also touches on broader themes of disillusionment with idealized perceptions of a place. Through the lens of a keen observer, the quote prompts contemplation on the complexities of human experience and the often stark contrast between perception and reality in iconic locales.