Berkeley vs. Houston

When I moved out to California I was coming from Atlanta, which at the time seemed like a wonderful change in political perspective. 

After living in California for a few years I realized that I really liked Oakland when compared to Berkeley.  Many have given me my share of a hard time for why I dislike Berkeley.  Only recently did it hit me.  I don't like Berkeley for the same reason I don't like Houston.  As I write this I can sense the shock most Berkelites would feel at being compared to a town like Houston.  In Houston there was only one way...the conservative way.  Similarly in Berkeley there is only one way...the ultra liberal way.  Whether I agree with the conservative or ultra liberal way is irrelevant.  What is relevant though is the reaction one gets in either city when they express an opinion, ask a question, or even feign interest in something that goes against the norm.  In both situations I definitely feel an air of intolerance and condescension towards anything that is not what is 'typical'.  That is precisely why I have trouble with Berkeley and why I compare it to Houston.  At least when I lived in Atlanta I knew who I disagreed with and I wasn't made to feel bad for holding the opinions, beliefs, morals, etc. that I did. 

Funny now I'm in California pining for Atlanta.