outline of the state of Arizona

The faces of Arizona

The unique aspects of certain directories and the diluting effect of chain stores

While books and pictures can better characterize a state such as Arizona, directories help portray its business community by demonstrating the uniqueness of its neighborhood. After all, local directories consist largely of unique business names seen nowhere else and these businesses often have unique street addresses of local historical significance. Only their listed phone numbers conform to a national system.

Also, within directories, a state’s uniqueness is often reflected by its most interesting businesses… those which might characterize it best. For example, a directory of gun dealers within Arizona would seem more interesting (and reflective) than a directory of plumbers. Likewise, RV parks would seem more interesting than (say) auto dealerships… car lots having a mundane aspect to their predictable existence. Yet, car enthusiasts wouldn't see any mundane aspect... nor those in need of a plumber. Nonetheless, due to a particular (curious) aspect of the subconscious mind, gun dealers and RV parks are more interesting because they are a reflection of freedom. Other businesses are also interestingly reflective but in different ways for different reasons... their commonality being they all have a stronger-than-usual appeal. They don't need be unique business-types necessarily either... just interestingly reflective.

Of course, such a limited information bank wouldn't serve everyone's interests when just trying to characterize a state. At any rate, directories are seldom looked upon as having characterizing properties. It's the next level (of appreciation).

While selective directories can delineate the unique aspects of a city or state, sabotaging this uniqueness are the effects of chain stores and nationally franchised fast-food joints which have rendered many American cities practically indistinguishable. For example, prior to the 1960s the Arizona towns of Casa Grande, Willcox and Yuma had distinct personalities due largely to their locally-owned businesses. It was once an adventure to experience their great differences... but since diluted to smaller differences.

Yet, one can still find joy in experiencing these diluted differences. After all, sunsets occur everyplace and every evening but are still often spectacularly unique. Likewise, apple pies are always a treat... however commonplace.

A.O. Kime

See our directory of Arizona bookstores
See our directory of western colleges (all 11 western states)
See our directory of Arizona agribusiness (a multitude of categories)
See our directory of Arizona casinos
See our directory of Arizona gun dealers
See our directory of Arizona outfitters (hunting, fishing and backwoods guides)
See our directory of Arizona RV parks
See our directory of Arizona nurseries (plants, seed, etc.)
See our directory of Arizona book publishers
See our directory of Arizona western wear stores

Of historical interest: Arizona, being the 48th state to enter the Union in 1912, and while this makes Arizona seemingly a very young state, but, as a state, it is instead perhaps more than 800 years old … being the abandoned territory (in part) of the Aztec empire formerly known as Aztlán (as per the Aztec legend)... see A.O. Kime's article The Aztecs and Montezuma Castle

Go back to (or see more) articles on metaphysical wonders (phenomena) and inkwell philosophy

Last modified: 06/22/10