Definition: Transplant

“Transplant” is used to loosely define any person who is not a Los Angeles native and has only recently moved here.

After 10 years or so of living in Los Angeles, one may become eligible to repudiate one’s transplant status. It all depends on said person’s goals and level of accomplishment.

If you’re reading this to pick up tips on how to get by in this city, there’s a good chance you’re a transplant. You’re probably a nice person too, so I hope you’re not (too) offended.

Being that Los Angeles is the world’s entertainment hub, it’s no surprise that people flock here to make it big in the industry. As a result, most of the people populating the city aren’t actually from here – thus, “transplants.” Although the majority of transplants are here for the entertainment industry, people move here for other reasons: the amazing weather, the amazing geography, um…

Yeah, pretty much just the weather and the geography (beach/snow/desert/mountains all nearby) are the only other reasons you’d supplant yourself to move here.

The word “transplant” by definition itself does not have a negative connotation. However, its frequent overlap with the actor wannabe type results in the term often being accompanied by a disparaging tone. Maybe a Venn diagram will help illustrate:

Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against the industry (besides its uncanny ability to rob individuals of their souls). It’s just that- out of the millions trying to make it, how many will actually succeed? If you have a genuine passion for acting, accompanied by good work ethic, a well researched plan of action and a solid Plan B, then I have the utmost respect for you. But it’s the types that move out here on a whim (because it would be totally awesome to be the next Brad Pitt, or because acting seems like such an easy way of life, or just because the transplant in question is an attention whore whose narcissism needs feeding) that makes me and all other Angelenos shake our heads.