"East is East, and West is San Francisco, according to Californians. Californians are a race of people; they are not merely inhabitants of a State"

This quote by O. Henry is an amusing method of explaining the distinctions in between the East and West coasts of the United States. The East Coast is generally seen as more conservative and conventional, while the West Coast is seen as more progressive and modern-day. The quote indicates that Californians, who are from the West Coast, have a various viewpoint on the world than those from the East Coast. They are a distinct group of people who have their own culture and values. This quote is a tip that while the two coasts may have various views, they are both part of the very same nation and ought to be respected. It also serves as a reminder that Californians are more than simply occupants of a state; they are an individuals with their own unique culture and values.