Established in 1868, Dickens shares similarities with many Californian towns, characterized initially by its agricultural roots. Unlike the town of Irvine, which is described in a derogatory manner as a place for less desirable qualities, Dickens embodies a more traditional community focused on farming and sustenance.

The quote from Paul Beatty's "The Sellout" contrasts the origin of Dickens with that of Irvine, suggesting a more unfavorable view of the latter. It highlights a belief that some places are shaped by their social and cultural environments, often critiquing the populations that inhabit them.