Deep in the Heart of Texas
Todays guest post is brought to you by
AshleyD from Turquoise Ribbons.
This is all part of the 20 Something Bloggers "Blog Swap 3".
Don't forget to go check out my post over on her site.
Hi, this is Ashley from Turquoise Ribbons. Obviously I was paired with Lfar for the big blog swap. Hooray! I hope you guys are as excited about this as I am. Lfar and I spent hours (ok, not really... more like minutes) trying to figure out what to write about. As we were trying to decide on a topic I thought, "Hey! I'm from Texas and Lfar is working in San Antonio right now… we have something in common!" So we decided that's what we would post about. Texas from a Texan's Perspective- for me, and Texas from a Canadian's Perspective- for her. Great idea, right?
So, being from Texas you hear lots of stereotypes. Especially if you move to France for a year and then settle down in New York City for graduate school like I did.
I think I've heard every question in the book. For example,
"Did you ride a horse to school every day?" No.
"Why aren't you wearing cowboy boots? Where's your cowboy hat?" I'm not a cowboy, okay.
"Do you live on a ranch?" No.
"Are there cows in your backyard?" Ummm... maybe.
"You must love George Bush." Ummm... not quite.
"Do you eat road kill for dinner?" Are you serious??
And my answer to most of those questions? A big fat "No". Well, except for the cows… there are cows in my backyard. But that's because my house is next to a big piece of land and there are cows, deer, raccoons, armadillos, and other creatures running around. But to every other question, my answer is NO.
I only rode a horse once and that was while I was on vacation in Colorado. The only pair of cowboy boots I've ever owned were from Wal-Mart and I only bought them for a Western-style dance for my sorority. I've never worn a cowboy hat, but they are quite common among older men (my Dad was big fan!). And no, I don't particularly like George Bush- as the President. I'm sure he is a very nice man, just not the person I want running the country.
But despite all the negative Southern/hill-billy stereotyping, to me, Texas is home. It's where I grew up. It's where my family and friends are. It's where I plan to return when I want to settle down and have a family. It's a place filled with wonderful people, gorgeous scenery, and great food (Mexican food? Yes, please!). I learned so much pride growing up among the bluebonnets and pecan trees. Just tell me another state that teaches "Texas History" as a class for an entire school year! Even though there are many stereotypes and misunderstanding about my home state, I love it. And I wouldn't change it for the world.
(This post is part of 20sb blog swap!)
12 comments:
I am a Texan too--I tried to leave, but I haven't been able to yet. While traveling abroad to other states (because Texas is practically its own country, right? RIGHT? Actually, I am kidding--this is while traveling to real other countries) I heard some of those same stereotypes. They always crack me up. I especially love the shock that comes when people find out that I am actually not W's biggest fan.
I wasn't born here, but Texas is home! I lived in a lot of other places, but I came back and settled down here because it's awesome. I don't mind that other people don't understand Texas, it'll be our little (amazing) secret.
I'm pretty sure that more backroads people from Alabama and Mississippi eat road kill than Texans combined.
But I'll admit, I do have a set "view" of Texas that I haven't quite been able to shake.. hopefully that'll go away if/when I visit.
Hahaha,
when ppl hear I'm from South Africa they always want to know if I live in a hut and ride an elephant to school.
I'm like 'hell no. I live in a brick house, drive a car and have a laptop and cell phone. just.like.you.'
people just dont seem to understand that we're all just people. all the same. just living in different places.
I'm going to be in Texas with work next year - and I'm excited. And I kind of want a cowboy hat. Like the one I had when I was little that was pink... and matched my pink cowboy boots. Hey we were in Arizona!!
I love your Texas pride! I have similiar feelings about Oklahoma.
Ugh I wanna go to Texas. The guy I used to teach with just moved down there for another teaching gig and he loves it.
Plus I really wanna go to SxSW.
What is WITH the whole "did you ride a horse to school every day?" question anyway? Did anyone EVER ride a horse to school every day? Especially as a child of the 1980's, you'd think I would have gotten more "Dallas" questions. Sigh...
One of my old crushes is from Texas adn he always used to say things stuff abotu how Texas is the BEST when it comes to just about everything..I think I'll have to check his theory out one day...
Another one that I get a lot is having to explain that I have grass in my backyard, not cacti, and "there aren't as many tumbleweeds as you might think!"
HA! So true! Ok, I grew up in Tennessee and my extended fam lives in Alabama, so now that I'm in Minnesota, my friends always ask me things about marrying my cousins and eating roadkill and not having electricity. See? Even Deutlich says so! Although... she might be on to something with the "backroads people" part. I was a city girl, and they're mostly city folk too.
PS - what part of Texas? Turns out... I might be visiting the Houston parts in the next few months... let me know of anything you think I should check out!
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