Gotta Problem? Ask a Texan!
Dr. Ogden has been writing advice columns for 6050 for nearly 2 days now
email me: The Texan
Dear Texan,
Why do people from Texas think that they are "bad ass" simply because
they are from Texas? I have noted the same trend from individuals from
South Carolina as well...they aren't even original with their state's
name. Maybe if you could explain this trend to me, I would be more
tolerant towards these persons.
Sincerely,
Marylander and not all that proud of it
Dear Marylander,
The state pride of Texas is, understandably, a social enigma to outsiders. This is due to the fact that Texans rarely exude much pride until they get out of Texas. The shock of seeing how sad and unenthusiastic most other states are causes them to cling to their memories and each other to draw strength and understanding.
Texans are proud because Texas provides one with everything one could need. Take a quick glance at Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs (as it refers to Texas):
Physiological Needs: Texas has the most beautiful rivers, the freshest country air, and the BBQ…hhhmmmm…Bars. There are mountains, deserts, forests, plains, and beaches all in this one state. Texas not only sustains life, but envelopes the senses!
Safety Needs: OK, use your imagination. Not only are all Texans required to learn how too shoot, but every house or ranch in Texas has at least one shotgun and one chivalrous man charged to protect it.
Needs of Love, Affection and Belongingness: Texans realize the Grace of God, for making them Texans. This provides everyone with at least one thing in common, and gets the ball rolling. Anyone who’s ever been to a Texas vs. Texas A&M football game, Oklahoma vs. Texas game, or a Robert Earl Keen show in Austin, knows the full strength of state pride. Texans are natural leaders because they are all about their friends and statesmen. (Our President and Brigade Commander are both Texans.)
Needs for Esteem: Texans have respect. This is one of their most distinguishing characteristics as respect for others brings with it self-respect and self-esteem. By being the only state to exist as a separate country before annexation, and to win that independence through a war with a much larger country, Texans know on a local level what it means to trust, sacrifice, and control one’s own destiny. Alamo, Goliad, San Jacinto. These names mean as much to Texas children as Lexington, Bunker Hill, and Yorktown mean to the rest of America.
Needs for Self-Actualization: Texans enjoy a rich plethora of cultures, art forms, and professions. The women are also very hot. The temperate climate, rich resources, and social graces have brought some of the best people in the world to Texas. Whether you ant to ride bulls, sell bulls, paint bulls, or cook bulls there is a place for you in Texas. And you can be sure that if the bull hits the fan, you’ll have Texans there to help you clean it off your walls.
BE TRUE TO YOUR STATE!!