• Uncaged_Jay@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    8
    arrow-down
    21
    ·
    1 year ago

    I know that this will get buried in down votes, but I lived up and down the East Coast for the entirety of my childhood. I moved to Texas during my time in the military and fell in love. I’m wrapping up my degree now and honestly I don’t want to leave. Your judgemental view of a few Texans does not represent all or even the majority of them.

    • Olhonestjim@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      16
      arrow-down
      1
      ·
      edit-2
      1 year ago

      Look, I never said there was nothing to like about TX, or that everyone is awful. I don’t get jobs in Austin, or any of the major cities really. Guadalupe Mountains National Park is lovely and Big Bend is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen.

      But you know what I don’t like? Knowing full well that the instant I go mask off, and the small town locals realize I’m a gender-nonconforming, socialist, atheist, antifascist, who thinks Trump should be buried in the NYC sewer, it’s just possible all that fake friendliness might disappear, and I could soon need to defend myself against multiple assailants. Fortunately I blend well, but I was nearly assaulted down there just for wearing a mask during the height of COVID. Do you think I called the cops? I’m not much of a fighter. I’m a cuddly bear. People don’t usually mess with me. Maybe in cities people are cool. Maybe. I do not feel safe just being myself in most places, but especially not TX. Sure, there are lots of belligerent assholes in small towns across the country. I’ve been all over, but Texans go hard about it.

      You see, they aren’t just the meanest gullible suckers in your state who might try to beat my ass or kill me; those are a dime a dozen. They are the people in your state with actual wealth and power. They are the cops. They are the judges. If I lose the fight I might die. What hell would unleash if I won? You think TX is a free state? Only if you consider punching down one of your basic freedoms. I can’t imagine what it’d be like if I wasn’t a white dude. If they wanna fight, they should fight as equals. Otherwise is just… Well, it sure ain’t tough.

      • Uncaged_Jay@lemmy.world
        link
        fedilink
        arrow-up
        1
        arrow-down
        5
        ·
        1 year ago

        After living on the East Coast, I can tell you the people in Texas are far friendlier. Beyond that, the skies go on forever and they’re absolutely beautiful. I love the hiking and outdoors, I love the use of public land (Sam Houston National Forest, and several state parks). I really like diversity of culture, the Six Flags that flew over Texas each has left their mark on the state, as well as the immigrants that have moved here afterwards. The Mexican, German, and currently Asian immigrants to the state have each brought their own food and cultures as well. I love the arts scene in Austin and the way the performing arts are done at the high school level in the states. The major state marching band competitions are tremendous and I love how much everyone loves it. The only thing I dislike about Texas most of the time is the heat.

        • mriormro@lemmy.world
          link
          fedilink
          arrow-up
          12
          arrow-down
          2
          ·
          edit-2
          1 year ago

          The Mexican, German, and currently Asian immigrants to the state have each brought their own food and cultures as well.

          Lol, Mexicans didn’t necessarily bring their culture to Texas…