When Texans are asked where we are from, most of us are not likely to answer "the U.S."--we say Texas. For some, it is a matter of pride in their state. For me, it just makes sense--it seems pretty obvious that I am an American, and the next question is going to be "Which state?" anyway.
I am so glad to be from Texas, but our state's image overseas took a beating during the Bush years, and, having endured Rick Perry's arrogance during the past decade, I am afraid that his being on the national stage can only make things worse. So, I try to be prepared for just about any kind of reaction when I say where I am from. So far, it has not been too bad! A few comments so far:
"You are from Texas. (Smile.) Like Bush."
"Texas? What part? Ohh, Austin is cool!"
"Are you a fan of Perry's?....No?! Oh, thank God."
"My brother-in-law lives in Houston. It's too hot."
"I thought I heard a slight drawl."
My personal favorite:
"You are from Texas? Where are your guns?"
Love it! Well, where are your guns? Had you forgotten to put your holster on that day? :-)
ReplyDeleteToo funny! But really, where are you hiding those guns?
ReplyDeleteHaha, even as a non-Texan American I sometimes get the gun question. ;)
ReplyDeleteIt actually took a moment for it to register in my mind what he was talking about...usually when I hear people joking about guns, they are talking about arms/muscles!
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome, Jan! We Texans sure are proud of ourselves :)
ReplyDeleteI get the "but where's your accent" all the time, to which I reply, I'm from the city - there are 6 million people in Houston. There are 350,000 people here, haha.
ReplyDeleteBut oh, Bush. People tell me he straight up ruined the US in their eyes, which I find really sad they think that.
My favorite is what I am asked by folks living in DK--
ReplyDeleteOh my cousin knows someone from Texas. Have you met ______?
Seriously?! Then when I tell them Texas is the size of 1.5 Germanys, they realize there is no way I know the person their cousin knows! LOL
I think the guns is pretty funny. When my parents hosted a German foreign exchange student, he was surprised they didn't have horses since he thought everyone in Texas had horses.
ReplyDelete@Kelli--I love it! too funny!
ReplyDelete@Jennifer--Well, don't you have horses on your ranch? next to the oil rig? ;)
I lived in Austin for 6 years...people always say "Oh, that's not really 'Texas' "or something to that effect. I actually didn't spend much time in other parts of Texas but it is definitely different from the stereotype. I loved it there!
ReplyDeleteStopped by from the Storyteller blog hop; hope you're having a great friday!
@TriGirl--you are right...Austin is different, and it likes to be thought of that way! :-)
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