Texas has a Cult Following
October 27, 2023
“Everything is bigger in Texas!” This well-known phrase is often associated with American southern culture. From cowboy hats, boots, country music, and line dancing, Texas and its quintessential elements have gained a cult following in the United States. Chains such as Buc-ee’s, Whataburger, and H.E.B are well known across the nation. Even current social media and fashion trends such as “Coastal Cowgirl” seem to be rooted in Texas heritage. But why is there so much pride in Texas? What makes it stand out against other states?
According to the History Channel, the Lone Star State was officially declared in 1845. The state is massive with 268,597 square miles of land and over 25 million residents. An article from KXAN, an Austin Texas NBC affiliate, explains that Texas pride may stem from the state’s time as its own republic in the 1830s and 1840s. There is a sense of community and pride associated with Texas and its rich history. The website also included several items Texans themselves love and cherish. Some of these include personal freedom, the Houston Space Center, the Alamo, massive ranches, and state fairs.
Not only is Texas culture widespread throughout the nation, but hundreds of thousands of Americans are flooding the state. Texas is becoming increasingly popular to move to. From 2020 to 2021 about 596,000 Americans moved to Texas from other states. According to Texas View, people are moving to the state due to the low cost of living, low taxes, the down-to-earth nature of Texans, and the diversity of cultures and lifestyles.
Liberty student and Texas native Laurelie Nemeth had this to say when asked what she loved about living in the Lone Star State, “I love that question! It’s really difficult because each part of Texas can be vastly different. I am from a small town south of Houston and Houston is considered a melting pot of different cultures and people. I was able to experience so many cultures in my childhood, but living in a small southern town was one of the best parts because almost everyone went to church and knew the Lord. Obviously, not everyone had accepted Christ as their Savior, but for the most part, it was a very biblically based area, and I love how that can be easier to find in Texas! Our churches were involved with our community and our schools, so although I was raised in a non-Christian home, it was still possible for me to find and know Jesus! I also love how speed limits are just suggestions and summers just get hotter every year!”
When asked the same question, student Luke Tomlin responded, “I love that there’s a mutual pride that exists between Texans. Texas was its own country for a bit after it gained independence from Mexico and the most culturally significant places still have a little bit of “Tex-Mex” style to them. So, the history is super fascinating already! There really is an unspoken understanding between all Texans that we live in the best state and we’re all proud to be there.”
If you’re part of the Texas cult head on over to Everything Is Bingo in Texas on October 28. The event will start at 8:00 p.m. in the LaHaye Event Space.
https://www.kxan.com/news/texas/its-a-texas-thing-why-do-texans-love-texas-so-much/
https://www.history.com/topics/us-states/texas
https://texasview.org/why-texas-so-popular
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Written by Mary Richey
Mary is a sophomore studying Hospitality Management. She enjoys spending time outdoors, going to coffee shops, and is always up for a road trip. Creative writing has always been one of her favorite hobbies!