Think I have Reverse Culture Shock
Sep 17th 2012, 5:14 am
#31
Banned
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 3,300
Re: Think I have Reverse Culture Shock
Well, I feel as a native Texan - and a liberal - I have to step in!
Austin is probably the fastest growing city in the US (unfortunately) and currently ranks at 12. San Antonio (which, like Austin, is a Democratic enclave) is the 7th largest city in the States. Texas - from San Antonio south to the Valley - has a majority Hispanic population and always has had.
Houston has an out lesbian as its mayor.
Anybody wearing a cowboy hat is a pseud. And Rick Perry doesn't actually have any power as Governor - it's largely a ceremonial post - luckily for him and Dubya. Molly Ivins, one of my favorite Texans, dubbed Dubya "Shrub" and Perry "Governor Good Hair".
Dallas-Fort Worth and East Texas have always been right-wing but no self-respecting Houstonian or Central Texan would allow people from Dallas to serve as representative Texans.
We're moving to Austin at the end of the year. On the street where we bought our house, there are families from the UK, Holland, Germany, Australia, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, South America, Canada, China and California, California, California, California...and African-American families.
Stereotypes may exist because there is always some truth in them, but they're still stereotypes - whether you come from Texas, Australia or Yorkshire!
Austin is probably the fastest growing city in the US (unfortunately) and currently ranks at 12. San Antonio (which, like Austin, is a Democratic enclave) is the 7th largest city in the States. Texas - from San Antonio south to the Valley - has a majority Hispanic population and always has had.
Houston has an out lesbian as its mayor.
Anybody wearing a cowboy hat is a pseud. And Rick Perry doesn't actually have any power as Governor - it's largely a ceremonial post - luckily for him and Dubya. Molly Ivins, one of my favorite Texans, dubbed Dubya "Shrub" and Perry "Governor Good Hair".
Dallas-Fort Worth and East Texas have always been right-wing but no self-respecting Houstonian or Central Texan would allow people from Dallas to serve as representative Texans.
We're moving to Austin at the end of the year. On the street where we bought our house, there are families from the UK, Holland, Germany, Australia, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, South America, Canada, China and California, California, California, California...and African-American families.
Stereotypes may exist because there is always some truth in them, but they're still stereotypes - whether you come from Texas, Australia or Yorkshire!
But then we have this
Last edited by Zen10; Sep 17th 2012 at 5:18 am.
Sep 17th 2012, 5:22 am
#32
Forum Regular
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 122
Re: Think I have Reverse Culture Shock
Of course you are quite right and we will agree to agree! But at least let me keep this image in my mind when I think of Texans for next few minutes, and then I will drop all prejudices for ever! I know this guy is from Colorado but this is what I see in my head when I hear Texas.
http://oilygulf.files.wordpress.com/...ar-2008-12.jpg
But then we have this
http://www.onenation.com.au/KatterBob.jpg
http://oilygulf.files.wordpress.com/...ar-2008-12.jpg
But then we have this
http://www.onenation.com.au/KatterBob.jpg
Sep 17th 2012, 1:54 pm
#34
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 4
Re: Think I have Reverse Culture Shock
Texas isnt as bad as some of you are saying either. I lived in Dallas and loved it and I was living with a very liberal family, and most of the people I met were very liberal also. Most people think of Dallas as being very very conservative but I didnt find this, I came across a few crazy right wingers but you get those everywhere but I guess its the people you choose to associate with.
Sep 17th 2012, 4:25 pm
#35
Forum Regular
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 217
Re: Think I have Reverse Culture Shock
Im doing better than when I first arrived but im still finding it very hard. Its strange because a lot of this feeling isnt something I can point to, I just feel out of place and cant exactly say why.
I grew up in New Mexico, the state next to Texas- and much like most neighboring states or countries there's a bit of a bullying or battle going on- sometimes all in good fun and sometimes not so much. So I grew up really not liking Texas- and sorry, but have always hated the accent (that's going to get me some negative replies, I'm sure- so I will tame it a little by saying I hate the New Mexican accent just as much- I really do)- but I am basing that on stereotypes and having grown up next door and learning the persona of how it's viewed. But I can honestly say that some of the nicest people I have met have been Texans.
We do what we need to for ourselves. While *I* wouldn't live in Texas (I would never again live in New Mexico for that matter) that's not to say others feel the same way. We are all different and wouldn't it be a shame if every single one of us were the same? My brother and sister live in New Mexico and heaven help me, I can't for the life of me figure out why- but that's them, not me.
Go with your gut- do what is in your own heart. I only advise you give it some time before making any decisions.
And as for the accent- I shed my New Mexican accent long ago, accents come and go and if you began losing your accent from living in Texas then surely it will come back to you from living back home again.
Sep 17th 2012, 5:00 pm
#36
Forum Regular
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 122
Re: Think I have Reverse Culture Shock
Im doing better than when I first arrived but im still finding it very hard. Its strange because a lot of this feeling isnt something I can point to, I just feel out of place and cant exactly say why. Also I am freezing after spending summer in Texas I am wrapped in 4 layers while the rest of my friends are in t shirts! The culture shock has hit me very hard but im slowly getting used to things, it also doesnt help that i lost a lot of my accent over the year - this is something i barely noticed at the time but to my friends and family at home i sound hilarious.
Texas isnt as bad as some of you are saying either. I lived in Dallas and loved it and I was living with a very liberal family, and most of the people I met were very liberal also. Most people think of Dallas as being very very conservative but I didnt find this, I came across a few crazy right wingers but you get those everywhere but I guess its the people you choose to associate with.
Texas isnt as bad as some of you are saying either. I lived in Dallas and loved it and I was living with a very liberal family, and most of the people I met were very liberal also. Most people think of Dallas as being very very conservative but I didnt find this, I came across a few crazy right wingers but you get those everywhere but I guess its the people you choose to associate with.
Were there many Brits in Dallas? We were surprised how many Brits we kept bumping into in Austin. The salesgirl who sold us furniture, a real estate agent, a couple of guys my husband met on the golf course. Apparently, Robert Plant lives in Austin. So maybe that will help if he bumps into him!
It's true when you have lived in different countries, it's a little like the author Thomas Wolfe said "you can never go home again". I know I miss American things here - and I KNOW I'm going to miss Swiss things when we move. I guess a little bit of your heart will never be in the same place you are.
Last edited by Ailidh; Sep 17th 2012 at 5:04 pm.
Sep 17th 2012, 6:56 pm
#37
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Joined: Feb 2011
Location: North Yorkshire
Posts: 983
Re: Think I have Reverse Culture Shock
Storm, feeling 'unsettled" can be quite unpleasant.I sympathise. I was in the US for five years, had absolutely no doubt I wanted to return to the UK, but I`m surprised at how long it`s taking to settle back into life here. Some of it is that in America we were living very near a major city, so, lots of restaurants and stuff going on. Here, things are quieter. You may also miss the outdoorsy aspect of life, just being able to sit outside and have a coffee in the sunshine.
There must be lots you miss. You can either try hard to settle back, or resolve to find ways to get back to the USA. Anyway, good luck, and follow your heart!
There must be lots you miss. You can either try hard to settle back, or resolve to find ways to get back to the USA. Anyway, good luck, and follow your heart!
Sep 17th 2012, 7:41 pm
#38
Banned
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,830
Re: Think I have Reverse Culture Shock
I've been to Austin - traveled there on business for years. The town itself is a liberal enclave within a massive state, all of which is completely different to Austin. But go even a mile or two outside town (where my hotel used to be) and you're in "good 'ole Texas." Liberal values forgotten, cowboy hats everywhere, vegetarians like me shot on sight (that last one was a joke but only just).
This is a state whose governor has called for secession on more than one occasion - let's not pretend it's just like New York or California just because one little town bears some resemblance.
This is a state whose governor has called for secession on more than one occasion - let's not pretend it's just like New York or California just because one little town bears some resemblance.
Sep 17th 2012, 8:11 pm
#39
Banned
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,830
Re: Think I have Reverse Culture Shock
I am sorry but until you actually permantly live somewhere I do not think you can claim to know the in's and out's of daily life there.
Texas is different by all means but it is not "another country" Lots of southern states are quirky and different.
It's my state and I like it
Texas is different by all means but it is not "another country" Lots of southern states are quirky and different.
It's my state and I like it
Sep 17th 2012, 8:36 pm
#40
Banned
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,830
Re: Think I have Reverse Culture Shock
Well, I feel as a native Texan - and a liberal - I have to step in!
Austin is probably the fastest growing city in the US (unfortunately) and currently ranks at 12. San Antonio (which, like Austin, is a Democratic enclave) is the 7th largest city in the States. Texas - from San Antonio south to the Valley - has a majority Hispanic population and always has had.
Houston has an out lesbian as its mayor.
Anybody wearing a cowboy hat is a pseud. And Rick Perry doesn't actually have any power as Governor - it's largely a ceremonial post - luckily for him and Dubya. Molly Ivins, one of my favorite Texans, dubbed Dubya "Shrub" and Perry "Governor Good Hair".
Dallas-Fort Worth and East Texas have always been right-wing but no self-respecting Houstonian or Central Texan would allow people from Dallas to serve as representative Texans.
We're moving to Austin at the end of the year. On the street where we bought our house, there are families from the UK, Holland, Germany, Australia, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, South America, Canada, China and California, California, California, California...and African-American families.
Stereotypes may exist because there is always some truth in them, but they're still stereotypes - whether you come from Texas, Australia or Yorkshire!
Austin is probably the fastest growing city in the US (unfortunately) and currently ranks at 12. San Antonio (which, like Austin, is a Democratic enclave) is the 7th largest city in the States. Texas - from San Antonio south to the Valley - has a majority Hispanic population and always has had.
Houston has an out lesbian as its mayor.
Anybody wearing a cowboy hat is a pseud. And Rick Perry doesn't actually have any power as Governor - it's largely a ceremonial post - luckily for him and Dubya. Molly Ivins, one of my favorite Texans, dubbed Dubya "Shrub" and Perry "Governor Good Hair".
Dallas-Fort Worth and East Texas have always been right-wing but no self-respecting Houstonian or Central Texan would allow people from Dallas to serve as representative Texans.
We're moving to Austin at the end of the year. On the street where we bought our house, there are families from the UK, Holland, Germany, Australia, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, South America, Canada, China and California, California, California, California...and African-American families.
Stereotypes may exist because there is always some truth in them, but they're still stereotypes - whether you come from Texas, Australia or Yorkshire!
Sep 17th 2012, 8:54 pm
#41
Forum Regular
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 122
Re: Think I have Reverse Culture Shock
Rick Perry did recently get rid of Family Planning the organization that helps women with mammograms and offers free screenings for cervical cancer and that agency gives out free advice on how to guard against unwanted pregancies. Offering access to abortion was only a small percentage of their services.Perry got rid of Family Planning because individual choice is not respected in texas.And his decision is very popular with most residents in texas.Politically he will not pay a price for this action.Being governor is a very influential position and it can impact real people. Some women may very well die due to lack of early screenings.Scary!
Politically Perry is dead. Democrats are trying to lure Cecile back to run for her wonderful Mom's old job - one of the reasons she was a speaker at the DNC.
Sep 17th 2012, 8:56 pm
#42
Finally Home!
Joined: Mar 2010
Location: Used to be New York, now North Yorkshire
Posts: 3,610
Re: Think I have Reverse Culture Shock
I'll believe Texas is a liberal state the day they vote for a Democrat for President. I'm not holding my breath.
Sep 17th 2012, 10:54 pm
#43
The worse half of Weeze
Joined: Mar 2012
Location: Back in TX
Posts: 3,231
Re: Think I have Reverse Culture Shock
Amen. Honestly, I find it frightening to see the position of governor being written off as just a ceremonial position. Nothing could be further from the truth.
I'll believe Texas is a liberal state the day they vote for a Democrat for President. I'm not holding my breath.
I'll believe Texas is a liberal state the day they vote for a Democrat for President. I'm not holding my breath.
Houston, 4th largest city in USA, democrat lesbian mayor in a deep red state.
California had Arnie.
Massachusetts gave us Mitt.
I'm an atheist socialist living in Texas. No one has tried to convert me.
Not liking a place is fine, but blocking your ears to everything that doesn't confirm a stereotype is like shouting lalalalala during an argument. If you've visited/lived and didn't like it, great. It's a shame you couldn't have a better time. If you've never been here then don't prejudge.
Sep 17th 2012, 11:22 pm
#44
Account Closed
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 0
Re: Think I have Reverse Culture Shock
I'll believe in lazy stereotyping the day that... oh, wait.
Houston, 4th largest city in USA, democrat lesbian mayor in a deep red state.
California had Arnie.
Massachusetts gave us Mitt.
I'm an atheist socialist living in Texas. No one has tried to convert me.
Not liking a place is fine, but blocking your ears to everything that doesn't confirm a stereotype is like shouting lalalalala during an argument. If you've visited/lived and didn't like it, great. It's a shame you couldn't have a better time. If you've never been here then don't prejudge.
Houston, 4th largest city in USA, democrat lesbian mayor in a deep red state.
California had Arnie.
Massachusetts gave us Mitt.
I'm an atheist socialist living in Texas. No one has tried to convert me.
Not liking a place is fine, but blocking your ears to everything that doesn't confirm a stereotype is like shouting lalalalala during an argument. If you've visited/lived and didn't like it, great. It's a shame you couldn't have a better time. If you've never been here then don't prejudge.
Sep 18th 2012, 5:02 am
#45
Banned
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,830
Re: Think I have Reverse Culture Shock
Are you talking about Planned Parenthood? Do you know who is the Head of Planned Parenthood? Cecile Richards - a Texan.
Politically Perry is dead. Democrats are trying to lure Cecile back to run for her wonderful Mom's old job - one of the reasons she was a speaker at the DNC.
Politically Perry is dead. Democrats are trying to lure Cecile back to run for her wonderful Mom's old job - one of the reasons she was a speaker at the DNC.
Maybe state senate seats are still a possibility for a moderate canidate but it has been many a moon since a democrate has been sent to Washington DC to the senate,and very very few to congress.Not the worse place in the world and there certainly are quite a few good qualities about every place on this planet. Not trying offend.And yes, Planned Parenthood is the name of that extremely important agency that has helped millions of women across America for decades for free of charge healthcare needs.