But tonight I would like to take the opportunity to vent about some of my "culture shocks."
These "culture shocks" I am experiencing have absolutely nothing to do with the fact that I am in Germany. Honestly the only thing I am having issues about is not having Target. I need a one stop shop for everything. It's not ruining my life but I miss it.
My "culture shocks" have everything to do with people's perceptions of Texas.
Okay I get a good amount of crap from my friends at school about being from Texas but I realize they are joking, most of the time. I don't know if it is the type of people that are in the program or being in a different country, but I find myself defending Texas and explaining it way too much. Colleen, who is from Dallas, and I have been sitting through people's strong negative feelings (often ridiculous) about Texas and I'm pretty sure over 99% of them have never been there.
Here are some incidents that have really bothered me:
1) Randomly one of our friends had one of those pickles in a bag. I feel like they are all over the place, this particular brand was made in Wisconsin so I feel like my Minnesotan readers will know what I am talking about too. Anyway, Colleen stated that they sell these at gas stations across Texas, true fact. One of our lovely FPA(Future Politicans of America) mates commented "And that's why I'll never go to Texas." Really???
It wasn't said as a joke, it was in a completely serious manner. I understand it might be ridiculous that I am bothered by this. However, I just don't understand some of the people here who are so caught up in stereotypes about states in the US, but are willing to travel across the world to discover a new culture. I feel like if you are gonna travel to Germany to see a different lifestyle and culture, you should also be able to see that within your own country as well.
2)Colleen and I were at a bar in Berlin. The bartender asked us where we are from. We responded Texas. We proceeded to get yelled at about how horrible Bush and Bush Sr. are. GREEEEAAAT. Not like I haven't heard that one before.....
3) Tonight we had a "BBQ" at the IES center. I say "BBQ" because it was not Texas BBQ (are you seeing a theme in my post?). Anyway, a professor was sitting with us and asked us where we were from. Colleen and I both said Texas and he responded saying he was surprised we weren't ashamed to say where we were from. For the love of God, Texas is not bad!!!!!!! I don't even understand it. Okay so our Governor said something about seceding. But lets be real, he was a cheerleader, I'm sorry a "Yell-leader"(okay A&M).
4) I'm from AUSTIN, TEXAS. Nuff said. (Okay all stereotypes aren't wrong...)
5) This is more of just a story, but today in my first Regions of the EU class we first had to divide the US into regions. My group had several heated disagreements about where Texas is considered. South, Southwest, or its own region. South-No that's Georgia and the Southern Belles. Its own region-We aren't that arrogant, but as Colleen pointed out we are on our own power grid. So maybe. My explanation to all the haters: Texas is in the Southwest because the University of Texas Band is "The Showband of the SOUTHWEST!!!" This whole exercise in general was a heated argument as people tried to prove each other wrong. Too many FPA in one room is not good for my sanity. I need Math geeks because although they are often arrogant they aren't continually trying to prove each other wrong. It is mostly writing nerdy math tricks on the board, I can handle that and often times enjoy that.
6) Everyday. Yes that is my last example. There is just this general attitude towards Texas and Texans. I have never experienced it in Chicago and I don't understand why I am experiencing it now, mostly with fellow American students.
I never really knew why Texans had such a tie or loyalty to Texas. Since going to school in Chicago I have felt it, but never knew why exactly that was. Colleen explained it perfectly-because Texas always gets the negative stereotypes and reactions we have more of the need to defend. It's so true. Every time someone puts down Texas or says something absolutely ridiculous I love Texas even more and need to defend it.
Colleen and me with our "Horns Up" at Lone Star Taqueria in Berlin. It was very exciting. (Maybe this is why people judge Texans....?)Anyway, I realize this might not be interesting to most because it has nothing to do with my trips or classes, but I had to share my experiences and frustrations.
Alright that is all the venting I have for today. I am sure tomorrow will hold more Texas stereotypes.
Love
Cassidy "That's right I'm from Texas" Kist
PS. I really enjoy Lyle Lovett's song, but I'm beginning to rethink if "Texas wants you anyway."
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