The Lone Star Identity
September 22nd, 2005
Yes, I’m from Texas. Born and raised. Most of my family still lives there. And, of course, I’m one of those proud Texans. After all, it’s truly a unique culture unto itself.
But that didn’t happen overnight. The Texas brand is one that’s been developed over decades and a brand that the people truly own.
I still know our state song, bird, flower and tree. I still remember all the six flags that have flown over Texas. I even remember the legendary tales of Pecos Bill. How? Well, when I was in school there, we took Texas history in elementary, middle and high school. (So, you could say that we’re brainwashed, I guess.) But it stuck. Because I was learning that I was a part of something bigger than myself. I was engaged and inspired. Combine that with my grandparents, parents, friends and other family members reinforcing that thinking, and well, there you have it.
There’s that Texas pride because the people of Texas own the brand and are happy to share it with others. There’s the rallying cries of “Remember the Alamo” and “Don’t Mess with Texas.” When you cross over the state line into Texas you’re greeted with a sign that reads “Howdy. Welcome to Texas. Remember to drive friendly, the Texas way.”
And when I meet another Texan, there’s an automatic connection. If I learn that they grew up there and worked on a ranch (like I did), then I have a pretty good idea of their values and work ethics.
Many people I spoke with were moved by the amount of hurricane victims that Texas took in and their continuing generosity. But I wouldn’t expect anything less. We are taught to not only take care of our own, but to take care of our neighbors.
Granted, people either love the state or hate it. I learned that first hand when I lived in Vail, Colorado. But isn’t that the passion that a great brand identity should invoke?
It’s a place that has its fair share of problems. And not everyone in the state is friendly and generous. And, yes, other states are proud, too. I now live in South Carolina – another friendly and proud state. But it’s part of the South, while Texas is (dare I say it?) like a whole other country. And I will always be an ambassador of the Texas brand.
Let me leave you with the words of my late grandfather, John Saringer:
“Never ask a man where he’s from.
If he’s from Texas, he’ll tell ya.
If he’s not – don’t embarrass him.”
Other posts by Spike.
Matt Galloway says:
Here in Oklahoma, many have an, um, alternative view of Texas. I have a good freind who is fond of saying that “The only thing good to ever come out of Texas is I-35.” I personally don’t share his view. I think I might email him a link and encourage him to amend his list to include one Spike Jones… but don’t hold you breath.
But seriously, as I read your post, I thought about the “Lone Star Identity” and you’re right (of course) Texas has an awesome brand identity. I can’t think of another state that is similar in this capacity. Other regions tend to identify more strongly with cities - NYC, Boston, San Francisco, LA, Seattle, Chicago, etc. Texas is different - we think and talk about the whole state. Of course, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, S. Padre Island, etc. all have their own identities, but they don’t overshadow Texas like cities do in other states.
Yulp, I like Texas, particularly Austin although I’m not fond of the Bell Country Jail in Belton - but that’s another story altogether.
My thoughts are with the folks in Texas as Rita approaches. I hope all of your friends and family weather the storm without major incident.
Despite what my friend might say, Oklahoma couldn’t ask for a better neighbor.
Oh, for those not in the know, “Don’t Mess With Texas” is the state’s anti-littering campaign. I love that. I used to have the t-shirt.
-Matt
February 20th, 2006 at 2:57 pmSpike Jones says:
Thanks for the comment, Matt. Your friend proves my point - that good brand identites evoke strong passion (love or hate). And a t-shirt that I saw a while back made me laugh, and I’d like to have one, but I can’t find it on the web yet. What did it say? Oklahoma: Don’t mess with us, either.
February 20th, 2006 at 2:57 pmBenjamin Bruce says:
You are exactly right, there’s just something about Texas that makes it the best state in the Union. I’ve lived in Texas all my life, and I would never want to live anywhere else.
One thing a lot of Texans seem to have forgotten is that not only do we have a flag, a song, and a pledge, we also have an independence day–March 2nd (see http://www.celebratetexas.org/ ). Of course I don’t know how many people know the state song these days, and I wish they would play it along with the “Star Spangled Banner”.
Nice post; I enjoyed it. I don’t know how you can bear to live in South Carolina though, like I say, “it’s a nice place to visit, but I wouldn’t want to live anyplace else but Texas.”
November 1st, 2006 at 1:53 pm