Identity and belonging
I was born and raised in Texas. Those of you who were not so graced may not understand the importance of such a statement. The problem is that I'm quickly approaching the date when I will have lived longer outside the state than I did in it. In a topic earlier today I wrote, "in my state," refering to Washington, and it caused a mental twitch when I typed the words. It was simply easier to write "my state" than to explain that I feel no sense of belonging here. I've been out of the military and a citizen of Washington for five years, and yet I still struggle to identify myself with this state. Sure, I've resided here since 1993. I don't tan anymore; I rust. I've grown a moss line on my ankles. I understand why sun is more hazardous to driving than rain or snow. My wife and children have lived here their entire lives, but I still don't feel right calling myself a Washingtonian.
We all identify ourselves with things external: our faiths, our political leanings, our sports teams, and even our states. Texans take the last one very, very seriously. I've been a typical Texan in that regard for probably longer than is reasonable. However, I feel like an enormous part of my identity is stripped away if I acknowledge that I am no longer a Texan. I realistically haven't been one for years. So here I sit watching my identity crumble as I take ownership of the stupidity of my dark blue state and fight to let go of the pride of a place I simply had the great blessing of being born and raised in.
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Re: Identity and belonging
I haven't lived in Louisiana in decades,..but in my heart, I'm still a Louisiana boy. I hold steadfastly to that pride of home, where the saying is, "American by birth, Cajun by the grace of God." It's part of me, and it goes where I go. I liken my present situation to being somewhat of a goodwill ambassador.
By the way, I go through Texas from time to time. Anything I can pick up and bring to you next time I'm in Washington? Always happy to help.
Dec '10
Re: Identity and belonging
Dave Carter: I haven't lived in Louisiana in decades,..but in my heart, I'm still a Louisiana boy. I hold steadfastly to that pride of home, where the saying is, "American by birth, Cajun by the grace of God." It's part of me, and it goes where I go. I liken my present situation to being somewhat of a goodwill ambassador.
By the way, I go through Texas from time to time. Anything I can pick up and bring to you next time I'm in Washington? Always happy to help. · Nov 14 at 7:57pm
I doubt if you can fit an entire rational political system in your trailer along with the paying load, but I do appreciate the offer. I'm lucky enough to have a sister-in-law that keeps me stocked in Morton's Chili Blend. I don't know how I would survive the weather here without her.
Jul '10
Re: Identity and belonging
This is a depressing post. I suggest sticking Yer head in the oven at 475 degrees from May 29 until September 27 to keep Yer mind Right and Identity intact.
Also, I'd be happy to throw anything for You on "The Beast" if/when Dave swings through Town.
Dec '10
Re: Identity and belonging
You've obviously spent a summer to two away from the coast. I'm not sure which is worse: 115 in West Texas or 100 with 98% humidity in South Texas. At least the rain in Wa hits the ground, unlike San Antonio.
Oct '10
Re: Identity and belonging
A mans home is where he hangs his hat. His virtues and convictions will never leave a sound soul regardless of place of birth.
Have been considered an Honorary Texan by some, just a people thing.
Knowing ones roots is one thing, flexability is another test altogether.
May '10
Re: Identity and belonging
KP, you remind me of friends of mine. He was raised in Alabama; she was Austrian. They'd traveled the world quite a bit, but it happened they were living near Dallas when she went into labor with their firstborn.
The first words that baby heard upon birth were from the OB/Gyn attending:
"Welcome to Texas!"
Oct '10
Re: Identity and belonging
The King Prawn
You've obviously spent a summer to two away from the coast. I'm not sure which is worse: 115 in West Texas or 100 with 98% humidity in South Texas. At least the rain in Wa hits the ground, unlike San Antonio. · Nov 14 at 8:17pm
Never much cared for Austin summers, can be unpleasant at best.
Tell you what, will be hunting in Texas and will trade bacon and ham for a few Gooey Ducks.
If anyone knows what they are.
Edited on Nov 14, 2011 at 8:40pmDec '10
Re: Identity and belonging
For those who have never seen giant mutant clams, here's The Geoduck Song, and the wiki page.
I suppose the fact that I knew immediately where to get that song speaks volumes of my transformation...
Edited on Nov 14, 2011 at 8:56pmOct '10
Re: Identity and belonging
Fun to scare and amuse folks with otherwise a tasty prize !
Jun '10
Re: Identity and belonging
Fun post.
Re: Identity and belonging
Imagine how I feel.
May '10
Re: Identity and belonging
I was born in Connecticutt, but only lived there a few months. I was raised until my teens in the Canal Zone, which no longer exists. My heritage is Hoosier on my Dad's side, and Ma is from Norway.
I belong to Texas, now.
Apr '11
Re: Identity and belonging
Washinton's politics aren't all bad. Scoop Jackson's legacy may be mostly gone, but Murray and Cantwell are still the top two dems for trade, Rossi wasn't far from winning in 2004, although I don't know enough about him to know how big a GOP victory that would have been. Polls say that you're likely to get a GOP governor next year, and Locke was one of the better Dem governors (subsequently probably Obama's best cabinet secretary). While I was working in China in '08, he was regularly discussed and admired, reflecting well on the US in general.
That said, there's no reason to give up your Texan pride. I don't know where I'll end up when my green card comes through (where I can get a job, really), but there's general agreement that Houston is probably the answer, having been very happy there in 2000. Part of the American deal with identity is that everyone has diversity in their makeup, in a way that really is not true for most of the world. Texas is probably as critical a component of you as most "Irish" Americans Irishness. More, even.
Jun '10
Re: Identity and belonging
I grew up in the military and served in the military. The one thing I knew, wherever I was at, I wouldn't be there for long. My parents were from Tennessee and I was born on the Tennessee side of Fort Campbell, Kentucky, so I've always considered Tennessee my place of origin even though I can hardly call it home.
Belonging is important. I'm Air Force to the bone. I identify with the college I graduated from (Go Peay!). I am all about my family. I see myself as a Native American. I was born here.
May '11
Re: Identity and belonging
I grew up from age 6 in E. Tennessee just a few miles from Dolly Parton, close to Davy Crockett's tavern, within sight of the Cumberland Gap. Graduated from UT. I left TN in my early 30's for Florida and have been here for 30 years. I am now preparing for a new adventure. I am moving to New Mexico, the state where I was born and live my first 2 years.
So, what am I? In my heart I am a Tennessean. My closest, dearest friends are still there. My mother and sister are still there. My fondest memories are from there. When I go to visit, my heart leaps at the sight of my beloved "hills". It has a warm comforting feel like arms to cradle you. I look forward to moving back there to retire in another decade or so. Besides, when I'm there, nobody has an accent.
Edited on Nov 15, 2011 at 5:32amJul '11
Re: Identity and belonging
At least you still have the SuperSonics...oh, never mind.
Seriously, I know how you feel. I moved away from my home state (a superior one when compared to Texas I would like to add!) of Arkansas after college. I miss the Razorbacks, friends and the colors of the leaves in autumn.
Dec '10
Re: Identity and belonging
KP, your post really hit home, so to speak. I was born and raised in Los Angeles, where I lived for 36 years before moving to New Hampshire 12 years ago. Talk about culture shock. The plan was always to move back to LA, but as the years have drawn on, there is less and less to go back to. I miss the weather -- cold in LA is when you have to put your shoes on to clean the pool -- but unlike you, I can't even pine for the political climate of my "home" state. NH is beautiful, but after over a decade here I still have the sense that I'm on an extended vacation. I'm a lonely frog, often reminded of these lines from Neil Diamond's I Am I Said:
Edited on Nov 15, 2011 at 5:39amMay '11
Re: Identity and belonging
The King Prawn
I was born and raised in Texas.
That explains a lot. I have often wondered where your Conservative streak came from. It sure wasn't from King County.
Nov '10
Re: Identity and belonging
I am a transplant to Texas, by way of California, by way of Arizona, by way of Michigan. I wrote to a friend a while back who was flying in from CA about what he could expect. I told him to take note, because he would probably start experiencing it on the flight in...
Nov '10
Re: Identity and belonging
I am currently writing a children's book that is in part, a tribute to my new state of residence. I have brought two Texans into this world, and its amazing how quickly pride in the Lone Star State creeps in. Obviously the book is a fantasy since its about surfing the waters of the Gulf Coast. But that's where the magic comes in in the title Cowgirl Surfer and the Magical Butterflies. Here is a sneak preview of the book in case you're interested.
Edited on Nov 15, 2011 at 5:46am