Texas-sized waffles, beavers, and everything in between.
Texas is known for many things; Southern hospitality, great Cattle selection, a rich variety of natural landscapes, famous Universities, rodeos, and something even bigger than Texas itself: Texan pride.
A pride rooted in the resilience of people, that have gone through a historical journey of culture and heritage. Given that Texas once used to be its own independent state, it is no surprise that this sentiment of self-identity and ownership still waves along with the Lonestar flag. But why is this phenomenon still strong after more than 100 years have passed? Well, the truth is, that Texans have a deep love and respect for their land, for their people, and their unique background. What’s even greater, is the success they’ve had with sharing this perspective with the rest of the country, and the world. After all, it only takes a visit to the most iconic gas station-stall of bathrooms in history to understand the Texas branding. Because that’s what this is, a very strong and successful State branding.
Was it intentionally aimed to become this? Probably not, that’s what makes it so authentic, that Texans genuinely want their flag stamped on an apron, or decorating their chinaware. I haven’t been to many US States, but I can assure, you that Texas is the only place where you can find the State imagery in practically any object; I’m talking Texas-shaped-Texas-sized everything anywhere you look; ranging from waffles, tortilla chips, BBQ grills, jewelry, glass shots, guitars, and even a whole swimming pool (the Altitude Rooftop & Pool hotel in Downtown Houston). As someone who was not born and raised in Texas, I admire the love people have for their land, because not only do they express it, but they implement it for their homeland’s wellbeing. A great example of this is the iconic “Don’t Mess With Texas” slogan. To someone hearing it for the first time, these words could come off as a creative way of imprinting the full tough Texan southern spirit, when in reality, it was born out of an anti-littering campaign. It all started back in 1985, with the Texas Department of Transportation. But it wasn’t until 1989, that it became successful, thanks to Willie Nelson and his guitar starring in the middle of the Highway, saying “Mamas, tell your babies Don’t Mess with Texas”. And years later, with the series of short clips of kids throwing trash at their moms, to then say “If your mother were Texas, would you still litter?” And to this day, it does seem like Texans respect their State like a motherland that saw them grow, or welcomed them in. A respect that is very reciprocal amongst Southerners. And the best example for this statement? Our one and only HEB. (I could preach about how glorious HEB is all day). What I will say, is that this company has an immense humanitarian sense of community.
I wish everyone would learn to love and respect themselves and their surroundings like the Lonestar State has taught Texans, because if we did, maybe we could step into multiple beaver gas stations, and leave with an Idaho-shaped cutting board, who knows? Maybe we’ll leave the state branding to Texas, but share that 1-starred pride with the rest of the Nation. Because we know everything is bigger in Texas, especially the place it holds in people’s hearts.
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Fatima Salazar