Sometimes, Texans embrace the stereotypes. They help us say that Texas is a unique place with its own way of thinking without having to tell THE WHOLE STORY.
In the book God Save Texas, Lawerence Wright explains:” At Buc-ee’s, an aspiring Ten can get fully outfitted not only with the clothing but also with the cultural and philosophical stances that embody the Texas stereotypes.”
In other words, Texas is a vibe.
THE QUESTION: What one word or short phrase best describes this vibe? How does it relate to a more complete story that you believe is essential to understanding the political culture of the state?
First, review your notes. Then, consider what you have learned about the balance of different ideologies in the state and what ideas about government have been consistently popular.
Now imagine that this imagined aspiring Texan has asked you this question. They are new here and have no idea what our political parties are about. You should avoid relying on generic terms like Republican, Democrat, Red or Blue. Imagine that this aspiring Texas would respond to any of those terms with the question, “What does that mean?”
You need to use the terms of ideology and your understanding of the state’s people and past to explain what values and ideas are emphasized the most in Texas politics and why.
