A "true" Texan :) (Alamo, Memphis: home, college, living)

[justatexan]

I get in friendly fights with a friend of mines husband (who both live in Georgia) about how he isn't a "true" Texan because he was born here but then moved to Georgia when he was only four years old and is still living there now.

He seems to think that once you are born here you are a true texan for life. I disagree! I believe it is a whole culture that has to be experienced. Texas football games (go Cowboys!), the Alamo field trips, 7th grade Texas history classes, the constant defending of your state when travelling/constant hating of the "boys" and so on.

But can a person that wasn't born here ever become a true Texan? My boyfriend moved here for college (SMU) and has lived here for 12 years. He considers himself a Texan; he has the drivers license, love of the cowboys, knows his way around better than I do etc. I jokingly tell him that he has to live here for over half his life before he can be considered a true texan

I guess my question is what makes a person a true texan? Can you only be a true texan if you are "born and raised" or is it as simple as just genuinely loving the state and culture?

This is just for fun guys I know there isn't one "right" answer but I am just wondering what the opinion of fellow Texans are if you had to set the criteria.

[BigDGeek]

To me a "true Texan" is someone who has lived here most or all of their lives and embraces the culture. A "native Texan" is someone who was born here.

[justatexan]

Originally Posted by BigDGeek

To me a "true Texan" is someone who has lived here most or all of their lives and embraces the culture. A "native Texan" is someone who was born here.

So then can a person who moves here later in life ever be a "true Texan" in your opinion? If so, how long/under what circumstances?

I made up that little rule about having to live here over half your life but that would be pretty silly if, say, someone moved here in their late 40s or 50s.

But then again, would a person who only moved here in their late 40s/50s have spent too much time in other places to be considered a true Texan?

Ok, I am getting ridiculous I know

[PlanoGirl]

I tend to think of someone being a Texan if they were raised here....because usually you have a special place in your heart for where you came.

Then again, what's that saying..."I wasn't born in Texas, but I got here as fast as I could." I think it you have that mentality, then maybe you're a true Texan, regardless of how long you've been here.

[BigDGeek]

Originally Posted by justatexan

So then can a person who moves here later in life ever be a "true Texan" in your opinion? If so, how long/under what circumstances?

I made up that little rule about having to live here over half your life but that would be pretty silly if, say, someone moved here in their late 40s or 50s.

But then again, would a person who only moved here in their late 40s/50s have spent too much time in other places to be considered a true Texan?

Ok, I am getting ridiculous I know

I think it varies depending on the individual.

[Willsson]

I was born, reared and raised in Texas. My parents were born and reared in parts of Texas some have never heard of. My grandparents were born in Texas and crossed the state in a wagon... before there were automobiles. But I would NEVER presume to tell someone they aren't or can't be a Texan.

Texas is more than just a whole 'nuther country. Texas is a state of mind. I would consider it a privilege to call a friend any person who chooses to call Texas home.

[turkeytrot]

My 2 cents
"Luck of the draw"
I wasn't born in Texas but I have lived in Texas in the 1960s for a couple of years and then again from 1978 to the preasent, with the exception of a few years that I was in the Navy.

I'm Tennessee born but I'm also an Army brat. My "home town" is the good ole US of A! I've lived all over it.
It was only after I got out of the service did I settle for good in one place.

It doesn't take long to notice Texans have a different attitude about them and the state, some good, some not good at all but there are extremes anywhere you go.

I will say this about where I was born. Tennessee has it's own history.
When I lived in Memphis I worked as a deck hand on a river towboat.
The ghost of Mark Twain was at every turn of the Mighty Mississippi River.
Horrors of the cival war echoed on each bank of the river.
I have deep love of the Mississippi Delta region, I just don't live there because of the intence humidity.

My family is linked to Texas's fight for independence as well as the state of Tennessee.

I choose to live here because it's where I choose to live, it's home pure and simple.
My kids where born here and I'll most likely die and be buried here.

[Willsson]

My family is linked to Texas's fight for independence as well as the state of Tennessee.

I choose to live here because it's where I choose to live, it's home pure and simple.
My kids where born here and I'll most likely die and be buried here.

Welcome home !

[turkeytrot]

Thanks tofurkey!

[Debsi]

Originally Posted by tofurkey

Texas is more than just a whole 'nuther country. Texas is a state of mind. I would consider it a privilege to call a friend any person who chooses to call Texas home.

That's a refreshing attitude on City-Data!

Thrilled to be here, thanks.