Is East Texas culturally part of the Deep South? (Houston: mold, clubs)

[green_mariner]

Originally Posted by KathrynAragon

This is my OPINION also. Except that I can see why people would call Texas "southern" considering it was part of the Confederacy, and East Texas particularly does have some southern traits.

"Deep South" is a subtle, but apparently quite relevant, difference - relevant emotionally that is.

It is true that Texas did belong the Confederacy. However, I have lived in Texas myself. It doesn't have the feel of a southern state. Then again, I lived in Ft. Worth for a few years, and I've been to San Antonio. I've never been any further east than Dallas County(inside of Texas).

I've also been a staunch reader of World Book Encyclopedia. Texas has always been classified as a Southwestern state.

[Nairobi]

Originally Posted by green_mariner

I feel that the Southwestern influences on East Texas make it stand out from the Deep South.

Explain, please.

Also, do the French and Cajun influences of Louisiana not make it stand out amongst the Deep South?

[annie_himself]

Originally Posted by Nairobi

Explain, please.

Also, do the French and Cajun influences of Louisiana not make it stand out amongst the Deep South?

You would be surprised at many people answers on this forum.

[green_mariner]

Originally Posted by Nairobi

Explain, please.

Also, do the French and Cajun influences of Louisiana not make it stand out amongst the Deep South?

Louisiana doesn't have the Southwestern influences.

[Nairobi]

Originally Posted by annie_himself

You would be surprised at many people answers on this forum.

I also wonder how many people are aware of the fact that the cowboy culture in Louisiana is almost as pronounced as it is just west of the stateline; historically, anyway. The only difference I can see is that Texas is known for its longhorns.

A Man Can Stand, Yeah: Ranching Traditions in Louisiana

The Zydeco Trail in Louisiana - Horseback Riding and Dancing - NYTimes.com

[green_mariner]

This is how see Louisiana. Geographically, it is part of the Deep South, and has Deep South culture, particularly in the northern part of the state. The southern part of Louisiana is different. With Spanish, French, African, and Italian influences, it feels a bit more Caribbean compared to other parts of the South.

Texas was part of Mexico at one point, the Great Plains are in the northern part of the state, cowboys, cattle drives, and influences of the Old West have been part of Texas culture. Any Deep South culture that exists would definitely be in eastern Texas. The borderlands of on the TX-LA border have been referred to as Cajun Lapland. I feel that is where Deep South culture begins to end.

[Nairobi]

Originally Posted by green_mariner

Louisiana doesn't have the Southwestern influences.

What are these dominant Southwestern influences found in East Texas, and how are you even sure about it when you yourself has said that you've never even been to that part of the state?

[green_mariner]

Originally Posted by Nairobi

What are these dominant Southwestern influences found in East Texas, and how are you even sure about it when you yourself has said that you've never even been to that part of the state?

I know about the cowboy churches in East Texas. I don't see that anywhere in the South.

[Nairobi]

Originally Posted by green_mariner

I know about the cowboy churches in East Texas. I don't see that anywhere in the South.

Cowboy churches are found elsewhere in the south, but not as great in number as in Texas. Regardless, the origins of this recent phenomenon are questionable.

Cowboy culture, in it's entirety, is not exclusive to Texas, and certainly isn't even dominant in East Texas; no moreso than it is in Louisiana. I've already supported this.

I hope cowboy churches isn't the only thing your argument is based on.

[TexasReb]

Originally Posted by green_mariner

In general, I don't consider Texas to be southern. However, East Texas comes relatively close to it. To me, the Deep South is anywhere from Louisiana to South Carolina. Culturally, East Texas is where the Deep South and the Southwest meet, in my opinion.

I know. I have read that same blurb before. BUT...I don't see any backing as to just why/how the "marriage" of the "South" and "Southwest" -- takes place in East Texas? To wit...

What is your definition of the "Southwest"? Is it New Mexico/Arizona? If so, what does most of Texas have in common with those states in terms of history/culture/etc? If by "Southwest" you mean the old Southwest of the original application and old terminology...then I would agree. But the latter Southwest was a whole different critter. It was literally the "western South." On the other hand, there is the southern West, which never had any claim to being "Southern" at all. .

Some might not like it, but Texas has much more in common with Tennessee and Alabama than with Arizona and/or Wyoming. Heck, for one thing it was mostly shaped by pioneers from the southesast, as opposed to anything remotely connectected with Arizona and/or Wyoming.

Wanna discuss/debate it? No problem...and with all due respect!