moving from NYC to Tulsa...how much culture shock? (buy, law school)

[samuri99]

I'm considering going to law school in Tulsa next year, but I'm kind of worried about not exactly 'fitting in' well, as I've been living in NYC for the past 5 years. I'm very progressive politically, and not even remotely religious. I really like the school, but images of cowboys and Bush voters and televangelists keep popping in my head. When I checked the wikipedia entry on Tulsa, it said that the town was called the "buckle" of the Bible belt. How do most people in Tulsa treat non-religious left wingers?

I know these seem like somewhat frivilous concerns when my primary purpose for moving is a legal eduction, but its been kind of nagging in the back of my brain....thanks for any insight

[BigOkie]

Originally Posted by samuri99

I'm considering going to law school in Tulsa next year, but I'm kind of worried about not exactly 'fitting in' well, as I've been living in NYC for the past 5 years. I'm very progressive politically, and not even remotely religious. I really like the school, but images of cowboys and Bush voters and televangelists keep popping in my head. When I checked the wikipedia entry on Tulsa, it said that the town was called the "buckle" of the Bible belt. How do most people in Tulsa treat non-religious left wingers?

I know these seem like somewhat frivilous concerns when my primary purpose for moving is a legal eduction, but its been kind of nagging in the back of my brain....thanks for any insight

Using Wikipedia as your point of reference is the wrong thing to do when it comes to research.

Tulsa is in the middle of the country, where religion is a staple of life. Will people discriminate against you if you don't go to church? I don't, and I've lived here all my life and have yet to be called a devil-worshipper or told I would go to hell.

I'm also not real 'left wing', but I'm certainly not conservative.

The culture shock may come from a smaller city with less to do than in the Big Apple.

Tulsa is probably the more liberal of the two largest cities in the state, but Tulsa is by majority conservative. But we're not Bushies by any means. He's from Texas, and you know how Okies feel about Texas!

[TU 'cane]

Originally Posted by samuri99

I'm considering going to law school in Tulsa next year, but I'm kind of worried about not exactly 'fitting in' well, as I've been living in NYC for the past 5 years. I'm very progressive politically, and not even remotely religious. I really like the school, but images of cowboys and Bush voters and televangelists keep popping in my head. When I checked the wikipedia entry on Tulsa, it said that the town was called the "buckle" of the Bible belt. How do most people in Tulsa treat non-religious left wingers?

I know these seem like somewhat frivilous concerns when my primary purpose for moving is a legal eduction, but its been kind of nagging in the back of my brain....thanks for any insight

You're going to hate it. That simple.

[Synopsis]

Originally Posted by samuri99

I'm considering going to law school in Tulsa next year, but I'm kind of worried about not exactly 'fitting in' well, as I've been living in NYC for the past 5 years. I'm very progressive politically, and not even remotely religious. I really like the school, but images of cowboys and Bush voters and televangelists keep popping in my head. When I checked the wikipedia entry on Tulsa, it said that the town was called the "buckle" of the Bible belt. How do most people in Tulsa treat non-religious left wingers?

I know these seem like somewhat frivilous concerns when my primary purpose for moving is a legal eduction, but its been kind of nagging in the back of my brain....thanks for any insight

You probably should visit the city for a few days to get a feel for the area. Other than that, I think BigOkie made some good comments.

[Goodpasture]

Originally Posted by samuri99

I'm considering going to law school in Tulsa next year, but I'm kind of worried about not exactly 'fitting in' well, as I've been living in NYC for the past 5 years.

It will take time, but you will eventually recover.

Originally Posted by samuri99

I'm very progressive politically, and not even remotely religious.

uht ohhhhhh......are YOU ever in trouble........

Originally Posted by samuri99

I really like the school, but images of cowboys and Bush voters and televangelists keep popping in my head.

Funny, when I was in New York, I had images of taxi drivers and drag queens popping in my head.........

Originally Posted by samuri99

When I checked the wikipedia entry on Tulsa, it said that the town was called the "buckle" of the Bible belt.

Ummmmm........if you're going to be a lawyer, might wanna brush up on your research skills........

Originally Posted by samuri99

How do most people in Tulsa treat non-religious left wingers?

'bout like we do evangelical right wingers.........brush frequently and don't get in our face about your particular "ism" and you will probably get to keep your teeth for a long long time.

Originally Posted by samuri99

I know these seem like somewhat frivilous concerns when my primary purpose for moving is a legal eduction, but its been kind of nagging in the back of my brain....thanks for any insight

Hope you enjoy your stay. TU is an excellent school.

[Synopsis]

Classic post Mr. Goodpasture.. Classic.

[TheComputerGuy]

Hi samuri99,

Welcome to the Okie forum.

Take some of this with a large grain of salt because you probably
don't understand Okie humor yet...

Originally Posted by samuri99

I'm considering going to law school in Tulsa next year, but I'm kind of worried about not exactly 'fitting in' well,

If you're worried about "fitting in", that might be your first problem.

Originally Posted by samuri99

as I've been living in NYC for the past 5 years. I'm very progressive politically, and not even remotely religious.

Define "progressive"...
Didn't the communists of olde call themselves progressive?

Originally Posted by samuri99

I really like the school, but images of cowboys and Bush voters and televangelists keep popping in my head.

It's EXACTLY like that here.
In fact, they stop you at the state border to ensure that you actually OWN a Stetson.

Originally Posted by samuri99

When I checked the wikipedia entry on Tulsa, it said that the town was called the "buckle" of the Bible belt.

Contrary to popular belief, no one has invited me to church yet...
(I'm starting to get offended...)

Originally Posted by samuri99

How do most people in Tulsa treat non-religious left wingers?

Does the term "Redheaded stepchild" bring anything to mind?
(Quick! Get another teaspoon of salt!)

Originally Posted by samuri99

I know these seem like somewhat frivilous concerns when my primary purpose for moving is a legal eduction, but its been kind of nagging in the back of my brain....thanks for any insight

There's NOTHING frivolous about your questions....
It's wise to research what you're getting yourself into...

Hope you can buy an authentic Stetson In NYC.
And watch out that those cowboys and evangelicals don't
try to talk you into eating "calf-fries"!

So far, I've resisted....

[Synopsis]

Originally Posted by TheComputerGuy

Hi samuri99,

Welcome to the Okie forum.

Take some of this with a large grain of salt because you probably
don't understand Okie humor yet...



If you're worried about "fitting in", that might be your first problem.



Define "progressive"...
Didn't the communists of olde call themselves progressive?



It's EXACTLY like that here.
In fact, they stop you at the state border to ensure that you actually OWN a Stetson.



Contrary to popular belief, no one has invited me to church yet...
(I'm starting to get offended...)



Does the term "Redheaded stepchild" bring anything to mind?
(Quick! Get another teaspoon of salt!)



There's NOTHING frivolous about your questions....
It's wise to research what you're getting yourself into...

Hope you can buy an authentic Stetson In NYC.
And watch out that those cowboys and evangelicals don't
try to talk you into eating "calf-fries"!

So far, I've resisted....

Oh CG, that is a keeper! Keep 'em coming..

[TheComputerGuy]

Originally Posted by Synopsis

Oh CG, that is a keeper! Keep 'em coming..

My son liked GP's post better.

[Annemieke Roell]

Originally Posted by samuri99

I'm considering going to law school in Tulsa next year, but I'm kind of worried about not exactly 'fitting in' well, as I've been living in NYC for the past 5 years. I'm very progressive politically, and not even remotely religious. I really like the school, but images of cowboys and Bush voters and televangelists keep popping in my head. When I checked the wikipedia entry on Tulsa, it said that the town was called the "buckle" of the Bible belt. How do most people in Tulsa treat non-religious left wingers?

I know these seem like somewhat frivilous concerns when my primary purpose for moving is a legal eduction, but its been kind of nagging in the back of my brain....thanks for any insight

ROFLMAO.

OK ...... I'm alright now.

I am a fairly liberal pagan. I am also an immigrant and a non-US citizen. I live in "sin", have a non-traditional female profession.

I don't dangle any of these things in anybody's face. I have never been invited to church although I have been asked what my opinions were on certain religious issues. I repectfully explained I am not a Christian and you know what? People accept me as I am.

Appears to me you are starting out with the notion that somehow Yankees are superior to the "south" -- although OK is not really the south.

Guess what .... they are not.

Don't worry about this stuff. Treat people with kindness and respect and you will be treated in kind.

And if you decide to come down for a few days to check the place out, let us know. We'll organize a barbeque ........