I miss the old Texas (Dallas, Fort Worth: live, racism, ticket)

[Cathy4017]

Originally Posted by stillkit

Did you know that in 1960, the population of Texas was just over 9 million? That's nearly a 3 fold increase in just half a century! What used to be wide-open spaces is now filled with McMansions for our "beloved" immigrants from the Northeast and the Left Coast. Urban sprawl is covering the land, especially east of the Balcones. In that same year, Austin was a sleepy little burg of about 180,000 hardy souls. Now, it's approaching 800,000 and the urban area is over a million.

Yep.

Austin/Hill Country/Central Texas has been overrun with people. The infrastructure can't support the crazy growth, and traffic is a freaking nightmare.

I was shocked in just having been away from Austin for 5 years--go down for a visit, and not even recognize the place (Austin-Buda-Mountain City-Kyle-Wimberley).

It's why I love remote, isolated far West Texas. The question in my mind is whether I could live in that remoteness, as much as I love it. Not so many people!

[marcopolo2000]

Originally Posted by Nairobi

Growing up in urban, eastern Texas, I simply can't relate. I'm sorry for your loss, though.

The Texas I've known and loved, embraces all walks of life, and not just some romanticized image of the cowboy hero.

I agree 100%. I hope Texas continues to move away from that stereotypical image.

[Two4damoney]

Originally Posted by JJG

.... I don't think I wanna get into this one.

Yeah, me either. Just sounds like another form of snobbery and elitism to me.

[Two4damoney]

Originally Posted by Nairobi

Growing up in urban, eastern Texas, I simply can't relate. I'm sorry for your loss, though.

The Texas I've known and loved, embraces all walks of life, and not just some romanticized image of the cowboy hero.

Luckily the majority of Texans feel the same way you do. At least thats been my experience.

[Backspace]

Originally Posted by stillkit

You know...the Texas which was unique, the Texas where Texan's were By Gawd Texan's in cowboy boots and hats; self-reliant, tough, unimpressed by false fronts, not the self-absorbed, whiney metro-sexuals in sneakers we have today.

The "old" Texas you claim to miss is still very much alive and well in many of the people who live here today. There are plenty people like myself here who are "self-reliant, tough, unimpressed by false fronts"... We haven't been outnumbered by the the "self-absorbed, whiney metro-sexuals in sneakers". We keep to ourselves, we respect the land and we take pride in the history of this state.

To me Texas is more about the people as it is about the hill country or any other beautiful area of this great state. I travel all over this country for business and there's no other place in this country that comes close to Texas when it comes to hospitality or helping your fellow man. When I say yes mam to the lady at the bank, she doesn't get offended. When I offer to open a door for a stranger they don't look at me like a crazy feminist that's just been insulted. When I stop to offer help to a complete stranger with Northern state license plates they still look at me like I'm from another planet.

When I hear people talk badly about Texans having way too much pride in their state I know what they really mean, I know that they've been here and are probably a little upset that they don't live in a place like this.

[Backspace]

Originally Posted by marcopolo2000

I agree 100%. I hope Texas continues to move away from that stereotypical image.

That "stereotypical image" is just one of the many that this state is known for, we openly embrace people from all walks of life.

[Nairobi]

Originally Posted by stillkit

Did you know that in 1960, the population of Texas was just over 9 million? That's nearly a 3 fold increase in just half a century! What used to be wide-open spaces is now filled with McMansions for our "beloved" immigrants from the Northeast and the Left Coast. Urban sprawl is covering the land, especially east of the Balcones. In that same year, Austin was a sleepy little burg of about 180,000 hardy souls. Now, it's approaching 800,000 and the urban area is over a million.

Yeah, and in 1960, like other southern states, Texas was also a haven for racial oppression and discord. The good ol' days indeed.

"I miss the olden times" is a statement that only one group of Texans can proudly proclaim. As far as I'm concerned, this state is definitely changing for the better.

[JJG]

Originally Posted by Two4damoney

Yeah, me either. Just sounds like another form of snobbery and elitism to me.

It's just... things change.

And it's like some people just don't really get that. But this happens with every generation. While the OP sees Texas more as the "Grit and tough cowboy" image, I see it more as the fast growing, inovating, energy driven image.

[stillkit]

Originally Posted by Nairobi

Yeah, and in 1960, like other southern states, Texas was also a haven for racial oppression and discord. The good ol' days indeed.

"I miss the olden times" is a statement that only one group of Texans can proudly proclaim. As far as I'm concerned, this state is definitely changing for the better.

Please don't twist my intent. I remember "colored" drinking fountains, duel ticket booths at the theater and all that other stuff too and I wouldn't go back to those days if you paid me to.

[stillkit]

Originally Posted by JJG

It's just... things change.

And it's like some people just don't really get that. But this happens with every generation. While the OP sees Texas more as the "Grit and tough cowboy" image, I see it more as the fast growing, inovating, energy driven image.

Yes, things change and nothing stays the same. But, progress isn't always progress. Sometimes, the trade off of things lost for things gained isn't equal.