Explanations: Texas & The Texan Ways 101 #HogsAbroad

Today, I was in the library (shocker) studying for my Aspects of Denmark class. I was going over slides from the last lecture– “The Danish Mindset.” The Danes are a horse of a different color, mysterious and a little hard to understand unless you experience it firsthand. For example, the Danish culture is considered feminine which seems odd since most people think inviting, nurturing, warm & fuzzies when they think ‘feminine’ culture. Not saying the Danes aren’t friendly, just saying that they tend to keep to themselves and sometimes can come across as a bit rude to those from more outgoing cultures. The Danes are considered ‘feminine’ because of the importance they put on relationships, conflict resolution, compromise and work/life balance. Other traits include an inherent respect of privacy, love of country, directness, punctuality, self-reliance and independence. These got me thinking… they sounded familiar to me… DING… oh my god, they sound like Texans.

Being a fifth generation Texan, I’m extremely proud of my heritage and my state. It sounds laughable when held up next to the heritage of European cultures because they’ve been around for centuries, well okay more than two or three centuries. Interesting how two places so far apart and with people seemingly very different could boil down to very similar characteristics. Let’s dive a little bit into this, shall we?

1. Respect of Privacy

In Texan culture, privacy very important. Like the Danes, we respect the privacy of others and keep our nose in our own dang business. After living in both cultures, I’ve noticed that this trait manifests itself in very different ways. In Texas, privacy pertains to who you voted for, how much money you make, who you’re dating, your home and things of that nature. In Denmark, privacy is something that is considered present at all times. For example, in Texas it is more than common practice to strike up a conversation with a perfect stranger while waiting in line, on a plane or other public places. This would almost never happen in Denmark. This was a little off-putting at first, I thought it to be almost a little rude until I learned it was out of respect, not out of disdain. Another funny example: in smaller towns or while driving out in the country in Texas, its super common to wave at the person you pass on the road. Not like a huge wave but just a little lift of the hand you’re driving with and a slight nod of the head. I’m not sure why we do this but I think it’s just polite and cute. This is also common among Jeep drivers across the state, its kinda like a cult.

2. Love of Country

Story behind the flag: During the Texas Revolution, a small band of men successfully defended the town of Gonzales against the Mexican Army with just one bronze cannon. Mexican forces were ordered to seize the cannon but once the Texans caught wind of that, they made a flag saying “COME AND TAKE IT” as a symbol of their defiance. The army was unsuccessful in their attempts to take the cannon.

I think I can speak on behalf of any Texan worth their salt when I say that, yes, I’m extremely proud to be a Texan and then follow that up with a “did you know we used to be our own country?” But seriously, did you? Many people don’t know that. Yessir, we existed as the sovereign Republic of Texas from March 2, 1836 until February 19, 1846. We occupied our current borders but also covered parts of Oklahoma, Colorado, New Mexico and Kansas all the way up to Wyoming. Those who want to secede from the Union often fall back onto the argument that we did successfully operate as our own country for that short time and we could’ve remained a country if we hadn’t run out of money. Who knows, maybe in a parallel universe we survived as a country, but I’m still damn proud of what we accomplished during our domain. Things like The Alamo and the famous “Come and Take It” flag hold a special place in every Texan’s heart. Both symbolizes the fire, rebellious nature and fierce independence ever Texan is inherently born with. Although the Danes aren’t exactly the rebellious types, they have the same kind of love of country that every Texan has. According to a study my professor presented to us, 91% of Danes are “proud” or “very proud” to be Danish. That’s a lot. Also, like Texans, the Danes love to put their flag on EVERYTHING. They put them on anything from food to beer to greeting cards and pretty much whatever else you could think of and I don’t mind it one bit.
Fun Fact: Texas is the only state that can fly its flag as high as the American flag because we were our own country.

3. Directness & Punctuality

classic matt

In Danish culture, directness and punctuality are highly valued. Although the Danes are extremely blunt, they avoid conflict which is humorous. I think it works out for them because everyone is direct so nobody’s feelings get hurt. The Danes are also very punctual, class starts at 12:15 they are there like exactly at 12:15. Maybe one minute before, but they are rarely late. In Texan culture both of these are pretty important, as well. Again, these tendencies stem from different places. As Texans, we like to be straight-forward and on time for a few reasons. First, we want to be respectful to whoever’s time we’re using. Second, we are raised to learn how to cut the crap. The Texan culture is allergic to BS so don’t try to give us any and I think the Danes are similar in the sense that they are very trusting people so they expect you to be straight with them and not to give them the runaround. We might be as direct as the Danes, but we’ll pepper in a “yes’m”, “no, sir”, “s’cuse me, sir?” or the classic “bless your heart” to soften the edges. Nothin’ like that Southern charm, right?

4. Self-Reliance & Independence

I BITE MY THUMB AT YOU SIR

Arguably the two most important things to a Texan. We don’t want to be controlled, we don’t want to be babied, we don’t need anyone over our shoulders telling us what to do and how to do it. We are our own people and we don’t want any help. The Danes practically mirror these traits except again where they stem from. As Texans, we feel this way because we appreciate our heritage of the original frontier, endless freedom and rebellious ancestry–always sticking it to the man. Less government, more freedom. The Danes also feel the same sense of independence and self-reliance but it comes from a sense of trust and community. Example: “I told everyone I’d do my part so I’m going to do it, if everyone does their part then we will succeed.” Although we feel a strong sense of community as Texans, we bond mostly over an overwhelming sense of pride in our rebellious past, rule-breaking and habitually stepping over/on the line and we wouldn’t have it any other way. Summed up, I put it like this: “If a rule is stupid, it’s okay to break it.” Again, that’s us cutting the crap.

I’m damn proud to be a Texan. We’re a special breed, just like the Danes. I can do my best to explain why we feel this way but I don’t think I can ever do it justice. It’s something you’re born into, or if you want, can become part of. It’s a spirit, lifestyle and attitude. I love to travel, meet new people and experience new cultures and I probably always will but Texas will always be home, even if I don’t live there forever.

 

TEXAS FOREVER

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Read more from Meaghan at https://meaghanshus.wordpress.com/
To find out more about her exchange program at Aarhus School of Business in Denmark, visit http://studyabroad.uark.edu/exchange/wcobaarhus