Everything is bigger in Texas, even the questionable reputation among fellow Americans.
Sometimes it feels like everyone hates Texas, but maybe there’s a hint of truth to that.
Why Do People Hate Texas?
I’m a transplant to Texas, and I have to admit, I don’t love it here (as the Plain White T’s once sang, “Hate is a strong word, but I really really really don’t like you!”).
My biggest complaints are about the weather (I hate the cold, but I could do without this sweltering heat!), the horrible drivers, and, of course, the politics.
But even people who never lived here tend to hate the state, which begs the question:
Why?
Sometimes the internet asks and answers our most pressing questions.
Everyone Hates Texas
While scrolling through Reddit, I found a hilarious yet apt Reddit thread asking users why they hate the Lone Star State. The question received over 5000 comments, highlighting that everyone does, indeed, hate Texas.
Although some of the complaints are justified, even I must admit that many are stereotypes that could apply to many different places.
I’ve compiled the top responses for your reading pleasure, but please don’t take it too seriously. (Looking at you Texans!).
Most of the responses are all in good fun. We Americans tend to be proud of our hometowns, cities, and states while disparaging other places, but it’s more of a friendly riffing than true hatred.
Even native Texans can appreciate the sass residents of other states throw their way (and give back as good as they get!)
So, without any further ado, here’s why people hate Texas.
The Ego
The top comment received over 20,000 upvotes and was showered with awards. The Redditor simply quipped, “Texas likes itself enough for all of us.”
Others agreed, saying Texans flee the state and then buy Texan flags, bumper stickers, and whatever else they can find to showcase their love for the state they left.
But don’t people from other states do the same? I’ve seen plenty of New York, Georgia, and California stickers in Texas.
And you know what? Some of the Texan love is justified. The massive state boasts four impressive cities and tons of fantastic attractions for visitors.
It’s Not the Biggest State
Texans love to boast that Texas is the biggest state in the Union, while Alaskans silently roll their eyes.
One Alaskan Redditor pointed out that they can’t handle Texans who claim to live in the largest state when Texas is only half the size of Alaska.
This one is justified.
Despite the big talk, Texas can only claim second place in the “biggest state in the US” competition.
Can’t Keep the Lights On
Another Redditor pointed out how Texans talk a big game, but their state’s infrastructure leaves plenty to be desired.
The slam that Texas can’t keep the lights on refers to a 2021 winter storm that left millions without power.
Most claim the outages were a result of poor planning by the state.
I agree that our electrical grid needs an update, and we lack the political will to get it done, but Texas is definitely not the only state with infrastructure problems.
Texan First
Most Americans put their national pride above their state pride, but not Texans. One Redditor expressed displeasure at the “Texas First” attitude native’s display.
Another Redditor who lives in Texas agreed, adding that high school graduation ceremonies sometimes recite the Texas State Pledge of Allegiance before the national pledge, leaving many other commenters confused that Texas even has a state pledge.
I guess it makes sense from a state that’s constantly talking about secession.
It’s Not a Personality Trait
It’s not that people hate Texas, but more that they hate how folks from Texas make it their entire personality.
When you meet someone from Texas, you will know it, because they can’t stop telling you that they’re from Texas.
It’s great to have pride in your identity, but your personality should be about more than where you’re from (I say as I proudly boast about being from Chicago!).
Unwalkable
One user offered a reasonable argument for not enjoying Texas: The cities aren’t walkable. All the major Texan cities are surrounded by giant freeways, making it impossible to navigate without a car.
I agree; I stupidly moved to an Austin suburb, and I’m stuck in the car for hours every day. I can’t enjoy all the wonderful things to do in Austin because I’m stuck in the car all the time. I hate it.
But car culture isn’t just a Texas problem. Californians reading this article are probably coughing nervously and avoiding eye contact.
All My Ex’s
You can’t see a question like this and not make a joke about how all your exes live in Texas. George Strait’s recording of the iconic country song is one of the first things people think of when they hear “Texas”.
Of course, with a population of nearly 30 million people, the song is undoubtedly true for many. But the same can be said for any city or state with a massive population.
The Politics
A lot of people hate Texas due to the politics.
Liberal Redditors dislike Texas because the GOP has had a stronghold on the state for nearly 30 years, but voters still blame democrats for all the state’s ills.
I hate Texas because the state voted to take away my rights, and because real women are dying as a result. I hate that the state is heavily gerrymandered, that voting rights are under attack, that the state is forcing religious education in public schools, that it’s dismantling education, and that people continue to cheer and vote for more of the same.
I’m sorry, I know I said the thread is all in good fun, but I feel like the political reasons people hate Texas are actually well-founded and justified.
Thousands lot of people on the internet seem to agree. The comment about Texan politics received nearly 3000 upvotes and spawned numerous children discussing how broken Texas leadership blames California for everything.
Disklike of Non-Texans
One Redditor from the north shared a tale of interacting with native Texans when they first moved. “You know what we do to Yankees here, dontcha?”
The comment spurred a ton of other Redditors to share their stories of poor treatment by native Texans for the simple crime of not being from the state.
Cowardice
A non-American received nearly 2000 upvotes by saying that to the international community, Texas is developing a reputation for cowardice.
The Redditor pointed to the abysmal failure of the Uvalde police in the wake of tragedy and the state’s most well-known senator running away to Cancun during the worst winter storm in decades.
The thread spawned numerous comments about Texas’s political climate and the perceived failures of the state’s leaders.
Is Texas that Bad?
Each state has its pros and cons, and Texas is no different.
Of course, such a massive state will have awful people giving it a bad name, but the same could be said of almost anywhere else.
In addition, it feels like the political winds are changing. People are done with the corruption and bad policies running rampant in the state. I’m hopeful that we’ll see some meaningful changes that will stop some of the Texas hate.
Overall, Texas is a beautiful place to visit, and its big cities are definitely worth checking out.
What do you think? Was the internet fair in its assessment of the Lone Star State?