A Humorous Take on Texas Pride and a Famous Slogan

If there’s one thing I’ve learned as a proud Texan, it’s that folks outside the Lone Star State often misunderstand us. Take that famous phrase, “Don’t Mess with Texas.” I can’t tell you how many times someone’s thought it was a threat. Truth is, it started as a polite request not to litter. Yep, in 1985, the Texas Department of Transportation came up with it to keep highways clean, not to pick fights.

Get our free mobile app

When blues legend Stevie Ray Vaughan lent his voice to the campaign, it caught on like a West Texas wildfire. Now, the slogan is stitched into our hats, printed on bumper stickers, and tattooed in our hearts. It’s not about being mean, it’s about being Texan proud.

Texans: Neat Freaks with Big Attitude

So, when I was in Kansas recently, getting gas and I went into the convenience store to get some tea and chips, the clerk joked, “You Texans sure think you’re tough with that ‘Don’t Mess with Texas’ thing.” I just smiled and said, “Sir, it’s not about being tough, it’s about keeping our roads clean and our state beautiful.” He laughed, but I think I might’ve taught him something that day.

Texas: The Land of Big Facts and Bigger Pride

And while we’re talking about Texas pride, here are a few true fun facts I love sharing, like:

• The Texas State Capitol is taller than the U.S. Capitol in D.C.
• The King Ranch is bigger than the entire state of Rhode Island
• The town of Earth, Texas, is literally the only Earth on Earth
• Texas has got the world’s largest rose garden, just in case anyone needs proof that we are as sweet as we are bold.

So remember, “Don’t Mess with Texas” doesn’t mean don’t cross us, it means don’t trash us. Because here in Texas, we keep it clean, we keep it proud, and we keep it big.

Read More: The Autumn Skies In Abilene Bring Out Haunting Tales And Legends