The title of this article doesn’t quite capture the tone and message of this article by journalist Andrea Grimes, a Dallas native. The “mess with Texas” part seems to imply that she wants to negatively act upon the state, yet the article is all about a self-deprecating yet deep love for her home state.
I’m not a Texas native by any means, but in the past year I’ve experienced a feeling akin to being pushed back into the feminist closet. Where I come from in the Northeast, it was perfectly acceptable to voice one’s proclivity towards feminism and liberalism. Now that I live in Texas, I’m only comfortable fully leaving the comfort of my feminist closet when I’m visiting Austin. Otherwise, I linger in the doorway; ready to jump in and shut the door fast in defense.
This is why Grimes’ article really touched me. It’s nice to be reminded that there are others like me *gasp* in this great big state and that although we might be fighting a losing cause, at least we’re doing something. I particularly loved when she wrote,
I am not trying to show off the feminist cross I am forced to carry uphill both ways in 115-degree summers, all the while crying jalapeno tears because I touched my eyes after I made salsa.
Way to capture Texas in that one simple sentence! But aside from the humorous writing, I believe Grimes makes a great point about loving where you come from while also working to effect change. Despite the large obstacles, we should all be working towards the betterment of our home communities for all.
