Texans need to calm down. Cultural changes can be good.

jeremy banks/Unsplash
jeremy banks/Unsplash

Meghan Schilling
campus editor
meghan.schilling@my.tccd.edu

There is a huge controversy going on in Texas, and it’s quite ridiculous. 

Many people have been comparing Texas to California, with some saying Texas is becoming it. I do not think this is the case because those are two different states with two different cultures. However, I can see why people assume such things.

Texas has seen a mass amount of people moving over here, and that has to do with a multitude of things such as job opportunities, living costs and a better weather climate. Dallas is known for its vast job opportunities, as well as Fort Worth. There are also tons of oil rigs in the area as well as military bases in places such as San Antonio and Austin. 

Renting an apartment in Texas is on the cheaper side. Places like California can be as much as $2,000 a month just for a single bedroom. Texas offers a variety of places to live, and a one-bedroom apartment can cost $900 a month instead. That is a huge price difference, so I can understand why people decide to venture out into the Lone Star State.

Texas also has a lot of attractions that tend to attract tourists. Places like the Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, the Boardwalk in San Antonio and 6th Street in Austin. Texas is such a big state, it has so many things to offer for those wanting more in their lives. It’s also beautiful when the weather does decide to cooperate. However, we Texans can agree that it rarely cooperates.

One way to tell Texas is growing is by simply looking around. Everywhere you look, there is either a new set of homes or apartments being built. This can be quite annoying because this causes more traffic in the surrounding areas, creating a greater inconvenience. This also makes people feel like an area is getting overcrowded and less enjoyable. Restaurants have also been picking up in popularity. Now you have to wait anywhere from one to two hours just to eat. 

People argue that the people here in Texas have changed, and some say it’s for the worse. This statement is false. Just because different people are coming from all over doesn’t mean anything. If anything, people coming from different states has brought a new sense of formality to the area. I love learning new things about surrounding states and how things are done differently where people come from. 

Texans often say that Texas is changing for the worse because of the political agenda. However, I think Texans can learn a thing or two from newcomers and help expand their knowledge. 

Those concerned about Texas becoming the next California just need to set their minds at ease. This will never be the case because Texas is always going to change due to the surrounding areas like Austin, Dallas and San Antonio. The changes should be welcome with open arms.