J. Houston, Director of the New York Times, highlighted the devastating Texas flash flood in a recent article by David Goodman. In this piece, Goodman attempts to dissect why communities across the state came together so swiftly after the disaster, contrasting this unity with a critique of the government, which he terms “Texas Stoicism.” Perhaps that’s where he stumbles, and it’s not the only misstep.
Goodman suggests that the sight of Texans rushing to aid victims, rather than pointing fingers at governmental shortcomings, would be comforting for those affected. He mentions that this response is particularly relevant for residents of Texas Hill County, who were elected under the leadership of figures like Trump and Governor Abbott. While he recognizes the strength in this resilience, many Texans wouldn’t label it as stoicism; they prefer the term “Texas Grit.”
In the wake of disasters such as the one on July 4th, Texans often find both pride and solace in their identity—characterized by strength, quiet resilience, and a fierce sense of community. However, while Goodman does commend the community spirit, his attempt to merge Texas grit with an aversion to leftist policies doesn’t quite gain traction here. He might just not grasp the intricacies of what drives Texans, a point echoed in my grandfather’s wisdom about outsiders’ misunderstandings.
Despite acknowledging the population growth in Texas, Goodman appears unaware of the nuances behind Texans’ lives. The pride we take in our heritage, shaped by fierce summers and shared struggles, plays a fundamental role in how we view our community and its needs.
Goodman seems puzzled over why Texans don’t clamor for more regulations after the floods, perhaps failing to consider experiences in states where overregulation has complicated rather than simplified recovery efforts.
Tragedy is indeed a universal experience, impacting lives in various ways. Texans know that a large, distant government is often less attentive to local needs than community members are. This belief fuels a preference for minimal governmental oversight. It doesn’t mean we don’t want accountability; rather, we’re wary of bureaucracy encroaching on our lives.
The New York Times employed a New Yorker to cover Texas. The piece stretched over a thousand words yet inadvertently showcased a disconnect from understanding the state’s core values.
