ARE WE HICKS HERE IN OKLAHOMA?
I was listening to NPR again today. On Saturday afternoons I love to tune into a news/quiz show called “Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me.” The show features a panel which is made up of columnists, commentators, and guest comedians. One of the questions was about a Congressman from Oklahoma. The comedian immediately said “any time a sentence starts with the phrase a Congressman from Oklahoma you know you’ve got trouble”. All the panelists on the show then had a hardy laugh about all us hicks from the sticks here in the Sooner State.
I think this attitude is prevalent because the national media works hard to perpetuate the stereotype. Any time there is a national news event here in Oklahoma such as the bombing of the Murrah building or a devastating tornado, the networks rush in to interview the locals. They could pick an aerospace engineer from Boeing; they could pick any number of people from the telecommunications industry; they could even pick the CEO from one of the 2000 oil and gas companies here in Oklahoma. But do they do that? No. They purposely drive as far out in the sticks as possible to find Bubba so they can do a close-up of his three Skoal-stained teeth while he talks about how he knew the tornado was going to be bad when he saw his pig come flying through the window while he was trying to watch “wrasslin” on TV.
Is there actually a national stereotype regarding Oklahoma, and is it deserved? I travel all over the eastern half of the U.S. and when people find out I’m from Oklahoma I always get asked the same questions. Here is a sample of those questions and the answers I typically provide:
Is it true that there is something called “cock-fighting” in Oklahoma? Yes, it is true, but contrary to what some people believe, it is not a type of Asian-gay-porn. It’s actually a lovely custom in which we tie razor blades to the feet of chickens, put them in a pit, and cheer on our favorite while they shred each other to death. It’s fun for the whole family!
Aren’t you afraid of tornadoes? We are so desensitized to tornadoes in Oklahoma that we actually stand in our front yards during the storm season and hold up score cards as tornadoes come over our houses. “That one left Bill’s garage standing, so I’m only going to give it an 8.”
Is it true that there are still Indians with bows and arrows riding around on horseback? Yes, it’s true. And every one of them owns their own Casino.
Is it true that the divorce rate in Oklahoma is the highest in the nation? Yes, and it’s especially problematic in Oklahoma because when you divorce your wife you’re also losing your sister.
Is it true that the National Rifle Association has a big influence in Oklahoma? All I can say is that if you’re driving into Oklahoma from another state, you will be stopped at the state-line. Your car will be checked for guns and if you don’t have any, you will be given some.
I love Oklahoma. I’ve lived here all my life and I don’t believe the stereotypes for a second. In conclusion, however, I do want ask this popular question: Do you know what an Oklahoma tornado and an Arkansas divorce have in common?
In either situation, someone is going to lose their trailer.
Comments (3)
Sorry….it is almost 12:30 a.m….my mind is not functioning properly enough to ponder over your question! lol This was a funny entry….let me tell you though, central Illinois has some similar traits to Oklahoma after reading your entry….everyone around here is a tornado watcher/chaser! It’s pathetic. You take care….good to see you posted!
In one of my mass communications classes this semester we were discussing the issue of consent and implied consent when conducting an interview. My brilliant profesor came up with an example that resembles a “Bubba interview”.
A few years ago, at Oklahoma City University, a fraternity member was walking to his frat house from his car when a man approached him and demanded his wallet. He refused and was shot in the leg. The student’s wound was treated and he was released from the hospital later that day.
After the word had spread, a local news station came to do a report about the only shooting that has occurred on OCU’s campus. Another (small town Oklahoma native) fraternity member came running up to the camera crew, asking for an autograph and was casually asked, “do you have any comments on the shooting that has happened today on your campus?” With cameras directed right towards his eager face and a microphone shoved to his mouth he replied,”Well I dunno, but I sure hope my mom doesn’t find out about this. I bet she will make me come home for the rest of the semester…”
He later sued the station for airing his idiotic comment. He claimed he didn’t know he was being interviewed. Guess the camera and the microphone didn’t give it away? They could have aired more considerate comments that they did captured on tape to accurately represent the mood of students on campus, but no. The station chose to air the insensitive “bubba” who was afraid that his mom would make him leave the city. What’s wrong with the media in Oklahoma? I can rule out wanting a broadcasting job here…geez…
wow, that was a lot. sorry for being lengthy
Haha, I love the sarcasm of your answers.