Once a Houstonian, Always a Houstonian
I identify as a local citizen of Houston, Texas. Primarily because I was born in Houston and have lived in Houston my entire life (except for 4 months in Los Angeles last semester). All my close family lives in Houston, and I don’t have any specific cultural ties to any other country. I am interested in global issues, identity, and cultures, but I don’t feel personally connected to any culture other than that of Houston’s.
According to U.S. News, Houston is the 7th most racially and ethnically diverse major city in the U.S. (https://www.usnews.com/news/cities/slideshows/the-10-most-racially-diverse-big-cities-in-the-the-us?slide=5). Due to this, many cultures have fused together to create Houston’s unique culture. Tex-Mex food is a prime example of this fusion, and the creation of Vietnamese-Cajun crawfish couldn’t have happened anywhere else. Celebrity Chef Chris Shepherd, a famous Houston restauranteur, says on the back cover of his cookbook Cook Like a Local that, to him, “Houston tastes like fish sauce.” Not something you would expect to hear about a city in Texas.
Many shared experiences also tie Houstonians together. Houston experiences devastating hurricanes and floods very frequently. Hurricane Harvey wrecked many homes, destroyed buildings, and displaced families across Houston. Everyone in Houston was affected or knows someone close to them who was affected. Houstonians came out in mass to help each other out during and after the storm. There was a sense of deeper connection to fellow Houstonians following Hurricane Harvey and the relief efforts. That same year, the Houston Astros won the World Series, which further united Houstonians and lifted spirits.
The main reason I feel like a local citizen over being a global citizen is that I have no personal or cultural ties to any country except America. I also feel personally powerless to impact global issues. I know I can stay informed and help raise awareness, but as far as making an impact on the world, I don’t know where to start. I know I can make an impact in Houston.
