cross-posted from: https://linux.community/post/844237

I’ve never been that far to the south but lately I’ve been reading and watching those novels and movies.

The prevalent idea is: in this world (Texas?) you are alone, nobody gives a cr*p about you, do not trust anyone because they’ll take advantage of you, ridicule and mock you. The world (or maybe only Texas?) is an inhospitable, inhuman, Darwinist place.

    • RBWells@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      2
      ·
      6 months ago

      Like how New Yorkers are rude but not mean. I remember a culture shock moment the first time I went to a bagel shop there and the scowling woman at the counter said “whaddya want?!” It took me a moment to figure out that she meant “what would you like to order?” and not “what the fuck are you doing here?”

      I am also confused though as I have family in Texas and they are polite and pretty happy but not sure I would describe them as kind.

        • RBWells@lemmy.world
          link
          fedilink
          arrow-up
          1
          ·
          6 months ago

          I dunno. I think of Polite as the superficial, outward forms; and Kind or caring as the actual giving a fuck, never really considered what Nice means to me. But I do think the outward forms, being able to put a person at ease, hospitality, is a form of caring in a way, you have to be in tune with people to accomplish it, and it is a good skill to have. But you don’t have to literally care about them to do it, if that makes sense.