Houston’s in Mexico Now?
Posted by TFG on February 17th, 2006
If not, why in the world would anyone get offended about the year 1836?
What’s in a name? Apparently a lot since Major League Soccer announced that the San Jose Earthquakes were coming to Houston and would be called Houston 1836.
“People have been very sincere. Some say I don’t like the name or feel offended because of the name,” explained team president Oliver Luck. “They appreciate the fact that we use the name to symbolize the founding of the city, but certain things mean different things to folks.”
To some, 1836 might mean Texas independence. To others, it was the defeat of the Mexican army at San Jacinto and thus loss of some Mexican territory. Harris County Commissioner Sylvia Garcia says 1836 might be sensitive to members of the Hispanic community and more.
Dear Com. Garcia and other Hispanics Who Might Be Sensitive,
As the Russians say -- Tough Shitski. That was 170 years ago, and Texas won. And winning the independence of Texas had a much grander effect on the world than the rout of General Santa Anna and Mexico losing some territory. Besides, if it was that big a deal back then, then they might have fought a little harder for it than they did, now wouldn't they? Since it wasn't, and they didn't, why kick up a ruckus now? Let's face it...if not for some independent-minded asshole Texans in 1836, you and I would be Mexicans, and we'd be gluing circuit boards together in an Oklahoman maquiladora, and I reckon neither one of us would be happy about that.
Alternatively, perhaps you can find a bunch of Englishers who are offended by the team name Philadelphia 76ers, and yall can all hook up and have a big whiny-ass pity party somewhere with lots of booze.
Yrs in Texas independence,
TFG
February 18th, 2006 at 3:02 pm
Don’t you know nuthin’?
You’re supposed to apologise for being on the winning team these days.
February 18th, 2006 at 5:46 pm
The director of the University of Houston’s Mexican-American studies program was traumatized by the name! He even exclaimed that he would “never” be caught wearing a Houston 1836 t-shirt!
It’s unbelievable.
My suggestion is to change the name to 1837, when the city was actually incorporated. I’m sure that year will offend some professional sensitive, though.
February 19th, 2006 at 10:53 am
Good article.
I had to do my own…
It’s YOUR fault…
MC
February 24th, 2006 at 10:57 am
“we’d be gluing circuit boards together in an Oklahoman maquiladora”
The line of the century. Thanks for a laugh.