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In recent years, it has become increasingly evident that the United States has become divided into two distinct political factions, commonly referred to as red states and blue states. This division has been fueled by a wide range of factors, including political polarization, cultural differences, and economic disparities. However, one of the key drivers of this division has been the role of the media.
The media, including cable news networks, social media platforms, and online news sources, have played a significant role in creating and perpetuating the red state/blue state divide. News outlets have become increasingly partisan in their coverage, with many catering specifically to one side of the political spectrum or the other. This has resulted in a situation where individuals on both sides of the political aisle are receiving vastly different information, leading to differing beliefs and opinions.
The media has also played a role in creating a sense of tribalism and group identity within each political faction. By highlighting and amplifying stories that support a particular political narrative, the media has helped to create a sense of shared values and beliefs within each group.
This has further reinforced the idea that individuals on one side of the political spectrum are fundamentally different from those on the other side. Whichever side you sit on, it is the ONLY side that is correct, factual, and true.
–>When did Americans become so different from each other, and yet so indifferent at the same time?
What happened to the purple? The blend of both – the conversation over ideas and the actual listening to people on the other side of the spectrum. We are built with a series of checks and balances – that should help us blend the best of both together – to be stronger and more cohesive, not perpetuating a great divide.
I Mixed It Up
So, this gal from a blue state up north went to a red state down south: Irving Texas to be exact. It was for the Southern Travelers Explore conference that my Friend Melody and her daughter Taylor put on… a perfect event for influencers and destinations that like an intimate setting to meet each other before the dance of potential partnerships.
If you aren’t familiar with conferences that you travel to – a host city usually pulls together an event or two to excite the visitors into talking about their town and potentially visiting it again.
I have been to many – MANY conferences over the years but few have even come close to rolling out the red carpet to highlight a few gems of their community in Irving Texas style.
It is more than being handed a local beer when you check in for your room stay at the Texican Court. The shots of tequila sent over to your entire table when the bartender finds out it is your 55th birthday (hush – I didn’t tell you that…) or even the cute bag with an adorable sarape-style robe on your bed that you see as soon as you open the door to your room.
So. Much. More.
Oh – it is almost difficult to say where to start, but I am going to talk about the people… and how they made me feel.
Bar Louie
Let’s start with the server at Bar Louie by the Toyota Music Factory. We were there as a group for an early lunch and I was shooting a little background footage for the TV segment I was working on. I chatted with a manager – who then got the general manager.
We shot a small segment for my show and then they pulled out the kitchen manager, who happened to be the executive chef for the entire chain and in the kitchen working on their soon-to-be-released menu.
We chatted a bit and then he brought out a few of the new dishes to get my opinion… And let me film him too. FYI: their cheese curds coming out will pass Wisconsin standards y’all.
HA!
BUUUUUT – try the smokey onion ranch dressing that comes with them – they are the hero of that plate and I talked to him about how they needed to bottle it and create a product line as souvenirs. (It was that fantastic!)
I left with his card in my back pocket and a promise to reach out if I’m ever in his area.
Event Night
Our hotel was more like a vintage (yet very upscale) Wisconsin motel – we could look down into the courtyard and see what was being set up for the kickoff event that night with the good folks at Visit Irving. I could see Monte himself, removing his blazer, rolling up his sleeves, and climbing under things on the ground to check cords, etc.
I saw a mountain of cowboy (cow-folk?) hats being stacked on long tables and organized as I went back into my room – wondering what the heck they were planning. A mass line-dancing photo op? An Instagram wall with borrowed hats to make us look authentic (as much my glow-in-the-dark freckled white skin could look) Texans?
I had no clue… but a few hours later was in the middle of embellishing my very own Stetson that would be branded by me and one of my parting gifts for home.
I know, I totally rock the hat, LOL!
Meet the Mayor’s Wife
I love asking people questions, striking up conversations, and more when I travel. I had a fresh Agave Margarita and stepped to a table to chat with a few women. They were a hoot – and I would learn later that I would have my picture on the Mayor’s page – I was talking to his wife.
They were a delight to talk to and when you add in the live armadillo races, pictures with a longhorn steer, line dancing lessons, and smores over a bonfire? That was an evening that will go down in my memories as one of the top experiences I have ever been given.
My Massage
We often get mini experiences to try, and Irving gave us an almost impossible-to-choose-from selection of five…but I put my hat in for the spa treatment at the Las Colinas Resort and Spa. They spoiled us with charcuterie boxes on the luxurious shuttle over and then the fun began.
Our party was split into shifts, and I was a lucky one who got a massage in the first round.
Here is what you need to know – I get migraines: bad ones. For forty years now I have had multiple neurologists, scans, and “pain specialists”, and tried every non-narcotic med on the market – most of which I am allergic to.
My amazing massage therapist told me about something in my neck that no one ever had: I have a muscle a tad shorter on one side than the other…and will now be trying “micro-needling” to break up some scar tissue. She showed me a stretch to try and what to do with my thumb when I feel a migraine coming on.
So much better than the morphine I must take that puts me out for 12-18 hours. It gives me hope that I can soon be pain-free going forward.
Then they took us to the patio for samplings of an amazing array of appetizers and desserts…I think everything is bigger and better in Texas because they eat so well!
The Gondola Ride
My friend Veronica of Hip Grandma Life and I saw that they had Lake Carolyn and gondola rides before we went and joked about sharing one along with a bottle of cheap wine – and singing on live stream until we raised enough money to quit singing. (I tried out for my church choir a few years back and the music director suggested I look into playing hand bells.)
Imagine my surprise when we were treated to a gondola ride (no singing) and an informational tour of the area. It passes by the Love Lock Bridge. Our guide was full of knowledge and shared everything from the fact there are no signs everywhere to why no fishing was allowed.
They made care to help people in and out of the boat safely – some of our party was a little mobility challenged and they were well taken care of.
The Lock
When we finished the gondola tour – we were told that there was another surprise. This just slayed me – there was SO much thought and work behind this. I literally cried big old ugly tears.
A few months ago, we were asked the name of someone we love, for a form about this trip. The amazing Lori Sirmen of Visit Irving dug up who that person was to us, and found something memorable. In my case, it was my husband. I said Andy, and she dug up our wedding date.
I was able to add my lock – with our names and anniversary date to their love lock bridge.
This year is our 30th anniversary – I have been with my husband for more years of my life than without him.
Rarely am I at a loss for words. Those that know me well can attest to that fact – ha!
Being touched emotionally on a deep level refers to a profound experience that resonates within us and evokes a strong emotional response. It is a feeling that penetrates beyond the surface level of our consciousness and taps into the deepest parts of our being.
This type of emotional touch can be triggered by a range of experiences, such as hearing a moving piece of music, witnessing an act of kindness, or feeling a deep connection with someone.
When we are touched emotionally on a deep level, we may feel a sense of awe, wonder, or even a mix of joy and sadness. This experience can leave a lasting impact on us and change the way we view ourselves, others, and the world around us. It is a reminder of our capacity for empathy, compassion, and the power of human connection.
Final Thoughts
Yup, that was only the tip of the experiences I experienced in Irving on my short visit.
Travel is important for more reasons than I can list, but it is the perfect way to connect with others. We aren’t Red People. We aren’t Blue People. We are just people – and Americans at that.
By seeing where other people live, what they eat, sampling their music, and simply talking to them, we get to understand each other a lot better. I challenge you to go somewhere new – experience their local culture and simply talk to people. You might be surprised – and, if you are lucky enough, they will make you cry.
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