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Thursday, January 01, 2026

An Indian’s Survival Guide to West Texas Racism

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An Indian’s Survival Guide to West Texas Racism

A Field Manual Co-Authored by an Indian (India) and an Indian (Native America)

West Texas racism is not loud racism.
It is polite confusion wearing boots.
It smiles. It shakes your hand. It asks questions that sound friendly but land like paperwork.

To survive it, an Indian from India teams up with an Indian from America (Native American). One has endured colonization twice. The other never stopped enduring it. Together, they form a coalition, swap notes, and create a survival guide.

Not to fight.
To deflect, confuse, and out-polite the politeness.


Rule #1: Never Answer the Question They Think They Asked

Scenario: Thanksgiving

Texan: “Did you have a good Thanksgiving?”

This is not about food.
This is a loyalty test disguised as turkey.

Correct Indian Response:

“I’m more on the side of the Indian.”

Pause. Smile. Maintain eye contact.

If they laugh, you’re in.
If they freeze, you’ve won.


Scenario: “You Speak Good English”

Texan: “Wow, you speak good English.”

Indian Retort:

“You too.”

Say it warmly. As if you mean it.
Let it sit between you like an unsolved riddle.


Scenario: The Follow-Up Origin Trap

Texan: “Where are you from?”
Indian: “India.”
Texan: “No, I mean originally.”

Indian Response:

“Originally? Stardust. Like you.”

This usually ends the conversation or starts a philosophy degree.


Scenario: The Accent Compliment

Texan: “I like your accent.”

Indian Response:

“Thanks. I borrowed it from history.”

If pressed further:

“It’s vintage. Colonial era.”


Scenario: Church Hospitality

Church Lady: “We don’t see color here.”

Indian Response:

“That’s okay. I brought my own.”

Optional follow-up:

“All 1.4 billion shades.”


Scenario: The Job Praise

Texan: “You’re doing really well… considering.”

Indian Response:

“Considering what?”

Do not blink.
Let them answer their own sin.


Scenario: The Tech Shock

Texan: “Y’all got internet where you’re from?”

Indian Response:

“Yes. We invented waiting.”

Or, if feeling generous:

“We’re beta-testing reality.”


Scenario: The Name Problem

Texan: “Can I just call you something easier?”

Indian Response:

“Sure. You can call me ‘Sir.’”


Scenario: The Driving Compliment

Texan: “You drive pretty good.”

Indian Response:

“Thank you. We train in chaos.”


Scenario: The Food Fear

Texan: “Is that… spicy?”

Indian Response:

“Only emotionally.”


Scenario: The Party Invite

Texan: “We’re having a small get-together. Very… traditional.”

Indian Response:

“Perfect. I’ll bring tradition too. It dances.”


Scenario: The Politics Probe

Texan: “So what do you people think about America?”

Indian Response:

“Which version?”


Scenario: The Native American Alliance Moment

At this point, the Native American co-author steps in.

Texan: “So… what kind of Indian are you?”
Indian (India): “Imported.”
Indian (Native): “Original.”
Together:

“Same warranty issues.”

Bond formed. Racism confused.


Scenario: The Compliment Sandwich

Texan: “You’re very polite.”

Indian Response:

“It’s defensive.”


Scenario: The Final Boss

Texan: “No offense, but—”

Indian Response:

“None taken. I collect them.”


Advanced Survival Tips

  • Smile, but never explain. Explanation is surrender.

  • Confuse before you confront. Confusion is the West Texas kryptonite.

  • Form coalitions. Especially with people who were here before the map.

  • Remember: most racism here thinks it’s being nice.


Conclusion

West Texas racism is not hatred.
It’s curiosity with bad manners and excellent posture.

You don’t defeat it by yelling.
You defeat it by out-politenessing it until it questions itself.

And when they ask again at Thanksgiving—

“Did you have a good Thanksgiving?”

You already know what to say.

“I’m more on the side of the Indian.”

Then pass the gravy.



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