We made the top 10

[DolfanBob]

Hooray! and not for the lack of trying. We have made it into another shameful Top 10 list.
Depressed, Obese and just downright unhappy. I say it's because we are landlocked but who knows for sure.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2293380/Americas-sadness-belt-Alarming-map-shows-residents-South-Midwest-far-likely-depressed-obese-hate-job-states.html

[JCnOwasso]

It is sad.  I lived in Alaska.  A place where it has 18-20+ hours of darkness for 5 months out of the year.  And they rank higher than OK.

[Townsend]

We successfully make these lists more than we should.

I think if the state was better educated with the knowledge of all that was out there and available to us, we'd have a more positive outlook.

That probably sounds socialistic or communist or anti-whateverthehellyouthinkit'sagainst to many Oklahomans so I don't see it happening any time soon.  (trumpet wa-wa here)

[carltonplace]

I wonder if there is any correlation?

[vamx]

I wonder if there is any correlation?

Yes ... There is a correlation. One of the top factors in my opinion is that there is way too much religion in Oklahoma and Tulsa. ORU is a big negative for the city and state. Run them out.

[RecycleMichael]

Yes ... There is a correlation. One of the top factors in my opinion is that there is way too much religion in Oklahoma and Tulsa. ORU is a big negative for the city and state. Run them out.

Wow. Run them out? Too much religion?

The university has brought many people to Tulsa to attend their university. It also brings tourists and their dollars. Tulsa churches are also a magnificent example of architectural styles and bring thousands of people to our downtown each Sunday. The largest liberal church is one of the largest Unitarian congregations in America and Tulsa church community as a whole provides alternatives for education from toddlers to high schools.

What you see as a big negative I see as a positive for Tulsa.

[heironymouspasparagus]

I'm going with the landlocked idea....

[vamx]

Wow. Run them out? Too much religion?

The university has brought many people to Tulsa to attend their university. It also brings tourists and their dollars. Tulsa churches are also a magnificent example of architectural styles and bring thousands of people to our downtown each Sunday. The largest liberal church is one of the largest Unitarian congregations in America and Tulsa church community as a whole provides alternatives for education from toddlers to high schools.

What you see as a big negative I see as a positive for Tulsa.

Heavy influence of religion, particularly the fundamentalist kind, is associated with poorer income, low education and a host of negative factors. I will say it again -- run them out.

[AquaMan]

The correlations may be correct, but how do you plan to do that in a relatively free, democratic, pluralistic country? Or do you think Saddam's plan might be the way to go?

[vamx]

The correlations may be correct, but how do you plan to do that in a relatively free, democratic, pluralistic country? Or do you think Saddam's plan might be the way to go?

Pressure from a variety of sources for an extended time. It is not something you want to be known for or associated with.

[Ibanez]

Heavy influence of religion, particularly the fundamentalist kind, is associated with poorer income, low education and a host of negative factors. I will say it again -- run them out.

Looks like we've got ourselves an English major here folks, possibly even a theater major.....tread lightly cause their world view bruises easily.

[AquaMan]

Looks like we've got ourselves an English major here folks, possibly even a theater major.....tread lightly cause their world view bruises easily.

Let's rephrase just for some insight.

"heavy influence of pop music, particularly the rap kind is associated with poorer income, low education and a host of negative factors. I say...run them out."

Or, "heavy influence of digital culture, particularly the sitcom kind, is associated with poorer income, low education and a host of negative factors I will say again--run them out"

Could insert "democrats, republicans, conservatives, farmers, fishermen" etc. So many types we need to run out of our town to make ourselves happy.

[RecycleMichael]

Tulsa has had a long history of strong influences of church folk and resulting image. We even have church conferences and everything.

Church can be good. Faith can lead to positive results as a community.

Try to be more accepting, vamx.

[vamx]

Tulsa has had a long history of strong influences of church folk and resulting image. We even have church conferences and everything.

Church can be good. Faith can lead to positive results as a community.

Try to be more accepting, vamx.

It is a bad image and frankly an embarrassment when dealing with people out of state.

[RecycleMichael]

Can you give some examples from your out-of-state "friends" and why it bothers them so much?

I must just be oblivious to the absolute negativity of having churches in our city. There are obnoxious people everywhere and maybe the conversations with you lead them to offer you an invitation to be involved with their church. Maybe they just see you as someone who needs saving.

I don't seem to have that problem. My family has always embraced faith as a personal choice.

My father grew up Baptist and my mother has been a long-time Unitarian. My oldest sister is very involved in a Salvation Army congregation in KC and my youngest sister is Catholic. My brother married a Muslim women, my brother-in-law married a Mormon and my mother-in-law and my kids are atheists.

I am a frisbeetarian. I believe when you die your soul goes on the roof to stay until a strong wind.