What region are we in?

[ZYX]

What region do you consider yourself to live in? (As in Midwest, Southwest, South, West, etc.) There is no definitive answer, Oklahoma does not clearly fit into any US region, but I'm curious as to your opinions.

If I had to put us in a region I'd call it south central and stick us with Texas and Arkansas, maybe Louisiana. We're certainly not Midwestern, only far western Oklahoma could be considered the Southwest, and we're not quite Southern either.

Also, this was sort of brought up in another thread, but it's interesting to me the cultural difference between Tulsa proper and Bixby. People in Tulsa seem very "neutral" for the US without really displaying any regionalisms in accent or cultural preferences, with a few exceptions, mainly for the older generation. However, I've grown up in Bixby my whole life and have noticed differences between the people. A sizeable chunk of the population may still be committed to the Confederacy (as displayed by the outrageously lifted trucks with Confederate flag stickers on the back glass). Also, I, and many other people I know talk with a mild accent. I never noticed it and thought it was completely normal until I heard myself on video and literally did not recognize my own voice. It is cool to wear cowboy boots here, not so in Tulsa.

This is completely different than Jenks. Why? The cities touch each other. How can they be so different? They're both well-to-do bedroom commmunities of Tulsa. It's amazing to me that there could be such a culture difference.

I'd be grateful if you'd respond to my fascination with geography. 

[BKDotCom]

Central (and central time zone)

[Ed W]

Actually, we're in the Twilight Zone.  If you look carefully, you'll notice Rod Serling standing on various street corners, smoking a cigarette, and looking sharp in a narrow lapelled suit.  "Mr. Smith thinks he's in Oklahoma and it's the year 2013, but in reality, it's an earlier time.  Mr. Smith is motoring directly into the Twilight Zone."

[AquaMan]

I think you pretty well nailed it. South Central by my estimation and more in common with Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana by culture. Definitely a Southern culture with highlights of upper mid-west due to transfers by oil companies and AA.

If you say "worsh rag" instead of wash cloth, you've got that Arkansas feel. If you say "ya'll" and wear boots its Texas and if you slur your language so that its practically a gumbo of "dem" and "das" then its Loo-siana.

[patric]

Region 1.

(at least that's what my DVD player tells me).

Otherwise, Oceania.

[RecycleMichael]

I agree with the South Central description.

[davideinstein]

Southern Plains.

[Ibanez]

Southern Plains.

This is the most accurate.

Also the OP needs to realize that the history of Bixby is one of agriculture and that it didn't just spring up as a "well to do bedroom community" thus the people there, especially on the South Side of the river, have more rural traits.

[Conan71]

This is the most accurate.

Also the OP needs to realize that the history of Bixby is one of agriculture and that it didn't just spring up as a "well to do bedroom community" thus the people there, especially on the South Side of the river, have more rural traits.

Good point.

Bixby's big change from a farming community to more of a bedroom community has really taken off in the last 15 years, whereas Jenks and the area it's school district is in had about a 15 to 20 year head start.

30+ years ago when I first started going to Jenks schools, most kids who went there had an Okie twang except the ones who came here from one of the coasts.  Thinking of my daughters who graduated from Jenks, they seem to have a pretty neutral dialect and most of their friends who grew up with them in south Tulsa do as well.  I think the dialect in Tulsa is becoming more "neutral" or what I consider mid-western in general.

[Gaspar]

I would have to say we display traits more associated with Southwest.  It really depends on the categories you are interested in.

Food: Our use of chilis, availability of assorted hot-sauces at most restaurants and the presence of Mexican fare suggest Southwestern cuisine.  Our use of large cuts of meat, and the way restaurants typically season chicken dishes is predominately Southwestern (use of bold flavors like oregano, paprica, onion, & garlic instead of more delicate seasonings like tarragon, thyme, marjoram, savory, lavender).

Culture: We tend to be more independent in almost every way, and more conservative which people typically consider a Southern trait.  We have more of a tendency to take responsibility for their own actions rather than accept or attribute our status through the will of others, that too is very Southern.  Most Oklahoman's that I know are sportsman of some type or at least enjoy those activities regularly (hunting, fishing, hiking, and generally spending time in nature), that is very Southwestern.  Most Oklahomas understand where food comes from, and the necessary relationship of humans as predators to maintain a healthy balance in nature.  We tend to discount the arrogance of the elite through our recognition and acceptance of a higher power, and we express that through a wide range of faiths, which is also very South to Southwestern.  We are not very tolerant of challenges to our freedoms (religion, life, and liberty), also very Southwestern.  We like a broad range of music, but when you examine the performers from Oklahoma that have attained the most fame, you find that our music is predominately Country Western, and even our popular music, and rock has a very southern flavor.

Fashion:  I can only speak for myself (and my wife would say that I have no business talking fashion), but I typically wear modern casual dress to work (slacks, dress shirt, belt, sometimes a tie or jacket , & shined shoes), but it wouldn't raise an eyebrow if I wore boots instead of dress shoes.  My clients and co-workers display a wide range of fashions, most I would consider Southwestern rather than just Southern.  No cowboy hats, but lots of boots, jeans, long sleeved shirts with the sleeves rolled up, silver jewelry over gold.

Architecture: Here's where things get weird.  Most of the enduring structures downtown are very Midwestern, but when you look at some of the older facades you see definite Southwestern influence.  Even our deco structures offer more of a Southwestern flair in their choice of color and geometric structure (more turquoise blues, and terracotta reds, with native american geometry).  As you go further south into the newer architecture, you see "low" architecture indicating less of a reliance density and more emphasis on space (larger setbacks, more landscape).  This is also more Southern or Southwestern.  Oklahomans are more comfortable with open space inside commercial buildings too.  Interior Plantscapeing also seems more popular.  At this moment I can see at lest nine varieties of indoor plants in my offices.  I think that comes from the Southwestern need to be connected to nature.  We also seem to use much larger windows and far more natural light.

I am sure there are many other categories and ways to look at things, but I think we are primarily a Southwestern culture.  You could easily transplant from Arizona, New Mexico, or Utah to Oklahoma with very little cultural difference.  

[heironymouspasparagus]

m

[DolfanBob]

I have always said "Mid America" by definition, the States that are land locked from North to South. North and South Dakota down to Texas. If you want to throw in the States left or right, so be it.
I've never been a fan of the word Western. And shopping at Drysdales "aint' happening.

One of the morning crew guy's back in the day told me that he wished that he had my voice and dialect. He said that I have a "Generic" voice. I was insulted. Until he told me what he meant. He said that I don't sound like I am from anywhere. I could get a radio job in any market. I never forgot that. And both him and his morning partner are now on a very popular station in Boston and are doing very well.

[AquaMan]

Looks like everyone sees us differently. Not surprising. I will add to my preference that Southern Plains or Southern Prairie would be the most accurate but not as likely to be accepted.

Maybe South Central Plains?

[rebound]

OK as a state does not fall conveniently into a single region.  We are on the border of several different ecological boundaries, and those boundaries have a (in some cases, dramatic) affect on the people living in them.  I grew up around Lawton in SW OK, and can assure you that Western OK is fundamentally not in the same region (ecologically, economically politically, socially, etc..) as Tulsa.

I'd place Tulsa on the very SW edge of the Midwest, having more in common with Kansas City than Dallas.   OKC on the other hand, definitely pulls towards Texas as does most of the SW part of the state.  And of course there is Little Dixie in the East and SE of the state that is heavily influenced by the Old South.

And purely geographically, the "plains" don't start until the Western edge of the Cross Timbers, which runs roughly through OKC at a slight angle Northeast to Southwest and splits the state right down the middle.

http://www.environment.ok.gov/land/ecoregions.html

[ZYX]

This is the most accurate.

Also the OP needs to realize that the history of Bixby is one of agriculture and that it didn't just spring up as a "well to do bedroom community" thus the people there, especially on the South Side of the river, have more rural traits.

I do realize that. I have studied geography quite extensively for someone my age and could give a convincing explanation on why I think Bixby is the way it is, but I just wanted to hear what others thought. I'm sorry if I didn't make that clear.