The Eyes of Texas

Last weekend Prof. David Williamson interviewed me. He teaches sociology, especially the sociology of religion, at the University of North Texas, which is outside of Dallas, and he was in Madison interviewing godless heathens. Never let it be said that your humble narrator doesn't contribute to science.

When he arrived at my house he commented on the protests. He'd heard that there were estimates of 100,000 people up at the Square and told me that Texans were in a similar situation with their governor, Rick Perry. Indeed, there have been protests in Austin over cuts to public education. But what really struck me was what he said next: "You are on the news every night." Really? Longhorns are watching what we Cheeseheads are doing? Who'da thunk it?

Prof. Williamson told me multiple times "Texas is a very red state. Except Austin."

I revealed that my experience with Texas was limited to driving through Texarkana and asked him some questions about religious attitudes down there. It was surprising to hear that things have relaxed a bit. For instance, he said it is becoming less common for people to ask new folks in town what church they belong to right off the bat. Furthermore there is a bit less hostility towards Catholicism, at least less overt hostility. Prof. Williamson said that it is less common for students to challenge him in class when he refers to Catholicism as being a branch of Christianity.(?!)

Now I can look forward to the publication of the results of his interviews. One thing he and his team were looking at were the similarities and differences between atheists in the North vs. those in the South. Should be some interesting reading. His paper should be out this fall.