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15 Things You Should Never Say to Someone from Oklahoma

Photography of a Person Riding Horse
Photo by Brett Sayles on Pexels

Oklahoma is a state full of rich history, beautiful landscapes, and plenty of hometown pride. But just like any place, there are a few things you should definitely avoid saying if you want to stay on the good side of the locals. Here are 15 things you should never say to someone from the Sooner State.

“Is Oklahoma really part of the South?”

“Oklahoma Natural Waterfal” by mkw87 is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

While it’s true Oklahoma shares some cultural ties with the South, it’s actually smack dab in the middle of the country, right in the Great Plains. The state blends Western, Southern, and Native American influences, and locals aren’t fans of just being thrown into the South category. They take pride in their independent spirit and want people to recognize their unique mix of roots.

“How do you survive those hot summers?”

“Oklahoma city skyline” by TheFriendlyFiend is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Yes, the summers here can get crazy hot, with temperatures easily topping 100°F, but the locals know how to beat the heat. Air conditioning, pool days, and lots of iced tea are the go-to moves for almost everyone there. Plus, they’ve pretty much learned the art of enjoying the sunshine—whether that’s chilling at a lake, grilling out, or just hanging on the porch swing.

“Isn’t it just a flyover state?”

“Oklahoma Natural Gas Company Building” by jimmywayne is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

This kind of comment basically treats Oklahoma like it’s just someplace you drive through on your way to somewhere else. It may not be the top spot on everyone’s vacation list, but the state has natural beauty—from huge plains to rugged mountains. There are many hidden gems, like lively cities, calm culture, and historic landmarks, that make it totally worth checking out.

“Does everyone there love The Outsiders?”

“5.54 The Outsiders House Museum” by the campaign is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Yes, The Outsiders is a classic and definitely a point of pride for a lot of Oklahomans, but it doesn’t sum up the whole state. As we said earlier, the state has a very rich history and culture, from Native American tribes to the Dust Bowl, and it’s way more than just the story of greasers and socs. The culture here is super diverse, and it goes way beyond that.

“Isn’t it just cowboy country?”

man riding on white horse during daytime
Photo by Taylor Brandon on Unsplash

Surely, Oklahoma has that cowboy vibe with rodeos and country music, but the state’s about way more than that. From buzzing cities to a growing arts scene, Oklahoma blends the old school with the new. With cool modern buildings, so many jazz festivals, and some seriously good food, it’s clear Oklahoma’s not stuck in the past.

“Do you guys still use outhouses?”

“Outhouse” by Jim Bahn is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Though Oklahoma has rural areas, most residents live in modern homes with all the basics—plumbing, electricity, and everything else you’d expect. The whole outhouse stereotype is pretty outdated. Even people in the countryside enjoy today’s tech. Just because there’s lots of open land doesn’t mean they’re living like it’s the 1800s.

“Doesn’t Oklahoma feel like the middle of nowhere?”

“The Lonely Tree” by Kool Cats Photography over 15 Million Views is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0

This comment is seriously offensive—it totally ignores the strong sense of community, pride, and culture that makes Oklahoma special. Sure, it’s not as packed with people as places like New York City, but calling it “nowhere” is way off. The state has many buzzing cities, a rich Native American history, a solid economy, and tons of historical spots to check out.

“Are you really into country music?”

man playing acoustic guitar selective focus photography
Photo by Jacek Dylag on Unsplash

Though country music is big in Oklahoma, it’s definitely not the only thing people are jamming to. The state has a rich music scene, from jazz icons like Charlie Christian to rock bands like The Flaming Lips. Oklahoma produces all kinds of musicians, and a lot of locals are into way more than just country tunes.

“Is Oklahoma just a conservative state?”

“BOK Tower, Tusla Oklahoma” by NevinThompson is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Oklahoma is often thought of as a conservative state, but considering everyone there shares the same beliefs is a huge mistake. The state has a mix of viewpoints, and its political scene is way more complicated than what people outside might think. People here are proud of their independent spirit, and lots of people have different political views based on their own experiences.

“Isn’t it just a bunch of tornadoes there?”

a large tornado is seen in the sky over a green field
Photo by Greg Johnson on Unsplash

Yes, Oklahoma’s in the heart of “Tornado Alley,” but to say it’s all about bad weather is totally selling it short. Tornadoes are a real deal, but Oklahomans know how to handle them—trust us, they’re ready. Beyond the storms, the state has amazing landscapes, a rich culture, and a whole lot of pride that’s way bigger than just the weather.

“It’s just flat out there, right?”

“driving the oklahoma panhandle” by dennis is licensed under CC BY 2.0

We know when you think of Oklahoma, you’re imagining nothing but flat plains that go on forever. But that’s not the truth. The state is actually full of different landscapes, like the rolling hills of the Ozarks and the mountains in the west. Take the Wichita Mountains, for example—they’re home to wildlife, gorgeous hiking trails, and some of the oldest rock formations.

“Do you live on a farm?”

“Farm Scene” by cindy47452 is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

While Oklahoma definitely has its fair share of farms and ranches, not everyone’s out there living the country life. Yeah, there’s plenty of wide open spaces, but the state’s also home to busy cities like Oklahoma City and Tulsa, where people are working in everything from tech to healthcare. So, nope, not everyone’s out there chasing the rural dream.

“Does everyone in Oklahoma drive trucks?”

photography of woman holding side mirror in white and green 2-door pickup truck
Photo by averie woodard on Unsplash

Trucks are super popular in Oklahoma, especially in rural areas where they’re handy for farm and ranch work. But not everyone’s driving a truck. People in Oklahoma have all kinds of vehicles, from compact cars to SUVs. The whole “everyone drives a truck” thing is a bit overhyped—lots of people go for whatever fits their lifestyle.

“Isn’t it kind of backwards there?”

“Oklahoma Farm” by OakleyOriginals is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Listen up: Calling Oklahoma “backwards” is just rude and totally overlooks how much the state’s grown. Oklahoma has evolved big-time, with booming cities, a rising tech scene, and a smart workforce. The state has innovative companies and projects that are shaking things up in terms of business and culture. It’s proud of its past but all about moving forward.

“Is Oklahoma just a conservative state?”

“I Ain’t Never Been to Spain” by ShuttrKing|KT is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Oklahoma is famous for its conservative politics. But assuming everyone’s got the same views is a big mistake. The state’s got all kinds of opinions, and the political scene is way more complicated than national stereotypes make it seem. People here are proud of their independent spirit and have different political beliefs based on their own experiences.

Written by Lisa O

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