Texas, Why Are We Obsessed With The Shape Of Our State?

Growing up, macaroni brands could market to me with ease. If you made the pasta in the shape of a unicorn or a Care Bear, I would beg for it. As an adult, I'm no different because I'm 100% interested in Texas-shaped macaroni, named Texaroni, now that I know it exists. I've also purchased Texas-shaped tortilla chips, and gone crazy at hotels with a Texas-shaped waffle maker.

My love for the Texas shape doesn't end at food, I'm obsessed with the Texas-shaped jewelry from Texas-based jeweler James Avery.  I nearly bought a Texas-shaped cutting board yesterday as a gift for my Californian grandmother but realized I probably liked it a lot more than she would. I know I'm not alone in finding our state's shape so appealing, but it makes me wonder: are we the only state that's obsessed with our shape? And, why are we like this? 

You can get pasta in other state shapes, like New Jersey. Sadly, it kinda just looks like a blob. That may be part of this equation: Texas just has an aesthetically pleasing shape. It's both round and square, regular and irregular, beautifully balanced and oh-so recognizable. Nearly anyone in the world could point out Texas on a map, but most would probably miss Ohio.

There is also the Texas pride factor. Sure, it isn't always perfect (and I'd be less glowing about it if it were still summer) but it is my home. And we take that a little more seriously around these parts. We have such a unique and vibrant culture because so many have contributed to it, from the indigenous folks to ranchers and cowboys, German and Mexican immigrants and so many more. We are fiercely independent and proud of it.

Texas: it's a great state and a great shape. Maybe Grandma will end up with that cutting board after all.