Our next "Big Tex"?

The video is way tough to watch, especially for a guy who grew up going to the State Fair of Texas and watching Big Tex do his thing!

Amazing how this cultural icon evaporated before our eyes in a matter of minutes!

Of course, I know Big Tex will reappear next year at the fair.

But, I'm wondering who the new icon will resemble?

Will he be a replica of the former vision of what Big Tex looks like?

Or, might the new Big Tex more nearly reflect the new Dallas community that we all enjoy?

Could he be Hispanic or African American?

Should he be?

If not, why not?

I've known lots of Latino cowboys, just come visit my neighborhood--boots and hats everywhere! 

Or, consider the legacy of the buffalo soldiers and the surprising heritage of black cowboys in Texas and southwestern history and culture.

Why not an image drawn from the "minority majority" that is our city and increasingly our state today?

Or, what about a Texas cowgirl?

Plenty of historic precedent for female leadership in the wild, wild west that was/is Texas!

The fire you'll see below just has me thinking about the opportunity we have to reconsider the Dallas
image.