Re: the saying, "Keep Austin Weird"?

Question

So... what is weird about Austin?

I've never been to Austin, but I'm researching the area. Just trying to find out as much about it as I can. Having seen the slogan a few times, I wonder what it's all about.

Answer 1

Austin has a unique appreciation for "differentness" and is a bastion of liberal attitudes in a sea of Republicans. It used to be sort of a hippie outlet and we have a lot of universities (including UT which is the largest campus in the country), a vibrant and amazing music scene and several other features that make this an awesome place to live.

I moved here from Ca 5 years ago. If there were a drawback I'd say high property taxes, high real estate compared to much of the nation (but a bargain compared to where i came from), and the reality that few that live here for any length of time want to leave hence the job market is unusual. Many jobs pay well below what they would pay in other cities (but not all..best to come with a job and a lot of us deal with that by being business owners).

The weather is great and only really cold 2 months of the year. There is TONS of stuff to do in this town. If you are bored, then you are just to stupid to get out of the house, no excuses here. There is a lot that is FREE that can be done here.

There's no really scary part of town (though one side of town is not so hot), most of it is pretty and safe. Schools in most areas are excellent. Traffic is easy compared to most cities.

I own a social and outdoor club here so it is part of my job to really know what is happening. You can get a lot of info on recreational options on my site. If you come here, we are also a great way to make friends and get connected.

Answer 2

The folks at Absolutely Austin (a.k.a. Nobonz, Outhouse Design, Udamon, etc.), who make most of the T-shirts, hats, and some of the bumperstickers you see, got the trademark for "Keep Austin Weird" in October 2003. We realize most people don't care, and for good reasons. We invented the phrase, did the original bumperstickers, and put up this website before they were out of their diapers, so forgive us for being a touch defensive and probably egotistic.

The real problem with this turn of events is that it points out the boring irony of the entire "movement" (to use a grandiose term). It was a small attempt to counter Austin's descent into rampant commercialism and over-development. Absolutely Austin getting the trademark rather than letting this chicken run free is a sad proof that commercialism is winning. Most people probably think of Keep Austin Weird as a marketing slogan rather than our original attempt to highlight those aspects of our town that are really weird. Making money isn't high on that list. And they are enforcing the trademark, getting desist orders to folks who were making T-shirts.


Sorry to suck the fun out of this site. If you care, drop us or Absolutely Austin a line with your views. Ignore this. Be weird. Make your own T-shirt or take a look at our new version.


The oversize coffee mugs from this company that say "Keep Austin Weird: Support Local Businesses" are made in China.

Answer 3

Wowsa, Courtney B really knows how it went down.

My answer, keeping with Austin culture and history, and Courtney might agree, would be:

Leslie on Sixth Street, a skinny homeless man wearing a thong.

Hippy Hollow on Lake Travis

Eeyore's Birthday festival/party at Pee's Park, great time.

Many of the homeless folks, they're entertaining too.

The diverse people and music genres all over the city.

Weird in the sense of rich in local culture, with real people, lots living with and loving the land, streams, lakes, etc around Austin. Not big companies killing the culture.

I love Austin, but it is getting a bit crowded there.

Answer 4

Austin is a very diverse city, and much different then other cities in Texas.

It's liberal. In fact, it's one of the most liberal cities in America. However, texas is one of the most conservative areas. So that makes austin very unique. It has a very diverse population. Whether it be people from Mexico, hippies, Arabs.. You will find it in Austin. :)

It is a very tolerant city. Gay couples can hold hands and no one will say anything, or stare, or anything. :)

Answer 5

Austin is a very good city! I live in Katy Tx, but Austin is looking better than us right now!

Answer 6

Fruit Loops.

Answer 7

if you run in the "keep austin wierd 5k", u probably see wat the saying means!!lol!! cause u will see wierd people dressed up in dresses or something like that running the 5k! if u wanna go..its on august 26, 2006 in beatiful austin, texas!! where else??!!??!!
:)

or...you can check out www.runtex.com