I was born and raised in Odessa, Texas (the city highlighted in the hit television series “Heroes” on NBC), and I attended and graduated from Permian high school (of “Friday Night Lights” book and movie fame).

After seeing the portrayals of my former home, (although “Friday Night Lights” is an accurate depiction of the culture and mindset of that region, and the movie was an aesthetic bulls-eye with good character development) I still feel that these portrayals are glamorizing the city that I grew up in.

Although most current West Texas residents claim they love the Permian Basin (as it is often referred), I have a much different story to tell.

There are three religions in West Texas.

1. Conservative Evangelical

2. Football

3. Oil (Petroleum)

I was not understood, well integrated, or even creatively or intellectually nurtured here. I continue to have deep resentments toward that region and that community. Due to that resentment, I created a video that I think communicates the frustration, humiliation, and feelings of disgust and depression that I experienced during my child hood there.

 

 Odessa, Texas: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (442)

Tags: communication, love, video