Time to talk about the new face of Big Tex

What will he look like come the State Fair 2013?

Stephen Elsaesser

Before firefighters removed Big Tex's burned face, he stood, charred, in the middle of Fair Park.

The video below is 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.

More about Big Tex:

The day he burned down

Big Tex through the years

Need a grief support group? There's a Facebook page

Big Tex as a popular Halloween costume

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.

Big Tex burns down

The Texas State Fair icon Big Tex caught fire on Friday and burned the statue almost to a giant skeleton.

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Jason Rice, verified:

Dreading this discussion.

I say just ditch him. Nobody will be happy if it doesn't cater to their specific political identity. It's a grey traditionless world going forward. Embrace it.

7 months, 3 weeks ago
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ezpost, anonymous:

How about a historical hero. Like Sam Houston or Daniel Boone? John Wayne? LBJ?

7 months, 3 weeks ago
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alexander troup, verified:

I think so, Jack Bridges was only making those 1950 images which had I would have to say 5 face lifts later by 2012.......now how about a brown brother big tex....or even a black, or red.....and maybe a GAY BIG TEX....and a Almish Big Tex.....hey An Obamma Big Tex would be fine for 2015....THEY MADE 3 MILLION SELLING CORNY DOGS....they can spend some of that ill gain funds on something weird...I dont care what it is but an Anglo Big Tex...HEY WE ARE THEY MINORTY NOW.....A/T.

7 months, 3 weeks ago
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