The Eyes Of Texas Are Upon You, Emoji Users

HOUSTON, TX -- When it comes to symbols, the individual states of the U.S. literally have the market cornered.

Every state has a state flower, state bird, state motto and of course a state flag that each of the citizens of each individual state can, and often do embrace.

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However, when it comes to emojis, those new fangled images that so many love, there are a limited number depicting the state flags that are free.

And when those online users start using another nation’s flag to represent Texas?

Well, them’s fightin words, par'ner.

The Chilean National flag bears a striking resemblance to the Lone Star Flag of Texas, and a state representative thinks you should stop using this emoji when speaking of Texas (image: Pixabay)

A Texas State Representative is taking a stand against pesky texters and tweeters who cannot tell the difference between the Chilean flag and the Lone Star Flag of Texas, when it comes to the use of emoji’s in online platforms.

Hoping for bring a bit of clarity, State Rep. Tom Oliverson (R-Cypress) has authored House Concurrent Resolution 75 urging Texans to stop using the emoji depicting the image of the Chilean flag when referring to Texas.

Oliverson said in his resolution that while the similarities are obvious, that the Chilean flag, while a symbol of pride for Chileans everywhere, it cannot and does represent the state of Texas.

“The colors of the Chilean flag depict sky, snow, and blood spilled while fighting for freedom, but the blue, white, and red of the Lone Star Flag stand for the Texan values of loyalty, purity, and bravery,” the resolution reads.

While Oliverson went at length to describe the differences between the two symbols, he didn’t endorse nor call for the creation of a Texas flag emoji.

In fact, Oliverson said his whole point was to ensure people knew the difference between the flags.

The resolution will by no means become the law of the land in Texas, but it will go before a committee who can then decide if it should go to the floor of the state house of representatives

Image: ctj71081 via Flickr

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