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Oeditpus Rex

(42,402 posts)

15. The book was generally hated by white residents of Odessa

Reply to Xavier Breath (Reply #14)

Sun Aug 24, 2025, 03:33 PM

11 hrs ago

It portrayed them as racists, entirely dependent on the oil market, with cirtually nothing in their lives but classism and the Church of Permian High Football.

A WaPo sportswriter took a two-year leave of absence and moved to Odessa to write it via immersion. He wasn't under cover or anything, but the residents apparently expected that rosy portrayal. They didn't get it.

The final chapter is the real kick in the balls, but it has little to do with Odessa. It's the story of two superstars at Carter High in Dallas and how ridiculously extreme the worship of Texas high school football can get (I think Carter was the school that beat Permian in the state 5AAA [or whatever] semifinals that year.)

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$139 million for a high school stadium? In football hotbeds, it's the norm. [View all] Celerity Saturday OP

I certainly agree. I grew up in Joplin MO, Nebraska, OK, KS, all big football supporters. The ... SWBTATTReg Saturday #1

They'll make it up by firing all the teachers that don't teach business, mechanics, or agriculture. Ping Tung Saturday #2

These are the same fuckers who won't pay for school lunches. GaYellowDawg Saturday #3

Here in north Texas BigMin28 Saturday #4

That explains why Texas ranks near the bottom in educational achievement. lees1975 Saturday #6

I think Texas tries to run out families with Ilsa Saturday #8

They should call it Brawndo Stadium. n/t flvegan Saturday #5

Ahhhhhh, that is a good one. MuseRider 16 hrs ago #13

How about a domed high school stadium at a fraction of the cost? FuzzyRabbit Saturday #7

That's a cool-looking stadium, and on the inside as well. Xavier Breath Saturday #10

Seats 5,500 for a high school of 445 students. muriel_volestrangler 11 hrs ago #16

Benson stadium sits next to the Pro Football HOF in Canton and is used for the NFL induction ceremony and games. Xavier Breath Saturday #9

Thank you ok_cpu Saturday #11

Read 'Friday Night Lights' to understand Oeditpus Rex Saturday #12

I haven't partaken in any of its forms, and I stopped caring about high school football after I left high school. Xavier Breath 15 hrs ago #14

The book was generally hated by white residents of Odessa Oeditpus Rex 11 hrs ago #15

Here In Our Town... ProfessorGAC 8 hrs ago #17

We spend millions on ice rinks up here. EllieBC 8 hrs ago #18