The map titled "Texas & Suburbs" is a whimsical and humorous take on the state of Texas and its relation to the rest of the United States. The present example, drawn in 1987 and offered here in the revised 1997 edition, continues the tradition of the Texan's view of Texas in a humorous Texan-centric light.
The artist presents Texas in a vastly exaggerated scale compared to other states, humorously suggesting that Texas regards itself as significantly larger and more important than its neighbors. The map is filled with playful and imaginative elements, transforming the usual geographic and cultural features into Texas-themed parodies.
The surrounding states and regions are depicted as 'suburbs' of Texas, with names and characteristics humorously altered to reflect stereotypes or playful reinterpretations of their actual attributes. For example, states like California and Nevada are presented with names and icons that poke fun at their own stereotypes, while regions like 'Upper Texas' (Oklahoma) and areas with labels like "TARA" and "ADLANA" satirize their real-world counterparts in Georgia.
The map includes a legend titled "LEGEND: Tall Tales (Lies)," further emphasizing the playful nature of the content. Icons in the legend such as the state flower, gem, and motto ("Drive Frenly") are all designed to underscore the tongue-in-cheek approach to Texas state pride and identity.
The scale at the bottom humorously compares "Texas miles" to "Elsewhere miles," suggesting a facetious exaggeration of Texas's size and importance. It is indicative of the overall tone of the map, which is not meant to be taken seriously but rather as a light-hearted expression of Texas's cultural self-image.