Why would you take him to Lincoln West golf? Oak Tree, Gaillardia, Rose Creek, or Twin Hills have much much nicer facilities

I feel that the way this thing has gone down has caused more damage than his comments.

That's probably true. Amongst all of Oklahoma City's improvements and changes, there is always something to remind us that we're still very much a small urban island in a very cow town minded state. Our reaction is, in a way, reinforcing that.

Again, I think it helps to look at why many have Barkley's impression of us, (and, let's face, more share that impression than don't) instead of just turning it into a BS PC battle or trying to defend ourselves with examples of things that really only reinforce the image. I think by simply dismissing Barkley's remarks completely, we are ignoring some of the truth of his sentiments and, by doing so, we are bound to continue to be that way and leave that impression on people.

For example, is there really that much to do in Oklahoma outside of college, and now, NBA sports? Would the examples you are thinking of really impress someone from a large market or actually reinforce that person's perception by the mere fact that you are trying using them as examples of legitimacy?

Personally, I know that there are many things to do in Oklahoma and Oklahoma City outside of sporting events, things I like to do. But I also know that much of them are not necessarily things that would change someone's mind about Oklahoma being a wasteland or a place where people have chickens in their front yard.

I honestly think that a majority of the people on this board know this and is a large part of why you post here. You want to highlight the better things in Oklahoma City and continue to improve its quality of life and its image. Maybe some of us get upset at Barkley because he makes that job harder, but the reality is that his remarks also serve as a true reminder of how much work really needs to be done to improve life in Oklahoma City and its image at large.

It is interesting because I see an underlying complacency in the reaction of this matter by some posters from whom I would never expect it. But I think complacency as a defense mechanism isn’t going to help much.

Showing Barkley the brand spankin' new Douglass High School might make a good statement. How about the new Walnut Ave. Bridge? Show him that we actually do have black people in our city.

Why would you take him to Lincoln West golf? Oak Tree, Gaillardia, Rose Creek, or Twin Hills have much much nicer facilities

Well, because it's public, but I suppose Barkley being a celebrity, he'd be more than welcome at those fine facilities.

All this hullabaloo about Barkley does make us seem ultra-sensitive. But I believe that we can't let others do the image-making for us. We have to fight decades of misperceptions and nonperceptions about Oklahoma. It true what BDP said that nothing in OKC will truly amaze people, but a visit will at least contest the notion that it's backwards community. I would rather be labeled boring than backwoods.

I would rather be labeled boring than backwoods.

Right. And even then, while there may not be something that is going to wow a lot of people into coming here, it is improtant that we stress what we do have that doesn't fit the stereotypes. Most people who come here to visit me and my wife have a great time and are surprised by what we do have. To date, none have mentioned actually wanting to move here, but it is always amazing how much people think is not here at all before they visit.

I felt the same way, but there is a good chance with him coming, we'll finally get a game on national television with Charles and the rest of the TNT gang. If that happens, there will be a lot of good that came from his silly statement and 'our' response.

:tweeted:

Honestly, I think that was Charles Barkley's intent with his remark - root for the "outsider" using the "common" or historical perception.

You all may think Barkley is an idiot, but sometimes you need to read into a person and what they say. Im not saying he is the best philosopher or philanthropist, BUT he did create a lot of press about OKC. And it was not that OK is a wastland and no place for Brothers.

He's coming (and you know TNT will be as well). And it looks like a game will be broadcast from here (something we didnt have before).

We have a GREAT opp to really show the world the real OKC. You all complained about not being given a chance, well here it is. Barkley might have well become sort of an ambassador for OKC and our market!

So now, Oklahoma City better step up to the plate!!! Clean it up, and put together an agenda that shows life in OKC - in a way people can understand and appreciate. dont just go to the eastside to see the brothas or just stay downtown for that "new york" urban feel - tour the inner city districts, check out the happening suburbs of Norman and Guthrie, I think Langston is a great idea as is Boley and Lawton, swing by Tulsa then come back to "the city" to wrap it all up at the Governer's mansion!

Im not saying treat Barkley like a king, what I am saying is use this PR event as an opportunity to "show the world" who OKC really is! And why this relatively unknown city is major league or at least becoming more major league daily!

Im sure after such a tour, he would have to back track much of what he said. Hopefully, he would even consider investing in OKC - maybe a theme restaurant or even in the team!

This could be a really good thing for OKC (or terrible if OKC does not deliver).