Austin: America’s Hippest Capital

With its world renowned arts festivals,  flourishing economy and collaborative tech culture, Austin, Texas has a reputation for being one of the coolest and most progressive cities in America. Companies like Apple, Tesla, Google and Samsung have opened state-of-the-art factories there and, in the past ten years, Austin has gained 500,000 inhabitants. But this city, with its extreme tolerance of minorities and ‘Keep Austin Weird’ campaign, is a democrat bubble in ultra conservative Texas. 

Former policeman, Tim Enlow, has watched in disgust as the town’s liberal councillors defunded the police. He now works as a private security guard protecting one of Austin’s most notorious residents, far-right radio host and conspiracy theorist, Alex Jones.  Three years ago, Jones’ twitter account, facebook page and youtube channel were all shut down for promoting hatred and glorifying violence. He complains that Austin’s new left-wing residents are bringing their ‘cultures of tyranny’ with them. 

But Texas remains one of the most conservative states in America. Here you don’t need a license to buy a handgun and the state recently introduced America’s most restrictive abortion law.