A couple moved to South Molton in North Devon in 2017 but faced hostility and bigotry from locals. They felt unwelcome and like outsiders in the community, despite hoping for a beautiful life in the lovely area. They encountered exclusive localism, petty meanness, and felt constantly reminded of their “outsider” status. The couple worked in caring environments during the pandemic but still faced discrimination and unfair treatment from locals. They sometimes paid more for services and were excluded from casual conversations.
The couple found life in North Devon and South Molton to be insular and unwelcoming. They had a lovely home in a small market town surrounded by beautiful countryside, but felt like aliens due to the behavior of the locals. They were troubled by the exclusive localism and the blame placed on outsiders for various issues in the community. The couple observed racism, homophobia, and petty meanness in the area, which they felt was perpetuated by a mean-spirited culture. They criticized the lack of diversity and closed-mindedness in the community.
The couple highlighted the negative attitudes of the local people in North Devon, pointing out the blame placed on outsiders for various problems. They noted that young people in the area lacked opportunities and were culturally prevented from experiencing a wider world view. The couple described young males hanging around drug-sellers, and young females becoming mothers early in life. They felt that North Devon, despite its beauty, was depressing due to the local people’s attitudes. In early 2024, the couple decided to leave the area and did not look back on their tumultuous experience.
The couple’s experience in North Devon shed light on the challenges faced by newcomers in rural communities. They faced bigotry, hostility, and discrimination, despite their contributions to caring for vulnerable people during the pandemic. The couple felt isolated and unwelcome, leading them to leave the area in search of a more accepting and diverse community. Their story highlights the importance of inclusivity and open-mindedness in rural communities to promote diversity and enrich the lives of residents. Despite their disappointing experience, the couple moved on with no regrets, seeking a more welcoming environment for themselves.
The couple’s decision to leave North Devon reflects the impact of negative attitudes and exclusivity on individuals seeking to establish roots in rural communities. Their experience highlights the importance of fostering diversity and inclusivity to create thriving and harmonious communities. The couple’s departure from the area serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by outsiders in insular communities and the need for cultural change to embrace newcomers and celebrate diversity. Their story encourages reflection on how local attitudes can shape the experiences of residents and impact the overall well-being of a community.
In conclusion, the couple’s tumultuous experience in North Devon sheds light on the issues of exclusivity, bigotry, and discrimination in rural communities. Despite their hopes for a beautiful life in the area, they encountered unwelcoming attitudes and felt like outsiders due to their “outsider” status. Their departure from the area reflects the challenges faced by newcomers in insular communities and the need for greater inclusivity and diversity to create thriving and welcoming environments. The couple’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of open-mindedness and acceptance in rural communities to promote harmony and enrich the lives of residents.
