Brothers & Sisters

Nocona has some interesting relationship dynamics among its citizens.  As James and I discuss the personalities within the town, I have notices that there is a strange relationship at work among the natives.  On one hand, they tease each other and are almost mean to each other incessantly.  On the other hand, they would do almost anything for one another, and are generous, almost to a fault.  Here are two examples:

When I visited the Montague Boot Company, I was told upon conclusion of the tour that I was given a pair of brand new boots – fresh off the assembly line!  So I walked into the Montague Boot Company a city-slicker, and walked out, transformed cowgirl.  Well, I know its not that easy, but I felt like a cowgirl. 

Since I first arrived at the office for the first day of work, Wayne Wood has been there to give me a hard time.  The Nocona Economic Development Corporations office is located on one side of the Tails and Trails Museum.  Wayne’s wife, Wanda, is  the head of the Nocona Chamber of Commerce, which is located in the Museum.  Wayne would come through the office and give me a hard time.  He would tease me about being a Red Raider, and every time he saw me he would ask me when I would run back to West Texas.  I knew it was all in good fun, but that’s still an interest way to get to know someone, or to let them know that you like them.  That’s what everyone kept saying:  that Wayne wouldn’t make fun of you unless he liked you, and if he didn’t like you, he would ignore you.  So I guess I’ll take a few jokes if it apparently equates acceptance in this crazy town.  Finally, at the rodeo, Wayne and I finally had a real conversation.  He had lived in Amarillo for a number of years, and so we compared notes on Amarillo and Lubbock. 

James pointed out a similar incident to me.  At the Texas Economic Development Corporations Meeting in Dallas, James introduced me to the Administrative Executive for the Wichita Falls EDC (which is only 45 minutes from Nocona), who is know as a pioneer in the field.  His response was to joke about my having to work with James (my supervisor), and telling me to call him if I need anything.  Again, he led off with a negative remark and condescending jokes.  A few minutes later, I was introduced to Joe Caballes, a gentleman from Austin and the Chairman of the Texas EDC Council.  His response was to tell me that I was in good hands with James.  The politician and big-city response is positive and encouraging (or in my opinion, a little ass-kissing and political), whereas rural Nocona people have a tendency to tear you down to compensate for their own feelings of insecurity. 

James and I discussed how to approach this negitavism phenomenon that is so virulent in the region.  We might have to basically re-train the people, end especially the leaders of Montague County to avoid negative language and to give constructive, positive feedback.