What to do when you live in an extremely rural area that's culturally backwards?

I was forced to move to the deep south for work and I cannot seem to find any like-minded people in this area at all. Most of the women are either as just as much about "muddin', huntin', and fishin'" as the guys are, or they're the kind that love nothing but sports. I figured online would be a good place to look, but anybody I'd be interested in lives a million miles away, and I do better getting to know people face to face. Even ignoring romantic relationships, I'd just like to make some friends to hang out with in the area. Mostly I just end up going out to eat or to New Orleans / Memphis with the Japanese guys from my plant. We have hardly anything in common besides language and a mutual respect for each other, and while that's nice, it doesn't necessarily make for a close friendship. I have one good anime / gaming friend that lives six hours away that I occasionally meet up with about twice a year, but that's it. It kinda' blows. Ideas? I'm planning to go to the Mississippi Comic-Con in two weeks, so maybe that'll help.

I live in the city. Urban areas are filled with different cultures, personalities, hobbies, etc. But, there are always people you can find that have the same interests as you. Whether it be looking for them or just meeting them in the blue. I've never lived in a rural area before, so I guess I could say I don't really know. Also, you can plan trips to cons, like you are going to the Mississippi Comic-Con, and maybe you can meet someone that lives in the area, or maybe an hour away. My advice would be see as much of society you can, because you will eventually find someone that has the same mindset like you. https://media.giphy.com/media/sfgJIpMS9Xd9C/giphy.gif I hope I helped somewhat. I hope you find the friend you're looking for!

I grew up in a somewhat rural area and hated it, but after that I typically lived in metro areas so it's been a bit of an adjustment. I appreciate your input. Hopefully I'll make some friends at the Mississippi Comic-Con.

i think the long term solution is to move. If not then give the local customs a try. It doesnt say if you have tried it or not. But i would suggest that you give the hunting and fishing a try. Who knows you mite like it. But even if you dont its still a good way to get out there and open lines of communication with people around you. Its enough to start a conversation and just get to know someone a little better. You know that old saying "when in rome do as the romans do"

I'm not sure I'd call this place rural but there are very few anime fans. Some are into wrestling and comics though but I really haven't found anyone who I'd hang with to watch several hours of crunchyroll with.

Well, you neglected work, but for the most part you nailed it. I honestly think I'm just going to start looking for another job so I can move to freakin' California...

Well, I can say that I live in rural New York, I hunt and fish and all that stuff, but I still love me some anime, so maybe you could give it a try. Who knows? Maybe you'll enjoy the whole muddin', huntin', and fishin' thing.

Shawnji, I know exactly how you feel. I had no friends in school because nobody had the same interests as me. Muddin, fishin, tractor riding and camo. These are things they loved and I did not. If you want more friends you might have to move to a city. Maaaaybe not California though. The rent is so high there plus they are going through a water crisis that will skyrocket your water bill. If you really want a cool place move to somewhere that has big anime conventions like Houston. I hear it's pretty good living in Texas, plus the gaming industry is big over there if that is your thing.

I might try and do that Arc. I've been to Texas for A-Kon before (although that's been years ago), and the Dallas area seemed pretty okay. I wish I could get my foot back in the door with Funimation... In 2009, when my contract with the children's theater I worked for in Arkansas was about to run up, I was looking around for work and I ended up booking an audition with them. However, I also got an offer to teach English in Japan at the same time, so I canceled my audition and ended up moving overseas instead. I don't necessarily regret my decision, but it feels very hard to go back into acting at this point, just from a financial perspective. I'm actually friends with Rob McCollum on Facebook, as his sister worked with me at the aforementioned children's theater. Maybe I should message him and see if he can put in a good word for me.