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· outsider who is unaccustomed to country life will find it tough, some
times too tough. As one man said, "I didn't figure a feller from the
clty would like country ways." Un another occasion the researcher
approached two men sitting on the ground. As the researcher walked up
to them, one of the men offered him a chair, saying, "You don't want
to ruin your clothes. Us country fellers don't worry about our clothes."
The people of Wilman are not so isolated that they are unaware that
technologically, economically and educationally they are behind the
outside world. They are also aware of the outside world's notion of
"hillbilly". Thus, it is hypothesized that the people of Wilman look
to the rugged life as the one source of pride that they are able to
present to the outside world. Hence, the researcher was constantly
asked, "How do you like this country?" "I guess your wife doesn't
like this country, does she?" A visit from the researcher's parents
brought the same questions of them.
At the same time the people of Wilman prefer the mountain life to
that of the outside world, and they are anxious for the outsider to
accept and find some value in their way of life. This presents a
problem to the outsider who is hoping to introduce an innovation such
as the Community Action Program. He must be able to demonstrate a
genuine acceptance of the culture without destroying the source of
pride: the mountain dweller's ability to exist in the rugged envi-
ronment. This pride can be injured if the outsider belittles the
l harshness. It can be used to advantage if the outsider expresses
an acceptance of the way of life and seeks the aid of the mountain
dweller in adjusting to life there or learning the culture.
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