Outer Banks Articles & Shorts - Issue 30: Spring 2023

It’s spring … but where in the heck was winter? Sure, we had a few cold days right around the holidays, but other than that, it’s been basically swedda weadda (if you’re not an SNL fan, look up this episode – hilarious). I know this thrills some of you, but a neighborhood full of blooming daffodils in mid-February made me feel like I was in a time warp: Did I sleep through that month and wake up in mid-March when we expect to see such signs of coming warmth?! Again, I know some of you readers are gleefully considering your bikinis and board shorts already, but there are those of us (perhaps a minority) who saw our dreams of snow fade as March marched on.

This actually got me thinking about the interesting differences in the perspectives of our fellow Outer Bankers. Some are sad to see another homogenizing, big box business open here; on the other side, I’ve heard there are locals who are actually taking the day off work to shop at Target on the grand opening. Some are hugely opposed to the development happening in Wanchese; others feel like housing is necessary no matter what.

This difference of opinions has actually always been active here. Years ago, there were many who vehemently fought against the establishment of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore; others saw it as the ultimate safeguard for the incredible wildness of this place. How many years has there been a back and forth about the proposed bridge linking Corolla to mainland Currituck? And who remembers the controversy decades ago about one larger high school or two on the northern Outer Banks?

Point is, and what kept me thinking, is that in some ways, while there seems to be a particular emotional reaction to differing perspectives lately, they’ve always been here (as in all other places, I’m sure, but due to our smaller community, perhaps we’re just more aware of it). This is no indictment of us as Outer Bankers or of our visitors. It’s simply human nature. Some of us feel passionately one way, and some of us feel just as passionately the opposite.

If neither side can be declared by some omnipotent authority as the so-called right one, can we look for commonalities? What can we all agree on about life on the Outer Banks? Here are some easy ones: This is an incredibly beautiful place; we enjoy top-notch restaurants; we have natural wonders and attractions that are world-class; we are a very generous group of people and help neighbors in need; we have Mother Ocean to dive into and a canopy of stars to marvel at; we have winds that cool us down and that also keep our air quality high. We have a whole lot to be grateful for.

I’m not suggesting that any of us stops standing up for our beliefs. But how about we all try to take rancor out and allow the energy of this incredible place be our backdrop for communicating.

Beth

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