As a girl who was both born and raised in the county of Essex that moved two hours away to attend the prestigious University of Warwick -I’ve experienced a lot. From mocking my accent; to being scared of my Dad’s one; to being aggressive towards the area in general; it’s safe to say that Essex and its people, are under a heavy blanket of stigmatism. But that’s why I’m writing this article, to stress that postcodes don’t define you, and that being from Essex can actually be a blessing (because I was raised extremely well).
first off, why is essex cursed?
Being from Essex comes with A LOT of extremely negative stereotypes, with nearly all of them not being the defining quality of the character. One stereotype, and a classist one at that, is that people from Essex, particularly girls, are what is known as ‘chavs’. Standing for council housed and violent, this word is highly stereotypical and unfair to apply to the whole 1.8 million population Essex holds. Also, realistically, we should not be placing shame upon those who live in council houses and council houses in general as they have saved a lot of economically disadvantaged people in our nation from complete collapse. It creates the overriding image that Essex is economically and culturally inferior compared to its counterparts, and that its residents are dangerous, and to be feared. This is simply not the case and is extremely offensive.
the essex accent
Another overarching stereotype applied to those from Essex is that they are dumb. As childish and immature as that word seems, it is used most upon hearing the Essex accent. For example, when I was in secondary school, we were told that the Essex accent would lead us all to being unemployed as that is what happened to a young girl in the show ‘The Apprentice’. From that day onwards, I would copy my favourite YouTuber’s RP (Queen’s English) accents in an attempt to become what is socially accepted as “British”. I am still trying to accept my Essex accent to this day. Despite this stigmatism that was seen in our so-called “safe” and “accepting” institutions, I still managed to break the glass ceiling and make my way to the Russel Group which is Warwick University. Yet, even here I’ve been ridiculed for being from Essex despite my efforts to hide my accent.
towie towie towie…
As much as I hate the stereotype, I do understand its origins. Shows like TOWIE, as well as named celebrities who I see in my local Sainsbury’s like Gemma Collins and Joey Essex do not help to diminish this image. However, they have managed to acquire extreme wealth and names for themselves, which being from Essex managed to help them with. Although their accent, the way they dress and their intellect is something the general public likes to focus on and insult, it is not fair to have them as the representatives of Essex. Just because Shakespeare is from Stratford-Upon-Avon, doesn’t mean everyone born and raised there is going to be writing sonnets and plays when they grow up. The stereotype of Essex needs to be removed as someone’s outward appearance and accent do not define their capabilities and it is extremely damaging.
Essex, the blessing
Because I was raised in Essex, I might be very biased, but the loveliest people I’ve ever met have been from there. My lifelong best friends, family and cute dog are in Essex, so I hold it very close to my heart. With its urban and rural sides, and (sometimes) beautiful sandy beaches, I can’t think of a better place to have begun my life. I miss it every day at University, as sometimes being here can feel very ‘claustrophobic Darren!’.