Funny. I grew up on a rural farm, hours away from any town (far more for any "city"), and I am currently well on my way to earning a PhD in Bio/Organic Chemistry. I am not alone as a number of my High School class have become medical practitioners, lawyers, and business owners. Most people I have met, regardless of their political beliefs have been very kind, generous, and open to just talk about random things.
Now, lets talk about my time in New York, LA, and San Francisco - very little of that applied. People were rude, ignorant of actual science (especially in LA and San Fran), and cared little for basic common decency like holding the door open for some one or saying "excuse me" when you bump into them. However, I also know that isn't the full story and that there are plenty of brilliant, caring people within cities. I worked with a number who grew up in places such as Brisbane, Osaka, Hong Kong, and Chicago.
Those... "children" (only word that I honestly think works for them), cannot see past their own ignorance and have to double down and believe that they are 'right'. Plus, apparently a lot of rural people tend to be republicans which instantly means they are evil, vile, and worship Satan. I didn't know this until today.
Assuming what you said is true: It could be that they believed you to be someone else and instead of coming to an understanding that they were wrong, they are doubling down on their decision and refusing to listen to any possibility that they were wrong. I have had extensive conversations with those mods/admins and they are assuredly not the kind that are open to discussions on possible failings.
It could also be that you are using a shared IP. I had this same issue when I started University a number of years back. I used to frequent the site 'The Escapist'. It was a chill little site at the time, long before this political push from authoritarian lefties. I was randomly banned one day, confused I messaged a moderator and they told me that I was an alt account. Apparently, there was another person who was banned using the university's IP address and, instead of understanding that they may be wrong, decided to do a blanket IP ban for everyone. Even to this day no one can create new accounts at that University.
Regardless, welcome to NeoGaf! I hope you enjoy your stay. People here tend to be far more chill and open to discussion. Just don't using childish personal insults like a few other former members here have and you should be golden.