STILL GETTING WORLDWIDE ATTENTION: Sign in Harrison.

STILL GETTING WORLDWIDE ATTENTION: Sign in Harrison.

The hits keeping coming for Harrison, Ark., thanks to racial messaging on signs and the nearby home of a leader of the KKK.

Advertisement

This times it’s the Daily Mirror, a British newspaper, with an article headlined:’

Inside the most racist town in America where “diversity is a code word for white genocide”

The story is familiar: The signs, the city’s history as a “sundown town” and the presence (not in Harrison proper the locals are always quick to add) of Thom Robb of the KKK. But also:

Advertisement

Today it remains a Ku Klux Klan stronghold but, increasingly, they are being joined by often younger racists who identify themselves with the alt-right.

The reporter found locals with remarks to fit his theme.

Local Joe Pavelsek said he voted for Trump because he agreed with his plans to build a wall and ban Muslims.

…. The 62-year-old denied being a racist, describing himself instead as a “discriminist”. He said: “I discriminate against things I don’t like, like Muslims.

……Despite having little more than 250 Hispanic and Latinos in Harrison, Caleb Huskey, 17, and retired builder David Seng, 69, both agreed Trump should follow through on this threat to deport millions while strengthening borders.

The reporter said he tried but failed to find any of the 39 black people the Census counted in the city.

Advertisement

The reporter also quoted a local as referring to “lorries,” so there’s that.

Stipulated: There are a lot of good people in Harrison’s population, probably most of them. But a few bad apples …….

Be a part of something bigger

As a reader of the Arkansas Times, you know we’re dedicated to bringing you tough, determined, and feisty journalism that holds the powerful accountable. For 50 years, we've been fighting the good fight in Little Rock and beyond – with your support, we can do even more. By becoming a subscriber or donating as little as $1 to our efforts, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be helping us hire more writers to expand our coverage and continue to bring important stories to light. With over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts, it's clear that our readers value our great journalism. Join us in the fight for truth.

Previous article An open line, plus thoughts for those who helped make Thanksgiving Next article How Russia helped elect Donald Trump