Arkansas stereotype

The people of Arkansas have been stereotyped as being lazy, rural, poor, banjo-playing, backward-thinking, and barefoot cousin-marrying hicks. However, the very people who made this state famous are the likes of former President Bill Clinton, Mary Steenburgen, Nolan Richardson, Daisy Bates and the Little Rock Nine. The other famous Arkansan, former Gov. Orval Faubus, was known as an avowed racist, and highlighted Arkansas’ repertoire of not being progressive or humane. It’s apparent we are back to where we started.

Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Tom Cotton seem to be in a contest to be the most cruel and hateful Arkansans. Neither of them has improved on the reputation of this state. Sarah will forever be known for “slithering” back from “chief liar” for Trump into an Arkansas governorship. Tom Cotton proves that “white privilege” trumps everything including integrity, decency, Jesus Christianity, humility, mercy and love for your fellow man. This new Trump Republicanism promotes hatred, bigotry, and a disdain for people of color. The references toward people for different political/social views with words such as swamp, fascist, and leftist radical are uncultured. Jesus was also labeled “radical” for promoting diversity and love.

We have witnessed the abuse of power and the lack of compassion for people of color by both with these new Republicans. The Republicans such as Gov. Winthrop Rockefeller would be appalled. He had compassion and integrity; these two, not at all. They have proved power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. The African proverb says everyone has the right to be stupid, some just abuse that right. This will be their history.

DEBORAH SUTTLAR

Little Rock