One thing about living in a rural community in Oregon that would never cease to amaze you is just how profound the overall ignorance is among the majority of the residents that live there. At first, maybe, but after some time and consideration you come to a realization that the United States is in a much worse state than originally thought. “For many in rural America, it’s downright logical to deny objective reality on any particular issue.” [1] For instance, in 2019, “A Halloween display of trash bags shaped into bodies hung from a tree outside a St. Helens home has been taken down Monday evening after debate swelled over if they were appropriate decorations for the holiday or if they resembled symbols of lynching.” [2] However, no debate was needed, this heinous act of
ignorance was purposely done. Not only that, but the resident was a repeat offender and this was them literally tripling down with their offensive display from the previous year. “Mayor Rick Scholl had to get involved in an incident with a resident to remove a black trash bag resembling a lynching from a tree.” [3] Unlike last year where the community was patient with this racist resident, I had lost mine. Knowing well that our city leaders weren’t willing to confront and resolve this, I took it upon myself to put a spotlight on this issue. So, I contacted numerous news outlets; from local to national, from newspaper to cable, I did my best to bring this story to light. Very quickly I was contacted by KOIN6 News where I was able to coordinate with the network to get the story on the air.
Shortly after the story aired, the display of trash bags and rope had been pulled from the tree. "Initially, Diane (neighbor & friend to Britney Ann: the resident and homeowner who put the display up) said the display would be taken down after the holiday was over.” [4] However, I think the shame and realization on just how ugly this act of willful ignorance
was began to take a toll on her and took it down early. Nonetheless, it didn’t stop the networks from across the country to share this story. Regardless though, I think this 5 minutes of fame had an impact on her because this year she decided not to repeat the same mistakes she had in the years past.
#BlackLivesMatter #BLM #Halloweentown #StHelens #Oregon #Racism #RacistAF #NoJusticeNoPeace #UseYourPrivilege #SilenceIsCompliance #StayLoud
Works Cited
[1] Womack, Larry. “I grew up in rural, small-town America — and I can tell you the real reason why people love Donald Trump.” Independent. 22 November 2019. https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/trump-supporters-california-clinton-fake-news-vote-2020-a9214131.html. Accessed 02 December 2020.
[2] [4] Ballick, Lisa. “Halloween display in St. Helens pulled after controversy: Some voiced concerns the display was a symbol of lynching.” KOIN 6 News. 28 October 2019. https://www.koin.com/news/oregon/some-offended-by-st-helens-home-halloween-display/. Accessed 02 December 2020.
[3] O’Hanlon, Thomas. “Letters: Racism.” St. Helens Chronicle. 01 February 2019. https://www.thechronicleonline.com/opinion_paid/letters-racism/article_3d7c9df6-24c0-11e9-9d73-436f51069f58.html. Accessed 02 December 2020.