As Hurricane Helene left its mark on the Appalachian region, recovery efforts were overshadowed by a flurry of misinformation. While workers labored to restore access to isolated areas, many media outlets turned their focus to unfounded rumors circulating within the region’s communication blackouts.
Reports have emerged suggesting that the government orchestrated the hurricane to seize land, diverting attention from the pressing needs of affected residents. This narrative resonates with longstanding stereotypes about the Appalachian region, a topic of concern for both scholars and locals.
Appalachian Voices
Meredith McCarroll, an Appalachian scholar originally from Waynesville and now based in Maine, returned to her hometown to assist in the aftermath. She observed a community coming together amidst the devastation, noting the storm’s uneven impact across different areas.
“It felt like I just needed to set my eyes on what was actually happening. I think a lot of people who are away were kind of looping on the images that they’re seeing on social media,” McCarroll stated. Despite her own family’s home remaining unscathed, she witnessed significant damage elsewhere.
McCarroll’s son, involved in a FEMA Strike Team, questioned the media’s focus on conspiracy theories rather than the agency’s efforts. She explained the region’s historical context of distrust toward governmental interventions, which often feeds such narratives.
FEMA’s operations faced a temporary halt due to threats from an alleged militia, but these rumors were quickly dispelled after the arrest of a Rutherford County individual. McCarroll emphasized the sensationalism surrounding such stories, which play into stereotypes about mountain communities.
Historical Distrust
Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle, a local author and Eastern Band of Cherokee member, echoed concerns about the region’s depiction post-Helene. “The narrative – that is coming from outside often – the politicized narrative feeds on that history of this area, this region, that reminds us that we can’t always trust the government,” she remarked.
The region’s history is rife with examples of federal overreach, from the Cherokee Removal to land acquisitions for national parks and infrastructure projects. Clapsaddle highlighted the lasting impact of these actions on community trust.
Efforts to counteract this history include initiatives like the African American Experience Project, which aims to incorporate Black histories into the narrative of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Community Resilience
Despite the challenges, the community’s response to the hurricane has been remarkable. Corey McCall, co-owner of Franklin’s Outdoor 76, spearheaded relief efforts, rallying the community to donate 70,000 pounds of supplies for distribution across affected areas.
Clapsaddle expressed optimism about the collaborative spirit seen after disasters. “What I actually do see is like a ray of light in disaster areas is that people work together, across differences,” she noted. However, she also acknowledged the long-term challenges of rebuilding, emphasizing the need for sustained resources and support.
