Arkansas is not a hateful state. We accept most people and try to love them where they are. At the same time, I wouldn’t expect Arkansans to just automatically agree on everything. We’re a fairly diverse state, and diversity tends to bring a fair amount of small squabbles. On this list, you’ll find 11 arguments that Arkansans will never, ever let die. Since these 11 arguments will live forever, it’s about time we had a laugh about them.
1. Arkansan vs. Arkansawyer
JB Weisenfels
Several of y’all get mad when I use the term "Arkansan," but the truth is, I’m just following what has become standard usage. I wish we could all hug, hold hands, and sing a rousing chorus of "Arkansas You Run Deep in Me."
2. NWA vs. the Rest of the State
Truth be told, I’ve never lived in the Fayetteville metro area, that big conglomerated city-state most of us call Northwest Arkansas, and I’ve never wanted to. I don’t have anything against it and love to visit, but there are an awful lot of people there. One thing about being the younger, prettier sister of an older, more blue collar town (like Fort Smith, for example,) is that the younger, prettier sister tends to get a bit of an ego about how awesome it is. We love you, NWA, but, honey, your head gets a little big sometimes. You put your pants on one leg at a time, just like everybody else.
3. Arkansas Is the South vs. Arkansas Is in the Midwest
I can’t count how many times I’ve had this argument, both with Arkansans and out-of-staters. For the record, Arkansas is generally considered part of the South.
4. The Razorbacks Are the Best Team Ever vs. Other Team Is the Best Ever vs. I Don’t Like Sports
Okay, non-sportsers, I’m going to have to side with pretending to like a team even if you really don’t care. Nobody is getting hurt by loving the hogs, so just go with it.
As for those who prefer other teams, well, shhhhh . . .
5. Religion
While most Arkansans are religious, the form their religions take can be as different as night and day. I vote we just leave this one out of public discourse and try to love everybody.
6. Politics
According to the national news, we might all be average Americans in this regard. It seems like everyone is in a political frenzy right now.
I have included a picture of a puppy and a kitty so you won’t have to think too long about how much like a warzone Facebook is looking these days.
7. Chain Restaurants vs. Mom and Pop Restaurants
I’m sorry, guys, there’s a clear right answer on this one. Mom and pop restaurants are the best, they have the best food and best atmospheres, and they help support people in your community directly.
8. Walmart Is the Best vs. Walmart Is the Worst
However you feel about the big retailer, they’re here to stay and hard to avoid.
9. Small Towns Are Boring vs. Small Towns Are Awesome
Obviously small towns are awesome. There, I resolved that argument once and for all. Next.
10. Tourists Are Awesome vs. Tourists Are Ruining Everything
We might not be excited at the thought of Arkansas becoming a more populated state. Arkansans tend to like their remote little towns and relatively deserted attractions, but Arkansas’s tourist industry is thriving, and it would help if we continued to be nice to our guests. Most of them will go home eventually.
11. Arkansas Is the Best vs. Arkansas Is the Worst
This is another argument with a clear answer. Arkansas is obviously the best. If you don’t like it, I hear Oklahoma will take just about anybody.
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