In Marco Williams documentary “Banished,” the camera is flipped to watch the filmmaker engage in a revealing interview with Thom Robb, an affiliated member of the Ku Klux Klan. Representing the Klan, Robb asserts a desire to “preserve our community, our culture” (1:04:10), even the heritage he deems worthy of preservation. However, Williams challenges this narrative by stating that the burning cross has a history of scaring Black communities. This exchange highlights the deep racial issues in Harrison, forcing the audience to be confronted with the uncomfortable truth that racism still exists and is not just a relic of the past. This important dialogue exposes the conflict between real life racial issues and the town’s self-image. It urges viewers to carefully examine where the roots of prejudice arise from and how individuals like Robb contribute to a divisive narrative.
