Oct 17 - 46/45 - McCain +01
First off, I'd like to apologize for the lame joke I dropped in the comments section of "Talk About the Weather." I didn't expect Katrina to cause this type of carnage. My heart goes out to all those Americans stuck in such unbearable conditions. Also I'd like to extend my condolences to the people of Iraq who lost 1000 people, mostly women and children in a stampede today (The group was marching to a shrine for a religious festival when panic spread over rumours of suicide bombers).
One quick note. I noticed that nearly 100% of the people in the tragic photos coming out of New Orleans are black. Now, I know that New Orleans is predominantly black (67% says the web), but even so, I would still expect to see one in three victims being white. Looking just at the pics at the BBC right now, I count 73 black people and 1 white person at the heart of the tragedy (I am not counting the white guy in Alabama assessing the damage to his oil rig or those in Southern Florida).
Why is this? Your thoughts?
By Robert - 8/31/2005
13 Comments:
I can tell you that the gap between rich and poor is wider in New Orleans than anywhere else I've worked in this country. It is surreal to be in such an environment. So, my guess as to why the photos are of African Americans is that the more affleuent (and caucasion) got out in plenty of time. The poverty-stricken may not have had the resources get out or even to a shelter. That's just my take.
Stella, I hope you don't mind, I clicked on your name and surfed around your site for a while. I really loved your latest message to Bush:
"Your true dedication is showing (again) by cutting two days off the vacation in Crawford. Quick question: How did you think Social Security trumped Katrina?? This storm was 500 miles wide on Saturday and headed straight toward one of the world's largest shipping ports!...You truly do amaze me."
Nicely said.
The highly segregated nature of the neighborhoods in New Orleans may also have contributed to large number of African Americans left homeless by Katrina. (I believe New Orleans is one of the top 10 most segregated cities in the nation.) Thus, not only is 67% of New Orleans African American, but this 67% lives together in neighborhoods separate from Caucasians. These African American neighborhoods may have been the hardest hit by Katrina. Further, these neighborhoods are also poorer and more susceptible to damage from the hurricane. Thus, the reality may be that the majority of the people harmed were African American, rather than the media portraying the Katrina as a "black tragedy."
Just thought this applies to the post: You can help out by donating online whatever you can to www.salvationarmyusa.org
i hope that as a country, we help out as much as we can..Similar to 9-11 this is a war between us and another force.. Unlike wars between countries there is noone to blame or attack back, hopefully the rage that we usually have during a tragic experience is converted to positive reactions and everyone supporting as much as they can. I just hope that it gets taken as seriously as 9-11 was. These people are in real trouble down there. Help how you can.
Sorry that didnt really apply to the culture topic, but its still valid.
Sandy, thank you for the link.
Your heart is definitely in the right place, but this is not any type of war. Any comparison with 9-11 (albeit well intentioned) is silly. (Aside from the fact that the U.S. will probably be as successful at catching Katrina as Osama.)
Katrina did not attack us because of our overbearing, hypocritical foreign policy in her homeland.
[If you are wonder exactly what breed of policy I am referring to, scroll down and read my post “Killing 3 Birds…”]
Either way, your message: “Help how you can,” is much needed and your compassion commendable.
Thank you.
Thanks. I'm volunteering time at the Red Cross this weekend. Call 311 in your city for the phone number to the local Red Cross chapter.
This is the greatest tragedy in US history, no question.
I am now sad to say that my initial prediction may actually be correct.
and where is the leadership? not necessarily the president....but someone! I watched a great segment with Shepard Smith (yes, of FOX). he interviewed people and everyone said they had no idea what was going on. it is now nighttime and these people are just walking around with no food, no shelter, and no one telling them where to go.
this is a disgrace that there was not better planning.
I cannot even watch the news, it is so unbelieveably sad.
and there is no reason to compare this to 9/11 because the human suffering is 20 times more in NO. Every home is ruined....that is hundreds of thousands of lives ruined. not to mention the death toll will probably be higher.
(and before anyone jumps all over my lack of appreciation for 9/11, i think you need to fully digest the level of this tragedy)
No doubt. This is way worse. And the neocons don't even have anybody to attack.
I too saw that piece on Fox and it prompted my fury. Could we not have dropped some freaking water and food to those poor people on I-10? And just a DIRECTION IN WHICH TO WALK for evacuation! I am horrified. This is, I agree, the worst tragedy our country has suffered. And with his response time, our idiot President certainly made those seven minutes a few years ago seem brisk. I am fired up beyond belief.
I can't even begin to imagine what those people are going through. I am just sitting here picturing a pregnant woman walking around those flooded streets or anyone that needs medical attention for that matter. How are they supposed to get treated???
You have probably all seem the same footage as me since CNN is running the same stuff over and over again.. have you guys seen the footage of the man floating along on a mattress... I wonder if he ripped the "Do not remove under penatly of law" tag... hmmmm....
stella, i am right with you on the anger. i am really furious.
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