I think one of the points coming out of the Katrina disaster is the way the news is reported, obviously. It seems that the focus is on the looting, and while that is a part of the tragedy, I’m sure it was just as much a part of the 9/11 New York City scene but downplayed because of the desire and need to play up the patriotism and a big city and entire country coming together to help each other out. The police and firefighters and everyone on the scene were heroes. Well, I’m positive that there are heroes in New Orleans, Biloxi, and all the devasted areas as well.
But this is a different situation than NYC. For one things, it is people against nature. And since no one likes to point the finger at God, they are pointing it at government (who may deservedly receive some of the blame but this is an almost inconceivably large area to cover and still inaccessible in many places); there is an extraordinary number of survivors that need help; there is no where close for them to go; and the main problem is getting food to the families who are jam-packed together under miserable conditions waiting for aid.
We didn’t hear much about looting and gun-waving in the Towers tragedy. But then the main force was over in a couple hours, and amazingly, even without warning, thousands evacuated before more serious loss of life was incurred. They also had homes to go back to once they escaped the area. What was left in the buildings were most likely only the dead.
I only hope that the bad side of this disaster doesn’t prevent us from helping; the disgust at seeing the darker side of human nature become the focus of what is going to be a long term need of cities of people whose lives have been nearly destroyed by tragedy.
The Lost Children: A Charity Anthology
Those are all really good points to keep in mind Susan – helps to put it in perspective. I’ve been watching it upfold in horror like everyone else – wondering how on earth this can occur in North America. My heart goes out to the people.