Race, Class and Hurricane Katrina

A Forum Sponsored by the African American Studies Program

Articles Covering Media Depictions

• Lost in the Flood: Why no Mention of Race and Class in TV's Katrina Coverage?, Jack Shafer, 8/31/05
• 'Looting' or 'Finding,' Aaron Kinney, 9/1/05
• Barbara Bush Calls Evacuees Better Off, NYT, 9/7/05
• Bigots Gloat Over Hurricane Victims, Anti-Defamation League, 8/31/05
• Calling Katrina Survivors 'refugees' Stirs Debate, The Associated Press, 9/7/05
• Katrina's Silver Lining, David Brooks, NYT, 9/8/05

Articles Covering Government Urban Policy

• An Imperfect Storm: How Race Shaped Bush's Response to Katrina, Jacob Weisberg, 9/7/05
• Race in New Orleans: Shaping the Response to Katrina?, Democracy Now, 9/2/05
• Mayor to Feds: 'Get off your asses,' Transcript of Radio Interview with New Orleans', CNN.com, 9/1/05
• Military Due to Move in To New Orleans; Governor Warns Thugs: 'Troops know how to shoot and kill', CNN.com, 9/2/05
• On the Destruction of New Orleans, Ronald Sundstrom, 9/6/05
• Katrina Could Prompt New 'Great Migration', Reuters, 9/6/05

Official Government Response and Comment Regarding Hurricane Katrina

• What were Hurricane Katrina's Effects from State to State?, FirstGov.gov: The US Government's Official Web
• Hurricane Katrina Response and Recovery Update, FEMA, 9/4/05
• Hurricane Katrina: What Government is Doing, Department of Homeland Security, 9/7/05
• Hurricane Relief, The White House
• Bush Promises to Seek Answers to Failures of Hurricane Relief, Anne E. Kornblut and Carl Hulse, NYT, 9/7/05
• Multiple Failures Caused Relief Crisis, Paul Reynolds, 9/7/05

Forum Statement of Solidarity and Critical Response to Social Inequalities in the Wake of Hurricane Katrina

As a Community we bear witness to the failure of moral humanity and are outraged at the treatment of displaced citizens in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Hurricane Katrina has laid bare a glaring example of the historic, institutionalized and on-going effects of racism and enforced poverty. Long standing disparities tied to race and class are at the heart of the inexcusable delay in relief and aid to New Orleans. Media images and narratives have further victimized and exploited survivors of one of this nation's most devastating national tragedies.

Language that blames the victim, captions that imply an inherent criminality to poor people and communities of color, and commentaries that negatively position these citizens are unacceptable. These are subjects that must be broached by all Americans.

Therefore, we call for:

The re-evaluation of government policy on federal, state, and local levels to address the racist and classist structural conditions that allowed the devastation of New Orleans in the hopes of averting future disasters to similarly positioned communities.

Sensitive and ethical media coverage that respects the lives, cultures and unique circumstances of all American communities. Additionally, media outlets must acknowledge the effects of entrenched and widespread social inequalities, while remaining committed to providing journalistic coverage that does not perpetuate discrimination.

Humane and equitable policies moving forward that empower members of displaced communities and include them as indispensable participants with veto and decision-making powers in the rebuilding process.

Full commitment to rebuilding devastated communities and the assurance of social, economic and political justice for these communities.

Do you have feedback about our statement? If so, please email us.

How To Help

Attend the Mass of the Holy Spirit on Thursday, Sept 15 at 12:15-1:15 p.m., St. Ignatius Church. Give a donation to the fund drive to help survivors of Hurricane Katrina.

Contact University Ministry

American Red Cross via Yahoo

Resurrect New Orleans Ella Baker Center For Human Rights

Ella Hill Hutch Center, located at 1050 McAllister in S.F., needs volunteers to help sort the donations for Katrina's survivors. Volunteers may call 415 921-6276 or go the center at 12:00 noon Monday through Friday.