"Disaster Apartheid"

Book Review # 113891

Literature
Political Science > Political Theory
Political Science > U.S.

This paper looks at Naomi Klein's book 'The Shock Doctrine' and provides a critique of the chapter "Disaster Apartheid".

1,253 words () | 3 sources | APA | 2009 United States

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer notes that Naomi Klein's 'The Shock Doctrine' outlines the controversy behind capitalistic governmental actions taken in times of great need. The writer discusses that in her chapter "Disaster Apartheid: A World of Green Zones and Red Zones," Klein strongly critiques the handling of the Hurricane Katrina disaster by the United States government. The writer points out that Klein's writing analyzes the individual mistreatments of the catastrophic situation and argues against the profit incentive procedures taken throughout the relief efforts. The writer maintains that although Naomi Klein's piece is very persuasive, she persuades unfairly through the use of misleading comparisons and one-sided claims that inaccurately inform the reader. The writer concludes that Naomi Klein's strong liberal and progressive ideas as a politically active journalist transform her informative piece to a misleading perspective on the United States government handling of disaster reconstruction.

From the Paper:

"Naomi Klein interprets the Hurricane Katrina catastrophe for the many flaws in the actions taken by the government in prevention, survival, and rehabilitation in New Orleans. She points out the lack of planning that allowed the effects of the hurricane to have impact of such magnitude while criticizing efforts made towards evacuation. Her writing argues the segregation of classes in New Orleans, allowing the middle and upper classes to drive to safety while the predominately black lower class was left helpless. The aftermath of Hurricane Katrina show other mishandlings of the fragile situation by the government. Federal and state organizations distributed power amongst private, profit based, contracted companies and allowed for a shift towards profit incentive instead of rehabilitation. The destruction of homes, neighborhoods, and schools gave light for new gated communities and privately run boarding schools, while the poor were left nothing."

Sample of Sources Used:

Federal Emergency Management Agency. (2004). FEMA Reports Records Aid for 2004 Hurricane Season Response (FEMA Publication HQ-04-245). Washington D.C.
Kay, Jonathan. (2007). A vast right-wing conspiracy. Commentary, 124(5), 82-86.
Klein, N. (2007). Disaster Apartheid: A World of Green Zones and Red Zones. The Shock Doctine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism. (pp.407-422). Metropolitan Books.