Hurricane Katrina and Race

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the phenomenon of white privilege in the United States. It describes how it was never more apparent than in the calamity of Hurricane Katrina. The paper discusses the effects of this privilege and racism and describes the ways that it became evident following the national disaster of Hurricane Katrina. The paper questions whether any changes will occur to rectify the problems.

From the Paper:

"The effect of White Privilege is the creation of system justifications (Napier 61), and it was never more apparent than in the calamity of Katrina. The effect of this was the construction of victim blaming justifications by the authorities in charge when combating the disparity in response to the needs of those of color. The system appeared to come out smelling like roses; it was only certain individuals that could be blamed for any prejudicial treatment. And the victims were blamed for not being able to help themselves. Ludicrous in concept yet if repeated often enough it become reality to those involved. Katrina has certainly taught us that the systems of government, business and education need to recognize this invisible white privilege within and deal with the racial prejudiced involved with it. Will there be changes? Unfortunately we still seem to be waiting for that promised, "bold action." (Bush 1406)"

Sample of Sources Used:

• Adams, Glenn, O'Brien, Laurie T and. Nelson, Jessica C. "Perceptions of Racism in Hurricane Katrina: A Liberation Psychology Analysis." Analyses of Social Issues and Public Policy 6.1 (2006): 215--235
• Belle, Deborah. "Contested Interpretations of Economic Inequality Following Hurricane Katrina." Analyses of Social Issues and Public Policy, 6.1 (2006): 143-158
• Behreandt, Dennis. "Katrina Exposes Fatal Flaws; Hurricane Katrina Did More Than Destroy the Gulf Coast. It Laid Bare the Failure of Government at All Levels." The New American 3 Oct. 2005: 10-12.
• Bush, G. W. "Address to the nation on hurricane Katrina recovery from New Orleans, Louisiana." Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents (2005) 41, 1405-1409 25 August 2006 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2005/09/20050915-8.html
• Dreier, Peter. " Katrina and Power In America." Urban Affairs Review 4 (2006): 528-549

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