Finding-Looting: Comparing Representations in the Visual Reporting of Hurricane Katrina in new Orleans
Flickr user dustin3000 uploaded two similar news photos; each of a flood victim in New Orleans wading in chest high water with boxes and bags.
Caption 1 under the very dark skinned person: " A young man walks through chest deep flood water after looting a grocery store in New Orleans"
Caption 2under the light skinned person: "Two residents wade through chest-deep water after finding bread and soda from a local grocery store..."
AMENDED NOTE:
I did not post this picture as an example of Racism - I reposted this
because I thought it was an opportunity to examine why certain words
were chosen and to question if skin color played any role. But keep
in mind that these photographs were taken by 2 different
photographers, in two different situations and captioned by 2
different copy-editors from 2 different companies. Had the 2 pictures
been taken by the same photographer AND captioned by the same copy
editor, then the racial motives behind the copy-editor's word choice
could be equivocated.
What's interesting about the the juxtapostion of these two photos is that when compared, one can see how word choice can greatly affect the way a viewer extricates meaning from an image. The nature of comparing 2 items in an analytical world is just that - to get you to critically analyze the photos and astutely pull out larger themes that offer insight to other topics that otherwise wouldn't be as apparent.
To inculpate the 2 photographers, 2 copy editors, and American media for being racist, is not the most cogent claim in this situation nor is it the point. This is not to say that media is not bias when it comes to playing on stereotypes - but the last thing we should do is participate in the supposedly "black versus white" paradigm - America's race problem is much bigger and more complicated than that.
update: I noted a similar way of framing blacks vs white citizens in the 2008 San Diego Fires
Comments and faves
Nanther, Agent Relaxed, Bangfrog, getofab, and 21 other people added this photo to their favorites.
JNOR cityboy (94 months ago | reply)
Now thats just rediculous. Its telling and transparent, but rediculous.
Yum Scrubble (94 months ago | reply)
The good old US of A don't change jus' because a lil' hurricane. Black, you're a scummy looter jus' deservin' to git shot; white, a plucky survivor jez' helpin' their family ter survive. WHY AM I NOT SURPRISED?
Jake T (94 months ago | reply)
Funny. I didn't even notice the skin color of the people until someone pointed it out to me.
fixBuffalo (94 months ago | reply)
please...AFP doesn't use the word "looting"...it's not a racial thing...get real!
thetaiko (94 months ago | reply)
CNN is using the top photo in one of their photo galleries - here is the caption they use: "A young man drags groceries through chest-deep water in New Orleans on Tuesday."
Thewizz (94 months ago | reply)
Read the cut lines that go with these two photos - white people 'find' and black people 'loot'. Apparently in America, your actions are defined the color of your skin.
tdsmoove (94 months ago | reply)
Examples like the captions for the pictures are the reasons why we ask the public to watch out for subtle or subconscious racism in the media. You'll find many for the same types of reports on television as well... Blacks in Wal-Mart while whites wait with their family on a porch, it's ludicrous.
negnegneg (94 months ago | reply)
Why is everyone so worried about it anyway? When the owners go back into the stores, they'll chalk all of it up to a loss and collect a big insurance check. It's not like they'll try to salvage and re-sell it.
I say we focus on the selfish business owners who won't just GIVE the victims the stuff. Isn't it hypocritical if Walmart donates $100K to the efforts, but getting mad because people "stole/looted" from them? It's like the Bible says, when a man is hungry, you feed him first, THEN you try to lecture/preach to them.
Besides, what are the authorities going to do? Lock them up? ...Oh, they can't...the jails are flooded...why don't they release some of the murderers and rapists to make room for these vicious criminals stealing for no reason.
Bottom line: I know one thing, if I see a pack of diapers and some PediaSure in a store, all I'm thinking about is my son, then I'll pray for forgiveness so I don't go to hell for theft...
hglb182 (94 months ago | reply)
Hahahahha that's hilarious
fyins (94 months ago | reply)
Read the explanation before screaming racism.
www.poynter.org/column.asp?id=45&aid=8810 6
One was picked up floating by, the other was removed from inside a store. Found vs. looted.
RichardBronosky (94 months ago | reply)
Notice the AP and AFP logos. The captions are not written by Yahoo!, they are written by the press agencies that provide the photos. AFP stands for "Agence France Press". The term "finding" was used to show extreme sensitivity, not to show racial prejudice. (BTW, racism has a completely different meaning and is not applicable here or in most places where it is used.)
See Yahoo!'s response here news.yahoo.com/page/photostatement
--
I don't need to hide behind an alias. I speak after heavy consideration.
CaliTransplants (94 months ago | reply)
The reason he assumed that the whites found the groceries was the same reason someone else assumed the blacks looted the groceries. Assumptions are full of racism.
GeoffSudoku (94 months ago | reply)
See this article in Snopes for "looters" for a rationalization to this photo.
lilcalicreole (94 months ago | reply)
Its doesnt matter that the black guy got his stuff from the store....they both stole or neither of them stole because cuz they both took wat didnt belong to them but they both did it to survive. And the definition of looting is to plunder so the fact is still either they all "looted"or none of they did.
just the fact that ppul are trying to justify racial diction by comparing where they picked up the stuff is ridiculous... looting its even that bad of a word but when whites find and blacks loot it is racial
moomoolambaw (94 months ago | reply)
FYINS, that's pretty lame. The explanation by the photographer of the pic with the whites starts with "I believed in my opinion, that they did simply find them." These assumptions always have a basis. you also cite no explanation for the caption for the pic with the blacks. What you are doing is plain rationalization. Bias exists. When the pix are juxtaposed it becomes very clear.
RICHARD BRONOSKY makes a more rational point, but I suggest Richard that you just look at the external narrative that unfolds when these things occur -- at the very least you must concede it's certainly ironic.
randommaniamiam (94 months ago | reply)
The point being made about racism not being applicable in this case, is, I believe, not to argue that there is no racial bias or prejuidice, but simply to point out what has become a very sad phenomenon, to wit, the near eclipsing of the phrases racial bias and prejuidice in favor of the more inflammatory, sensational and implied criminal word racism. But in fact, they ARE NOT the same things, they have distinct and DIFFERENT MEANINGS, yet racism is ever more the first choice to describe all cases. This indiscriminate and thoughtless accusation in cases where only bias or prejuidice is involved is sort of like calling all thieves murderers, which is ludicrous, unfair and unmasks the accuser's great prejuidice against the offending, biased party. Think about it this way, Some idiot says "the black loots and the white finds". By saying that is racist, you are saying "obviously the people behind this want to commit genocide and wipe all blacks from the face of the Earth" THAT IS WHAT YOU ARE SAYING WHEN YOU PULL THE "RACISM" CARD - GET THE DIFFERENCE?
andele30 (94 months ago | reply)
Its obvious both racism and bias exists and was very evident tonight when the director of FEMA was asked why the refugees in the Superdome had not gotten food/water. (there was film footage and verbal testimony showing people dead, lying on the ground, in wheelchairs, etc, covered in sheets, from DEHYDRATION of all things-right outside the doors of the Superdome)He stated that he thought all "they" where doing was looting and so there was basically no hurry to get those necessities to them. He then says that they are doing "the best they can" even though they've apparently known about the Superdome situation for days now. I'm disgusted with his racist statement but not surprised because whenever it is black people needing help, whether it be here or Africa, the request is always put on the back burner and there's always a crappy "valid" explanation.
randommaniamiam (94 months ago | reply)
Truly unbelievable and sad - why do I even bother!? The gates to hell are wide people!
Yahuda (94 months ago | reply)
It is so unfortunate for man, the Homo sapien, the self-claimed peak of perfection , that we have to wait for calamities like these to get our wide shut eyes to see in real 3D. Wether we agree or deny, if this community were not 95% black, there wouldnt be people dying on wheel chairs, or spending nearly a week grouped up like in a concentration camp. This race has seen more suffering than this, and it is just so mind boggling that there is only one black race in the whole world( if color is to be put into consideration), I guess it is almost time to identify the real Israelites. Yahweh be with them all
majestyoverthrow (94 months ago | reply)
It's funny to me how whenever there's a situation which has to do with racism, it's always a white guy to say it's not racist. Things that make you go hmmmmm.
wmtdm (94 months ago | reply)
The definition of racism isn't "wanting to wipe all the blacks from the face of the earth." Racism is actions, intended or unintended, that lead to the subjugation of a group of people. So, even if accidental, propegating the idea that Whites find while Blacks loot undermines the ability for Black people to overcome the negative image often associated with dark skin.
randommaniamiam (94 months ago | reply)
Yes, prejuidice makes you go hmmm..
Racism makes you want to puke.
Not sure where funny comes in at all.
Thou shalt not bear false witness against your neighbor, or shall thou?
anunnakione (94 months ago | reply)
To Yahuda----right on! Insight is greatly needed in these times! To Randommaniamian-----your pretzel logic is typical of a racially defensive mind-set: it could easily be argued that prejudice and bias are to racism what, arguably, marijuana is to, say, methamphetamine. They both could be construed as 'gateways' of a sort. I knew last Monday when the media placed the black face of New Orleans to this crisis it would never receive the impartial reporting due it. To wit, there are 'heart-felt' stories of whites returning to their homes, seeking treasured possesions; while Blacks and poor whites are only seen as 'looting'. What should be discussed in more depth is....not only the obvious bias, unequal reporting by the media (particularly, Bill O'Reilly---who thinks the whole thing is just an excuse for 'thugs' to steal-- in addition, the emphasis is now shifting to, not relief and rescue, but, 'taking back 'control' of the city---from whom??-----Mother Nature, I don't think thats whats being implied.) So ignorant, fearful old-time racists are more concerned with 'checking' the Black' problem--rather than, say, helicopter food drops. But the blatant irresponsibility on the media's part to not examine more deeply why we have a President who 'cut his 5 WEEK vacation SHORT---THE NEXT DAY!! And, 3 days AFTER the tragedy has done nothing but asked already scrapped US citizens to pony-up the relief----unbelievable!! Kind of makes you wonder where all those FEMA tax dollars have been spent. As majestyoverthrow said....HHHHHMMMMMMMMMMM?
dana_leighton (94 months ago | reply)
AFP, the originator of the second photo and its caption, asked Yahoo! to remove it from their archives. Interesting...
news.yahoo.com/photo/050830/photos_ts_afp/050 830071810_sh...
workshop visuals media (94 months ago | reply)
Here's the response from the AFP shooter (w/ the white folks)from a message board:
Photographer's response:"
Chris Graythen, Photographer, Photo Editor
new orleans | LA | USA | Posted: 6:10 PM Today
->> Jeasus, I don't belive how much crap I'm getting from this. First of all, I hope you excuse me, but I'm completely at the end of my rope. You have no Idea how stressful this whole disaster is, espically since I have not seen my wife in 5 days, and my parents and grand parents HAVE LOST THIER HOMES. As of right now, we have almost NOTHING.
Please stop emailing me on this one.
I wrote the caption about the two people who 'found' the items. I believed in my opinion, that they did simply find them, and not 'looted' them in the definition of the word. The people were swimming in chest deep water, and there were other people in the water, both white and black. I looked for the best picture. there were a million items floating in the water - we were right near a grocery store that had 5+ feet of water in it. it had no doors. the water was moving, and the stuff was floating away. These people were not ducking into a store and busting down windows to get electronics. They picked up bread and cokes that were floating in the water. They would have floated away anyhow. I wouldn't have taken in, because I wouldn't eat anything that's been in that water. But I'm not homeless. (well, technically I am right now.)
I'm not trying to be politically correct. I'm don't care if you are white or black. I spent 4 hours on a boat in my parent's neighborhood shooting, and rescuing people, both black and white, dog and cat. I am a journalist, and a human being - and I see all as such. If you don't belive me, you can look on Getty today and see the images I shot of real looting today, and you will see white and black people, and they were DEFINATELY looting. And I put that in the caption.
Please, please don't argue symantics over this one. This is EXTREMELY serious, and I can't even begin to convey to those not here what it is like. Please, please, be more concerned on how this affects all of us (watch gas prices) and please, please help out if you can.
This is my home, I will hopefully always be here. I know that my friends in this business across the gulf south are going through the exact same thing - and I am with them, and will do whatever I can to help. But please, please don't email me any more about this caption issue.
And please, don't yell at me about spelling and grammar. Im eating my first real meal (a sandwich) right now in 3 days.
When this calms down, I will be more than willing to answer any questions, just ask.
Thank you all
Chris Graythen
Queen of Reeves (94 months ago | reply)
Personally, I really believe that anyone who can even come close to suggesting that racism-prejudice, bias, whatever you want to call it-isn't self-evident in just about everything we do-work, shopping, dating, etc.-is just plain blind! The passing of a century or two has made very little difference in the presence of it. However, I don't think that Mr. Graythen had any such things in mind when he both shot and wrote the caption for his photo. Of course, our surroundings and breeding can be reason enough for some subconscious actions or statements, but I couldn't-in all honesty-say that this man committed any crime. Either way, I'm going to agree whole-heartedly with Negnegneg and say that at a time like this, it doesn't even matter whether the bread and soda (come on, now) were found or looted. These people are destitute and I think our time would be better used to help in anyway we can-even if it's just sending a can of beans or something. I, for one, am not there, and cannot imagine what these people are going through. If you really want to help, send your 'can of beans' to the superdome. Black or white, none of them benefit from this episode of 'Racism: A variation on a theme'!
cherwick (94 months ago | reply)
Thank you Chris.
I can't even begin to imagine what it is like to be the situation those people are. Black or white. I just know it's "survival" time.
Thank you for the pictures, thank you for being our eyes during this horrible ordeal. Yes, we are still plagued with racism, prejudices and stupidity. It almost as automatic and mindless as inhaling/exhaling.
So for the todays of this ordeal all of you out there lets focus on what we all can do. Some will survive and some won't. Is it fair, NO but it's real.
Send your money. Use your gas wisely and pray long and heard cause tomorrow my dear friends, it could be YOU!!!Snow storm, earthquake, terrorist attack, mud slide. . .
Cherwick
sgtpepper23 (94 months ago | reply)
www.philly.com/mld/philly/entertainment/12528 661.htm
UltraClay (94 months ago | reply)
Sorry about the loss, Chris.
I can't believe this column. I feel utter disgrace towards these selfish comments. If you are a person of African-American descent, you should put your mouse down and go find some canned goods you can spare for your people down south. If you are not, and you are an American anyway, you should do the same.
I really can't believe how unwilling people are to overlook their differences and realize that as people, WE ARE ALL THE SAME, and mother nature will surely try us to make sure we remember this.
Its times like these where people have historically set aside their differences and just pitched in and helped. I can't believe that as fellow Americans die of thirst, disease, and hunger, we are bickering over the tone of a caption about the event itself instead of actually helping! Even IF the journalist is racist, he's doing more about the situation by being there and reporting on what is going on than you are by fighting over what was meant by what he wrote. GET REAL PEOPLE! Put the swords down already, and do something!
generaljustin14 (94 months ago | reply)
Dude a nignog would go to the grocery store for food and bring back a 30 pack of busch. A cracker would go and make his bitch carry a single loaf of bread. I see nothing wrong with the observations. They are completely correct.
biggy_bear (94 months ago | reply)
Heres my problem. The pics on first glace with out reading any of the captions say the same thing to me. People struggling to survive after tragedy. Both are in waist deep water. So the sticking point becomes why does one say looting while the other says finding. Well the photog who took the pic of the white couple said it was because "we were right near a grocery store that had 5+ feet of water in it. it had no doors. the water was moving, and the stuff was floating away. These people were not ducking into a store and busting down windows to get electronics. They picked up bread and cokes that were floating in the water. They would have floated away anyhow." In the pic of the african american I see no electronics broken or down doors. I see a child walking through the water with what looks like food in his hands. Just like the other picture. So i ask again why the difference in the language?
For those that believe that wording or rather how things are phrased doesnt mean anything then i would ask why do we need pages and pages of contracts all written in very specific legal language so that nothing could be misinterpreted? Please lets not be mistaken and let us not argue semantics. How things are phrased, how language is used is all the users way of expressing a feeling or enciting a reaction.
For all those who dont believe that I say to you FUCK YOU. Its just like saying "hello" or "right on" isnt it.
Oh and for those who say that we shouldnt be arguing this stuff we should be doing more to help well i say to you most of america right now is reacting to how the news is focusing on "looting" instead of oh i dunno the people who have died or the homes that where destroyed or what the govenment is doing to help them out or the millions of other things that play back seat to the "animals" running amuck.
jennilsh (94 months ago | reply)
I cant even believe there is this huge argument about this right now. Lets argue about how we are going to help these poor people. FORGET ABOUT THE CAPTIONS in the pictures. 2 different people were doing their jobs and reporting. Lets do our jobs as citizens and try to make this situation better instead of whining and accusing people of racism.
iizuhignantaznigguh (94 months ago | reply)
To me it seems clear that the caption on the images depict a racist's point of view, no doubt about it. And the reason this captions are racist is because in the core of the photographer lies a racist heart who sees two people trying to survive but in one group he BELIEVED in his OPINION that one finds while the other loots. The photographer will perform astounding verbal maneuvering to hide the hatred in his heart towards black people; such as removing the image & caption from Yahoo, justify his caption, by telling of noble deeds, etc.
I say to him, Mr. Graythen please acknowledge your heart -to yourself if no one else- and consider revising
We all know that there is racism in America (in the world).
I pose these questions:
How did racism come into existence and why? (I suppose while we're at it, can we also consider sexism? maybe other forms of discrimination as well?)
Can racism (sexism; discrimination) ever be conquered? If not; why not? If so; how so?
I think that it's feasible to some extent. I don't know if in its entirety, but at least to the point of peaceful-comfortable coexistence. I believe it's feasible because I imagine that if something greater than all groups of people came to destroy us indiscriminately, human kind would unite; we would overlook our difference (I'm talking something on a grand scale like some alien invasion bent on extinguishing the human race) for the sake of our survival.
I suppose racism may have originated from slavery. It helps to justify disparity and unjust treatment if we look at other groups of people as somehow being lower. And I gather discrimination is propagated by corporations using minority groups as a check and balance. For instance telling a white worker if you demand raises we’ll just hire a black worker and pay them less (or outsource the job). The same strategy can be used with men and women. And I imagine a more likely way to overcome these differences (barring an alien invasion) is by finding our common grounds and struggling together for our survival and well being. I think if we could develop solidarity amongst ourselves we could raise our standard of living instead of letting corporate CEOs earn such disparate income rates in comparison to the people who actually do the work.
Of course the question then would be how on earth would we do this? I think it would take a conscientious effort by all to organize ourselves –like one big union of workers ran by the workers, democratically.
What do people think bout these questions and ideas?
seejayjames (94 months ago | reply)
Wow. This is a pretty amazing string of posts. I'm heartened that most of them are screaming, "Enough of this crap, we are all human beings, and we live in a world where racism is widespread, yet we are all human beings and obviously need the same things to survive---can we PLEASE just drop the whole "ism" thing??! It's doing nobody any good, it's black magic with words, thoughts, and actions, not to mention using the published word to try and influence others--sometimes by the millions, and often quite effectively.
YAHUDA--Right to the point that one of the reasons the suffering are predominantly poor is that so many of them had no options in this situation!! Regardless of race, being at the bottom of the socioeconomic ladder is an utterly reprehensible outcome of an utterly reprehensible society/race WHEN THERE IS SO MUCH EXCESS WEALTH FLOATING AROUND. If we could "even out" the wealth, power, and respect, 99% of the world's problems would miraculously vanish (with time, of course).
Also saddening is that it takes a real calamity for people to stop and think about what's REALLY going on. Fortunately, this often spurs positive change. Unfortunately, this sentiment is usually very short-lived (except for those directly affected, of course).
Great string of posts. In a sense, I'm GLAD the photos where there to get people thinking---though of course, the language usage wasn't exactly what you might call......"fair and unbiased". Whatever the case, this tells us to read between the lines of ANYTHING we read, and if we are publishing, to try and write IN INTEGRITY along the lines of the truly good things in life---love, compassion, empathy, hope, truth, and beauty.
Peace.......... -CJ
miasiennas (94 months ago | reply)
To iizuhignantaznigguh: These were taken by two different photographers.
To randommaniamiam: Are you aware of the fact that the meaning of words can change over time? Quit being a word snob.
anunnakione (94 months ago | reply)
Chris Graythen--in one way, can't be labeled a racist because he had no way of knowing that the other photo would be juxtapositioned next to his, thereby, creating the polarity, he merely pointed out HIS ASSUMPTION of the white couples doings, however, in another way, he IS racist--by being another cog in the enormous machinery of faux media representation. It IS the province of SOLELY the white mans VIEW or ASSUMPTION of an event---theres the rub--in his depiction, food logically HAD to be obtained by the white couple HONESTLY because it was simply floating around for any to grab, the doors of the store were missing, etc---he missed the point that the food stuffs came from SOMEWHERE and MAYBE---were obtained (without benefit of purchase); but in the other photo, this same overall media ASSUMPTION was/is that the Black youth simply HAD to have 'LOOTED' his goods--simply because he HAD them at the time of the photo. The media, it seems, always assumes, particularly when its flavored by their pre-concieved notions, values, and yes, randommaniamian---prejudices. The problem that the two photos portray and what is also, I perceive, an underlying current that permeates ANY conversation pertaining to racism,i.e., some whites have to hurriedly dash to that place of 'Sanctuary', you know, ----the 'aw shucks, why can't we all get along and move on.......'sanctum. The photos reveal todays brand of racism that is lucidly clear to an ever-increasingly angry group of black men who see---daily---the subtle, subliminal media racism that is not so covert as white America would like to feel. There are many examples, say, in commercials----where many products are sold depicting the WHITE MAN AND HIS CHILDREN or the same AND HIS WIFE/FAMILY---guiding them,leading them, providing FOR them, etc---now compare this to the many commercials/programs depicting the single, Black mom AND HER CHILDREN teaching them to play football, how to be a 'man',etc--with NO BLACK HUSBAND/MAN in sight!!---in this netherworld of black distortion: black women raise children----alone. buy cars----alone. Buy houses----alone, and participate in group commercial scenes with nary a partner in sight; while everyone else is paired off!! (Forget about the white-man FANTASY commercials of nubile, sexy black women LUSTING after the James Bond wannabee-types!)Then theres the example of news reporting---- often depicting crime as young, black, and Nike-sneakered-----while white men such as Rove, Cheney, Rummy, Bush (and countless others in white-collared positions)----are literally, stealing this country blind----these are not any great intellectual insights, but they lend credibiltiy to the perception by Blacks--that the only time we're part of the equation is when we're dying for America or there needs to be a pictorial next to the word 'crime'. Lastly, the photos inflame because when you place them in the greater context of the overall media portayal (or lack) they bespeak of the institutionalized CLASS issues that are implied. We REALLY should be asking here, not WHO's 'looting'---black or white--- but instead, WHY is the institutionalized, VERY OLD classism and oppression that has been fostered upon New Orleans inner-city poor---that has them running through the streets scrounging in garbage heaps and UNABLE to evacuate before impending doom probably because they lacked having as little as $40----- still being allowed to exist?---- and the white people who are sitting in homes in the higher-elevated, more monied parts of town talking about shooting anyone who nears their property?(because the media has relentlessly hammered into their minds that the Blacks are out to harm or steal from them) Until some of these realities are TRULY addressed in honest, open discourse---I fear, white people (and especially those in the media who fear that some suppressed truth or hint of career-ending racist remarks will bubble up out of their mouths) will ALWAYS seek to avoid the topic of racism and continue to convince themselves its always 'an isolated incidence' or something we've 'moved beyond' here in America----white people--WAKE UP and see we need to overcome and overstand this issue before its too late.
shayeonsenters (94 months ago | reply)
I've read a few of the posts on this message board, and I've been watching the news and stuck to the CNN website like glue. I have two comments...first off, for all those that say "how could you argue over semantics during this time of tragedy" wake up and smell the shyttie residue that racism, and oppression has left in our society and stop being naive. There is absolutely no reason for these people to be in a state of destitute when there's been millions of dollars spent on the relief of Tsunami victims, the re-building of Iraq, and the "war on terrorism". There is no valid excuse that can be given that will explain why these people have not been evacuated at a faster rate and provided more relief. If Bush can send an army to go fight in the conditions in the middle east he can send that same army to do more than drop a few bags of sand and then have the nuts to ask American citizens to send money. I've been reading stories and watching interviews of people who have been mase'd/pepper sprayed by the police, and harassed for looting, and made to lay face down on the pavement like it's a freakin episode of Cops. So if you think that black people are just trying to use this opportunity to play the "race card" think again. It's sad but it's a prime example of how much things really haven't changed.
I'm disgusted by this whole situation, I'm upset that people aren't stepping up to the plate, I'm pissed off that if this was a mudslide in white america relief would have been there within hours, I'm livid that there are still people stranded on rooftops waiting to be rescued, this makes absolutely no sense, and I just pray to God that his wrath rain fire on the unjust.
Secondly, if ever there was a time for people to come together to make a difference this is it. People wake up.... if you can't give money, donate food, clothes just do something. Go to the Red Cross and donate your time, anything you can do to help do it, don't just sit back and watch it all unfold from the side lines because it could easily be me or you, this is too close to home.
Shay~
prettieeyesc (94 months ago | reply)
The reaction to these Hurricane victims by the media has sickened me to no end. To try to negate the racial component that lends to the suffering of our people is ignorant at best. When the hurricanes came through Florida we didn't hear about the looting, rapes, and crimes that went on, not because they weren't occurring, but because the people shown on the tv screens were mostly of means and of the white race.
A photojournalist spoke of the dichotomy in the treatment based on his experience with both tragedies. He's in the middle of people in the convention center and seeing people die right before his eyes. He breaks down because he's seen the bodies of dead babies lying around. He spoke of how the situation is portrayed in the media as though these people were a bunch of crime ridden animals, but the reality is that the majority of the people are doing exactly what they are told to do by the authorities to receive assistance and being left to die.
FEMA pulled back their aid due to "the heightened violence", buses refused to go in to pick up these people because "they were afraid to go in".
The reporter goes on to say he saw much worse things going on in Florida than are going on in the gulf at this point, but you heard nothing of it, the only thing you heard of was the need of the people.
Why are police being pulled back from rescue missions to go contain the looters? I am sickened and saddened by the way this country is reacting (slowly), but I am not surprised. If it were another area, another people the supplies would have been there and the people would not be suffering as much as they are now.
May God have mercy on the souls of our administration and of the callous idiots in the media that continue to deter people from giving aid to the people who need it the most.
Before any of you say anything again about "we shouldn't talk about the racism, we should get out and do something," I say to you I am talking about the racism and that is doing something. I am also coordinating relief efforts and donating money to the charities that are offering relief.
Racism is real, and it is rearing its ugly head in this situation and now maybe some of you with blinders on will wake up to the way certain members of our society are treated.
pointfive (94 months ago | reply)
idiots
shayeonsenters (94 months ago | reply)
I totally agree Prettieyesc.... it's heart wrenching to see (once again) how we're portrayed, misrepresented and treated as inferior. I'm actually going to volunteer for 3 weeks with the Red Cross to actually go and help. Somebody has to step up...why not me?
Mountain_Rose (94 months ago | reply)
The pic of the white (or lightskinned) couple is gone. Along with caption and all. Why remove it? The picture and caption of the black kid remains. Change the caption of both, or whatever but the caption on the black kid is unchanged and his picture remains.
That's how to solve it? Can't the captions be changed?
Mountain_Rose (94 months ago | reply)
Ok, I'm aware that the white couple pic is of AFP while the other is of AP. Why remove it though? Now all you get is the black kid looting.
blackroses1317 (94 months ago | reply)
Ok, this is so stupid, I think what really needs to happen is that they chance the language in both pictures to match. Either they're both "finding" or they're both "looting". That's the only way to fix it. They've already marred their image, and they're only making it worse for themselves by only removing one of the pictures.
anunnakione (94 months ago | reply)
Pointfive-----you are EXACTLY the cowardly, weak, effeminate-natured, non-communicative idiot I was referring to in earlier posts!
Shay, Prettieeyes and the rest, are all talking about rising above, but not pretending, that racism is not an element in this tragedy---- by contributing time, efforts, money AND SIMPLY DOING SOMETHING !!------if you have a disagreement to voice in this matter, don't hide behind one-word anonymities and thereby DEMONSTRATING TO ALL your limited range of compassion or sympathy----you cowardly dolt!
schlafwandler (94 months ago | reply)
So the reporter/photographer claims the white couple was outside the grocery store and 'found' the food floating away. Why were they there at the closed store in the first place?
To loot it. Like everyone else.
Poor choice of words is gonna cost that reporter/editor his job. Oh wait they are white...probably get promoted.
aaron_fryson (94 months ago | reply)
it just makes me sick how white people come on this page and still act like things arnt wrong,
Yes people are suffering but to turn this into something as rotton as this man has made it is Sad .
If this was a bunch of rich white people then they woulda already been taken out ,
sending a chopper and a yellow bus is retarded come on !!!!!!
do you not SEE THIS !!!
rugbyplayer142002 (94 months ago | reply)
In response to negnegneg...a few things:
1)Wal-Mart dontaed $15million
2)It's not just essentials the people are looting. They're looting jewelry, plasma/flat screens, guns, toys, anything they can get their hands on. The two pictures above I wouldn't be so concerned about because they have food in their hands - both pictures. No telling what's in either of their bags, but no reason to speculate. It's a bit out of control when people go through looting (stealing unecessarliy valuable items) instead of getting what they need for survival. And trying to defend half of these morons down there is ridiculous. These idiots don't care about human life or survival. They care about what they can get right now for the pure enjoyment of stealing, vandalizing and causing havoc. Shooting at relief helicopters and ambulances is what the same looters are doing...thinking only for themselves or not thinking at all. If they do shoot down the chopper, it's going to be out of service anyway. Do they know how to fly it??? Probably not. So why shoot it down?!?!? Who can sit back and defend any of these morons who just want more trouble in the city. I have family there and lived there for years and know how slummy the place is in many parts. Bush said 30,000 troops will be sent down and I think they have the right to treat it like a war-zone; if you come across a hostile enemy, both foreign and domestic - shoot to kill.
art8641 (94 months ago | reply)
To aaron fryson: People see what they want to see. Black or white. Man or woman.
To the posters stating that we should all just get along and put the past behind us: Let the discussions continue.
We need to talk to each other.
We need to yell at each other.
Its the only way we can help each other.
aaron_fryson (94 months ago | reply)
art8641 you are a retard and so is rugbyplayer
i hate when people just keep using the love bullshit !
come on for the people that are stealing the only reason they are stealing is because we live under a man called BUSH they arnt going to get anything after the floods and there houses are gone everything is gone I hope they steal some good stuff and get some good money for it The world we live in now is only set up for the rich and all you other people get on here and have never lived a life like theres so all you can say is that we should love each other its not going to happen and these people are being realistic not living on mars like you guys
rugbyplayer142002 (94 months ago | reply)
I don't say love them, I say shoot them. How many times have hurricanes and floods and natural disasters happen before and you didn't she shit like this happening. Take 9/11 for instance, you mean those people didn't lose anything? Hell yeah they did, but you didn't see the American people running around stealing tv's from stores or firing back at police or shooting emergency helicopters. They're all a bunch of morons. And by the way this retard knows the proper use of their, there and they're.