Much has been made of the looting in New Orleans this week. And, true to form, the pictures American media decided to broadcast told a very misleading story. But here are a few points of clarification:
Blacks comprise nearly 70% of the population of New Orleans and the vast majority of them chose not to or was unable to evacuate the city. And, that is why so many blacks were seen rummaging for their lives.
But the few whites who were also trapped by the floods looted too; even though they were invariably depicted as desperately “looking for food”.
Nevertheless, the self-evident motive for looting (in almost every case) was for life sustaining items like food and water.
Yet, it is undeniable that a few blacks betrayed their ignorance and criminal intent by wading through the flood with TVs and other products that could do them no good. But there were ignorant whites doing the same.
Moreover, the pictures did not show that part of the reason why these brazen acts of criminality were allowed to go unchallenged is because many policemen deserted their posts. Indeed, there was only passing reference in the media to a white police captain and his gang of fellow (mostly white) officers who – instead of patrolling the streets – commandeered the local WAL*MART to ensure their own survival.
Finally, in the midst of this urban tsunami, President Bush proclaimed “zero tolerance” even for taking food and water. But clearly this is moral absolutism ad absurdum (BS). Because what, pray tell, would this compassionate president have these despairing, starving and abandoned Americans do to save themselves and their families?
Indeed, for those of us for whom moral relativism is a fact of life, we sympathise with the looting by these poor people in distress; especially when their acts are juxtaposed to the price gouging by rich oil barons who have elevated their looting to a professional business practice.
News and Politics
Anonymous says
thank you, thank you, thank you!
Anonymous says
In addition to being shocked by the destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina, I was also irritated by the media spin on the looting going on in New Orleans and elsewhere. It is easy for one to sit in judgment of these victims from ones living room. And while there are always idiots in a crowd, undoubtedly, the vast majority of the displaced citizens are simply trying to cope with the disaster. Your reference to the oil industry is intriguing as well. I am sad to say, as one who has traveled extensively, that we in the USA also do a good job and shaping and exporting our notions of class and race. Most foreigners visitors to the USA are well armed with OUR notions of prejudice before they clear customs. The recent events and coverage will do little to change local and international opinion in this regard.
Rage in NJ
Anonymous says
Brilliant. You give great insights to politics in America. You appear to know a lot about Africa also. Your column on South Africa got a great deal of attention here. Thank you.
Eric, South Africa