Environmental change and racialization have long been interconnected in the history of the environment, particularly since World War II. Hurricane Katrina is a primary example of an environmental event that depicts the connection between change and racialization established in environmental history. The documentary “Mine: Taken by Katrina” is more than a story of tales debriefing the separation of pets and their owners, it further serves as an example of the ways government policies, business practices, and citizen activism have shaped the environment and sustained racial inequity in minoritized communities. This essay will explore the ways environmental change and racialization have correlated together, prioritizing how the government, business, and citizens have affected
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In addition, Kanye further states that “George Bush doesn’t care about black people.” [14]. These statements from Kanye West showcase the different Katrina public perceptions, from a prioritized white civilian to a disposable black citizen. This further solidifies the statement Hurricane Katrina was an event marked by racial disparities and biases against marginalized communities, establishing itself as a form of environmental racism. Following the eventual drainage of New Orleans, by late September 2005, the reconstruction process of the city would be placed into effect. However, acts of prioritization for white communities were enacted by the government which included; “racial and class disparities: vis-à-vis post-disaster aid, rebuilding, recovery, redevelopment, resettlement, resiliency, and temporary shelter.” [15]. This is evidenced by a survey conducted in the New Orleans area by the Kaiser Family Foundation five years after Katrina. In the survey, 42 percent of black participants claimed their lives had not yet returned to normal, compared to 16 percent of white participants claiming their lives hadn’t returned to
In addition, Kanye further states that “George Bush doesn’t care about black people.” [14]. These statements from Kanye West showcase the different Katrina public perceptions, from a prioritized white civilian to a disposable black citizen. This further solidifies the statement Hurricane Katrina was an event marked by racial disparities and biases against marginalized communities, establishing itself as a form of environmental racism. Following the eventual drainage of New Orleans, by late September 2005, the reconstruction process of the city would be placed into effect. However, acts of prioritization for white communities were enacted by the government which included; “racial and class disparities: vis-à-vis post-disaster aid, rebuilding, recovery, redevelopment, resettlement, resiliency, and temporary shelter.” [15]. This is evidenced by a survey conducted in the New Orleans area by the Kaiser Family Foundation five years after Katrina. In the survey, 42 percent of black participants claimed their lives had not yet returned to normal, compared to 16 percent of white participants claiming their lives hadn’t returned to