HomeHomeOctober 2005
American Legacy in the Post-Katrina Era
Long Ago and Far Away
In the summer of 1988, while working on a research project in Greece via the SPAN program, I had the opportunity to visit the lovely seaside city of Kalamata. Kalamata and the surrounding area had been hit with a couple of earthquakes in September 1986. Nearly 60 people died, 300 were injured, while 2,500 people were left homeless and 1,500 buildings were damaged or destroyed.
Two years later, during my short visit there, I was amazed to see how much of the destruction remained. I remember seeing buildings that had been turned to rubble, evidence of lives permanently changed. At that time, 40-60% of the destroyed buildings hadn’t been "fixed" or rebuilt.
As a young American with no life experience of natural disaster, I realized that the process of rebuilding after a major tragedy is slow, particularly in areas of the world where money and resources may not be plentiful. It was an eye-opening experience.
In the U.S. then, and especially now, we have been used to getting things done very quickly. We are an optimistic, generous people who want to reach out to others in need of help. And we want to rebuild quickly following disasters in our personal lives or even following national disasters. We definitely believe that there are "second acts" in our lives, or even third and fourth acts. The belief in the ability to rise again like a Phoenix is part of the American character.
Another Spiritual Wake-up Call for Americans
Several months after the devastating tsunami hit South Asia and Africa, the brutal forces of nature shocked the world again when the deadly hurricanes Katrina and Rita hit the Gulf Coast of the United States.
The slow national, state, and local responses in getting aid to the poorest of the poor as well as other storm victims who lacked access to money, food, transportation, and/or a general disaster plan for escaping the storms, was another wake-up call for the citizens of the U.S. and the world.
One post-disaster reality for Americans is that we are part of a global village. The offers of help from other nations are evidence that we do not stand alone in the world. We are not immune to natural or other disasters, but it is heartening to know that we can look to our fellow human beings for help when necessary.
American Vulnerability
Another reality is that the Katrina tragedy has brought about a much-needed and painful examination of our vulnerabilities during and after this particular disaster. We need to be honest about what happened–especially to the people of New Orleans as well as Mississippi--and why. In particular, we need to look at the lack of choices available to our most vulnerable citizens. It will not be easy, but it is necessary as the Gulf Coast recovers from this tragedy.
In addition, the clash between the members of the media and elected officials was also painful, but necessary to our way of life. The role of the press in a democracy can be one of providing an "uncomfortable challenge" to the people who represent us. To question those whose policy decisions affect our lives can also be part of our post-Katrina legacy. We need to be vigilant–about our democracy, our press, our leaders, and our policies. We need to believe that we can become stronger as a nation in the face of this tragedy. It will be a slow, difficult healing process.
Reasons for HOPE
It is easy to get discouraged following a disaster, in part, because recovery doesn’t happen overnight, a fact made even more difficult in an impatient culture such as ours. However, the American quality of optimism–perhaps the best part of our national character–has sustained us in good times and bad. Days after the hurricane, stories of people taking action, providing acts of charity, small scale and large scale, began to appear in the news. Web sites listing charities where people could donate time or money popped up, telethons were scheduled, and numerous benefits for Katrina victims were held around the country. Businesses devoted proceeds from sales to help hurricane victims. Even small children got into the act of giving, by organizing bake sales, and selling lemonade. People all over the U.S. opened their homes and communities to those who lost everything and needed a second chance. One could see evidence of ordinary people making a difference in the lives of those who desperately needed help. It was similar to the response to the tsunami disaster several months ago.
While there is no denying that massive hunger, poverty, and untold levels of evil exist in the world, if we look hard enough, we can also see glimmers of light in the darkness.
Here are just two of many inspiring examples of what people are doing to make a positive difference in the lives of others:
The Global Fund for Women is a fascinating organization that we have listed in previous WITNE columns. This organization helps women around the globe, and the leaders of the GFW recently gave a special $10,000 grant to the Ms. Foundation for Women. The Ms. Foundation is a leader in women’s philanthropy, and they have set up a special fund to help the unique needs of Katrina victims.
Post-Katrina: What Kind of Legacy Will We Choose
In the years to come, in the wake of the Katrina disaster, Americans will be judged on this painful chapter in our history by the choices we make now. Will we continue to honestly examine the truth of what happened, and will we build a stronger infrastructure, a stronger Gulf Coast? Will we be brave enough not only to acknowledge but also deal with racial and social inequalities that exist in our country? Will this terrible event make us stronger as a people? Has this tragedy given all of us an opportunity to learn greater compassion for our fellow humans? Only time will tell. We must be patient as we rebuild.
In the meantime, here at WITNE, we’ll continue to highlight people, organizations, initiatives, and events that are changing the world for the better.
I believe we have reasons to be hopeful.
Teresa
tcallies@Hotmail.comNews From WITNE Friends:
Storyteller Noa Baum continues to delight audiences the world over. Now she has a new CD of stories called Far Away and Close to Home.
In the News: Nebraska’s Women Soldiers Serving in Iraq:
Omaha World Herald’s staff writer Henry J. Cordes wrote a series of stories on Sunday, September 25th, 2005, about the contribution that Nebraska women are making to the war effort overseas. Mr. Cordes writes that thousands of U.S. servicewomen are creating a "new chapter for women" in U.S. Military history, challenging stereotypes, and "blurring the distinctions" formerly drawn between the sexes. This is just part of an excellent series of articles by OW-H staff writers, bringing the reality of war home to the readers in the Midlands area.
WITNE Movie Recommendations:
"Schultze Gets The Blues" is a sweet German film about a hard-working man, suddenly made "redundant," who decides to take interesting new risks in his post-work life. He indulges his newfound interest in Cajun cooking and Zydeco music with a visit to Texas and Louisiana.
The documentary "Born Into Brothels" is one of the more inspiring films we’ve seen in a long time. If you want to be awed by the work of one woman who made a difference in the lives of poverty-stricken Indian children, the sons and daughters of Calcutta’s prostitutes, see this movie. Zana Briski taught these children about photography, and opened up their worlds.
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