Discussion Board Forum 2 - Hurricane Katrina

(College English Assignment)

Hurricane Katrina brings out many emotions in people, especially those people directly affected by the disaster. New Orleans lay in ruins after Hurricane Katrina ravaged it. Severe flooding and property destruction took its toll on the residents of New Orleans.  Many were left homeless, and hundreds lost their lives. The images Harris shows contain many words.

Figure 5.2 shows the flooding of New Orleans on August 30, 2005, a single day after the landfall of Hurricane Katrina. It proves that the levy system wasn’t strong enough to withstand a major hurricane. In the image, most of what can be seen is water.  Bridges lay partially underwater, and buildings are mostly submerged. It is a dismal, yet beautiful image. Dismal for the fact that is has made so many homeless, and that many others lost their lives. But beautiful at the same time, the image shows the power of nature and that even though we try to protect ourselves and live, nature has the final judgment on what happens.

Figure 5.3 shows some of the people and children made homeless. It also shows how the dead lay on the sidewalks. It provokes emotion from anyone who might see it.  It draws out the sympathy of people for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Many were outraged that bodies of the deceased still lay on street sidewalks five days after Hurricane Katrina’s landfall. The image provokes much emotion and delivers its message well.

 

Reply to Post:

 Nicholas Schmidt brings up his argument disagreeing with Figure 5.4s statement. He brings up the point that the picture bringing up ethical concerns, causing question about whether or not the United States’ government did its best to provide assistance for its citizens in their time of need. The photo was poorly taken. It was taken on a side that shown the flag hanging backwards.  It was most likely taken that way to put a better argument for them, to help show that the government isn’t providing the best assistance it can for its citizens.

I agree with Schmidt’s argument.  It is horrible to think that there are some people who think little of the work, time, and money put into helping the victims of such disasters. The United States as a whole, its people, its government, and everything come together to help relief disasters on the home front.  The United States of America even helps other nations get back on their feet when a disaster strikes, whether it is natural or not. So for someone to say that the American government doesn’t provide the best assistance it can for its citizens when they need it is sickening.

As a nation, and a world superpower, the United States uses that influence to help others, whether it is in country, or some foreign nation. It uses its resources to help whoever needs it. Even in war it helps others, if an enemy is wounded and not killed, soldiers will provide aid to the wounded. Overall, the American government provides it assistance when it is needed, whether the aid is needed in country, or a foreign entity.