Jesse Jackson and Bruce Gordon make a good point:
People evacuated out of New Orleans to escape Katrina's devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina should not be labeled "refugees," two black leaders said Sunday. The Rev. Jesse Jackson and Bruce Gordon, head of the NAACP, said the term is demeaning to people who were forced to remain in a flooded city in inhumane conditions.
At Dictionary.com:
Refugee: One who flees in search of refuge, as in times of war, political oppression, or religious persecution.
and
Refugee: an individual seeking refuge or asylum; especially : an individual who has left his or her native country and is unwilling or unable to return to it because of persecution or fear of persecution (as because of race, religion, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion)
There's nothing about relocating as a result of a natural disaster.
Again, help the Red Cross help others. Give generously. Thanks!
calling these people refugees is demeaning and not the proper term to what has taken place. what about "victims of a natural disaster"? they are hurting enough. the media don't need to add to their pain.
Posted by: june | September 05, 2005 at 02:02 PM
Re: The meaning of 'refugee": Dictionaries reflect a word's common (not necessarily appropriate) usage, as noted by those folks who publish a particular dictionary. And definitions tend to change with time and place. "Refugee" has long been associated with fleeing persecution etc., but the root word CAN be used to mean "one who seeks shelter & protection" from ANY issue. So it is reactionary and ignorant to insist that referring to those fleeing Katrina's wrath as refugees is demeaning. A refugee is a refugee, regardless of the threat. So let's not get hung up with provincial word meanings but (rather) get on with the rescue.
Posted by: Bruce Hoornstra | September 06, 2005 at 12:29 AM
forced to stay in inhumane conditions...the people that got left were too busy partying & looting. what good did all that jewelery, wet electronics, etc. do for them now? i understand trying to survive, but those left were too busy worrying that somebody might get more them. GET UP AND HELP THOSE PEOPLE TRYING TO HELP YOU.
Posted by: tanja rochner | September 07, 2005 at 12:22 PM
RE: JESSE JACKSON AND BRUCE GORDON'S COMMENTS ABOUT "REFUGEES".
NO, THE PEOPLE OF LA AND MS ARE NOT REFUGEES. WE ARE SURVIVORS! BUT, ALL THIS IS TO ME ARE WORDS. WORDS JESSE AND BRUCE....WHERE ARE YOUR ACTIONS? YOU DO NOTHING EXCEPT TALK. DID YOU PASS OUT HOT MEALS OR WATER AND ICE TO "SURVIVORS"? HAVE YOU GIVEN A HELPING HAND TO CLEAN UP TO THE "SURVIVORS"? HAVE YOU DONE ANYTHING EXCEPT TALK? I THINK NOT! GWEN
Posted by: GWEN FOWLER | September 24, 2005 at 01:19 AM