Katrina Prejudice or Not

Since Katrina destroyed and wrecked havoc on the Gulf Coast millions of people have experienced a range of emotions.

As the world watches the horrific scenes from the recent disaster in New Orleans, many of us wonder why it took so long to help our citizens in a timely manner.

When the Tsunami hit aid was sent immediately. On September 11th, we responded with swift military precision in Iraq. To watch fellow Americans of color in this great and capable nation wait for help is unethical and pathetic.

For many of us it was difficult to watch the initial news reports. Minority men, women and children devastated, begging for help.

It was equally hard to watch one gentleman sipping his cocktails as his generator kept him comfortable as he guarded his earthly possessions armed and ready to shoot potential looters.

Several well known celebrities as well as the mayor of New Orleans have either hinted or just came out and said that the lack of a timely response has racial undertones. The answer as to whether it is or was racial/prejudicial will always be a painful reminder of the years of inequality and slavery that will forever be a part of our countries history.

As we watched images of human beings of various racial backgrounds wade through filthy water in shock, why were the only references to looting and theft aimed at the minority victims? Is this a national stereotype aimed at insulting minority Americans? Are we to believe that the only people that rob, steal, loot, rape, murder or commit crimes minorities? The way several media stations broadcast Katrina that's the way it appeared to many people across the United States as well as the world.

People are people, we are all human beings. Whether poor or wealthy we all bleed red, feel pain and sorrow and ultimately when we die...become ashes to ashes, dust to dust.

Why does the media portray minorities in such a negative light? Out of all of the stations that covered Katrina the main one that gave unbiased and fair coverage was Fox News Network. Our media needs to be hold itself accountable for "shock value" reporting. People in general should really think for themselves and not let poor media reporting or a mob mentality get in the way of rational and clear thinking.

On a good day it is bad enough to witness people of enormous wealth flaunt their mansions, cars and a variety of extravagant material possessions across the media, while millions suffer from inadequate health care, homelessness, and hunger in this country. It is doubly atrocious when a natural disaster demolishes one of our cities that is good enough to party and vacation in, yet, the citizens must "wait" for food and assistance as we closed in on the week mark since Katrina hit.

Most people know that poverty is worldwide. We are bombarded with advertisements soliciting our checkbooks for donations as poor, hungry children are paraded across our television screens.

Celebrities adopt children from third world countries while adoption agencies and foster homes over-flow with American children.

Charity starts at home and should be equal and unbiased for one and all. Maybe just maybe the appearance of racism is a coincidence...maybe, it's not.

In order for us as a civilized nation to continue to grow and move forward we must be part of the solution and not be part of the problem.