I've been getting tons of questions about the looting in New Orleans. I know that looting and rioting associated with natural disasters are generally extremely exaggerated, and the press has a history of getting these things wrong and whipping people into a frenzy. However, I am wondering if this case might be an exception. Don't get me wrong, I'm certain that the vast majority of victims are refraining from violence and unnecessary takings. However, might looting be more common in this case than in past natural disasters?
After all, it is my perception that the victims of this disaster were disproportionately alienated before Katrina struck and relief workers/administrators have occasionally conducted themselves in ways to alienate them even further. I wonder if I would be naive to believe that looting and violence are widespread, but wonder if it would similarly be naive to believe that individuals as angry and alienated as the victims are likely to feel would behave in the "traditional" manner of other natural disaster victims - particular if the media is telling them that the apocalypse is upon them. Anyone, have any inside knowledge or tips on how to cut through the hype? Kennon Dr. Kennon Rice Department of Sociology Albright College P.O. Box 15234 13th and Bern Streets Reading, PA 19612-5234 (610)921-7881 [EMAIL PROTECTED]
