Reading Responses #7

Bernstein- #1
Bernstein’s argument is that while America experienced “a third-world disaster” during Hurricane Katrina, Europe had less sympathy than they had previously shown other countries experiencing equivalent disasters. Although statements and actions of help were offered, Europe’s response was meek- there was no sizeable amount of empathy for the people affected by the disaster. There was actually a response of dismay, as if Europeans were disappointed that a country, that is known to be so successful and the people within it so privileged, could let so many people die and be displaced. The author expresses several reasons behind this. Because America is such a rich and prosperous country, Europe didn’t feel as sorry for Americans in distress as they did when natural disasters ruin the lives of people who already have nothing; like in third-world countries. Also, there was a notion that this hurricane was predicted but American leaders didn’t do anything-or enough- to prepare a disaster plan for the worst possible scenario. Another European entity that was hesitant to show empathy to the American disaster was the environmentalists. Because the Bush Administration hadn’t signed the Kyoto Protocol, an agreement to lower greenhouse gases and emissions, environmental leaders didn’t feel sorry that a hurricane had hit America so hard. These reasons seem to be basically saying to America, “This was your fault- this is what you get for not preparing and not wanting to make an effort to lower your emissions.” Lastly, the hurricane disasters revealed to Europe and the world the hidden inequalities that are very real in America, showing that the glitz and glamour everyone thinks is America isn’t really the whole story.

Visual arguments Page 639 #3
It is certainly peculiar how stereotypes can be the basis of so much humor in the world today. Most of my favorite comedians are black, and I’ve found that the majority of their humor is making fun of their race- whether it be how black people are stereotyped as poor, or “ghetto”, or the way they talk, or their names…all sorts of things. However, if a white person makes any jokes about these things, obviously it would become a racist thing. There’s not a whole lot at stake if someone makes a joke, or dresses up as a stereotype they’re a part of. If an Asian girl dressed up as a Geisha, people would probably think that was fine. One of my friends from highschool, who’s from Saudi, dressed up as Bin Laden one Halloween and walked around school yelling “BOMB!” Everyone thought it was hilarious. I don’t doubt that there’d be some controversy if a white person dressed up the same way. It is entirely dependent on the certain situation and the groups of people involved whether or not someone would take offense to someone else trying to act in their stereotype. People trying to mock a different stereotype that they wouldn’t be associated with could be considered extremely rude, out of line, or “making fun” of another race, culture, etc. Therefore, there’s the stake of being considered racist, or sexist, or judgmental if one performs a stereotype that they’re not a part of.