Seeing The World Differently

So today there's a lot on the news regarding the second anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, commentary on the images, the cleanup, and the state of New Orleans two years after the fact.

Been seeing a lot of the subtle, tinged with racial undertones, critiques of the mayor of the city, who happens to be black. And while I've never lived in New Orleans, and can't comment on the politics of that city, I do know that people of different ethnicities look at black leaders with a an extra eye of scrutiny. Whatever. Most of our parents prepped us for that scrutiny, no matter what level of leadership we take on.

Anyway, one guy with a very good perspective on social justice, ethnicity, and class, is Tim Wise. He's the author of the book, White Like Me: Reflections on Race from a Privileged Son.

I've seen him speak several times around the country. Very dynamic. Happens to be white. And very specific as to what he sees as white people's responsibility to use their (unearned) privilege(s) to make things better for people of color and the poor in the U.S.

And wanted to link up to a few of his writings on Katrina and ethnicity, for you to check out when you have time:

What Kind of Card is Race? The Absurdity (and Consistency) of White Denial.
Katrina, Conservative Myth-Making, and the Media.
Of Disasters, Natural and Otherwise.
Racial Differences Responding to Katrina. (a radio interview)
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