When the Levees Broke

[tamisevens]

As I mentioned yesterday, I watched all four hours of Spike Lee's documentary When the Levees Broke. Though Hurricane Katrina is at the center of the story, it's really a film about New Orleans and how that city fits in to the rest of the United States. And that being said, it's a film about the United States that I don't think the rest of the

Comments

[toomskt]

in my rental queue now. Thanks.

My ex's family lost their home during that time, and were fortunately some of those wealthy and safe enough to get out in a car before the storm hit, though they were blocked from going the way they wanted to go (east - to other relatives in Florida) and instead had to drive north, where they drove for two days with no destination until ultimately picking a spot in Tennessee that seemed as good as any.

People give celebrities a lot of shit for having opinions and enjoying attention, but thank goodness people like Spike Lee (and yes, Brad Pitt and Oprah and Chris Rock and etc.) stepped up to accomplish something in the aftermath of this, since the government response is a reflection of the failure of every one of us not to have done better in picking our leaders.

[tamisevens]

I think my favorite celebrity moment after Katrina was when Kayne West said on national television "George Bush doesn't care about black people."

[littlewashu]

I will be adding it to my queue as well!

You don't happen to know of any organizations that are doing good work down there, do you?

[tamisevens]

Hooray! Let me know what you think.

You don't happen to know of any organizations that are doing good work down there, do you?

I don't, unfortunately. I'll be honest - of course when Katrina hit I was angry and upset and wanted to do something - but I haven't really stayed on top of it.

My friend Bicycle Mark has done a lot of writing and reporting about post-Katrina New Orleans. I went to his blog and did a brief search, and noticed he mentioned the Common Ground Collective a lot.

Wow, I also just found all the podcasts he did while he was down there too. I'll have to go back and listen to some of that stuff.

[kersy]

I find that really interesting how foreign people were shocked by it, the "US is a rich country" comments, etc. Over the last week there has been massive flooding between Portland, OR and Seattle, WA, basically shutting down any transportation between the two cities. They have been planning on fixing the flooding issue in that area for years, but it has been put on hold up to a decade due to refunding and money shortages from Katrina and the war in Iraq. These things have wide spread effects to all citizens.

[tamisevens]

I find that really interesting how foreign people were shocked by it, the "US is a rich country" comments, etc.

I felt as though a lot of the world finally saw through all the Hollywood/MTV bullshit when Katrina happened and got a look at what real life is like (especially for lower-income people) in this country.

perhaps the biggest surprise from my European acquaintances was them trying to understand why I wasn't surprised by the fallout, if that makes sense. Disgusted and appalled and angry, yes. Surprised? Not at all.

story of stuff

[spinat]

hello hello from good ol' europe

Re: story of stuff

[tamisevens]

Hi Annette! it's so lovely to hear from you, and wow, thanks for such a flattering comment. :) I've never heard about "The Story of Stuff," but I will definitely check it out.

Hey, we'll be neighbors soon, how cool! I want to spend a lot more time in Germany (considering I've spent a total of five days there, that shouldn't be so hard) and would love to visit you. I can't believe you've already gone to Japan and returned; you must have some amazing stories.

Thanks for reading!!