Los Angeles Times reported Dictionary definitions aside, many consider the term inappropriate -- even racist -- when applied to Hurricane Katrina evacuees. In Houston, where tens of thousands of Hurricane Katrina victims have sought temporary shelter, officials distributed a terse memo Wednesday dealing not with food, lodging or human connections, but with something that in its own way has become just as emotionally loaded: the word "refugee." "The term is perceived negatively by many of those housed at the Astrodome, who prefer to be called evacuees," said the memo to reporters, which addressed a heated conversation that has echoed in recent days from emergency shelters through the media to the White House.
Refugee, Evacuee, Displaced Person, or any other name. Don't they have a bit more to worry about than what they are called?
Thursday, September 08, 2005
Survivors, Others Take Offense at Word 'Refugees'
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
In the most basic interpretation, a refugee is someone who flees their place of residence for safety's sake. So, the word does apply in this case. There is a common political spin to the definition, and it's usually applied to people fleeing political or religious persecution, or wars.
To me, I see no problem calling those wandering around with their possessions in plastic bags, driven from their homes and seeking shelter, "refugees." That's what they are. However, once they're in the system and being aided and they're safe, it seems that their "evacuees."
Yes, I'm an English major, and no, no one has come calling to breathlessly ask my opinion on the subject.
LaurieK
"it seems that they're 'evacuees'", I mean. Sheesh.
Laurie K
Post a Comment