Hurricane Media
I’d just like to point something out real quick that has truly irritated me with the recent news coverage of Katrina and it’s subsequent change for Rita (for reasons which I clearly understand).
American citizens leaving their homes on a long-term basis because they were victims of a catastrophic hurricane does NOT make them refugees!!!
One who flees in search of refuge, as in times of war, political oppression, or religious persecution.
They are victims… plain and simple… and my heart goes out to each and every one of them.
Don’t believe me? Try searching “refugees” on any major news publishing website. See what comes up in the top ten.
we totally agree. I did’t understand why they were not call evacuees (sp?)!
“One who flees in search of refuge, as in..”
not very definitive. “as in” is not “only in”
wasnt the only importance in wether or not we legally call them refugees having something to do with whether or not they get amnesty rights?
they prolly shouldnt since they’re not political refugees. but i disagree with the idea that the word doesnt apply at all.
to me evacuee doesnt carry a serious enough connotation. we’ve used the word refugee to describe those who have faced hardships and are without homes or resources for a long time. the word has wedged a nice little place in our brain where it describes a situation that, “this group of people needs, deserves, and will receive our aid.”
evacuee is even more ambiguous as of yet. not only does not have a very serious connotation, it can be used to describe children who have evacuated a school during a fire drill.
This is truly an excellent point Mike. You’re right that the definition is broad enough to include other possible reasons to take refuge. You’re also correct that it would imply that they have been given certain rights in states which they would normally would not carry those rights in.
However, looking at the mere sensitivity of the issue, it angers me that the term has become such a catch phrase for law-abiding American citizens. Also, people who truly took preemptive action and evacuated are now considered refugees as well?!?! The same ambiguousness applies to both terms and if I would choose one with the least offensiveness, I’d go with evacuees. If we really got creative then maybe could use “displaced victims”. Of course this isn’t nearly as catchy!
Ah this sounds like a good debate