Anarchy in the USA

Chaos, havoc, confusion, death, disease, anarchy- many of the things we think of when we hear the words "Hurricane Katrina". As video was shot and stories were written in the aftermaths of the storm, and the breaking of the levies, the majority of Americans looked on with disbelief and horror.

However, one must wonder if the stories being told are complete truths, or another media dramatization with an ulterior motive. The impressive and heroic tale of Zeitoun is no doubt entertaining to audiences everywhere, but is a story that bold with a character THAT heroic really possible? Perhaps I am pessimistic overall, but I find it the story far fetched with a character that seems to be perfect in every way.

In Dave Eggers' novel, Zeitoun, main character Abdulrahman Zeitoun and his family struggle with the events that unfold during and after the hurricane. Zeitoun, a contractor from Syria, refuses to follow his wife and children out of the city when evacuations for the Hurricane begin. Choosing to stay behind and take care of his properties, Zeitoun's story is a springboard for Eggers to discuss many of the issues that took place before, during, and after the storm.

Abdulrahman Zeitoun, (photo credit- http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/mar/11/dave-eggers-zeitoun-hurricane-katrina)

The author of the novel would argue that the media spin, as seen in this article-

http://edition.cnn.com/2005/WEATHER/09/02/katrina.impact/

perhaps has another agenda. The agenda in question, however, is up for much debate. Perhaps the government sought to justify the actions that took place, or to detract from the disorganization of FEMA. Conspiracy theorist, no doubt, are still having quite the hey-day.