Question

Would the federal response to the disaster left in the wake of Hurricane Katrina have been different if Katrina had devastated an area of the country where wealthier people resided? Would residents of Hollywood, California, or Long Island, New York, have been stranded for days on their rooftops with signs saying, "HELP ME"?

Answer 1

The federal response to Hurricane Katrina would likely have been different if it had devastated wealthier areas. Marginalized communities, particularly poor African Americans, faced disproportionate challenges and inadequate government response. In contrast, wealthier areas would have likely received a more efficient and prompt response.

Step-by-step explanation:

The federal response to the disaster left in the wake of Hurricane Katrina could have been different if Katrina had devastated an area where wealthier people resided. Historically, marginalized communities, particularly those with a majority of poor African Americans, have faced disproportionate challenges and inadequate government responses during natural disasters. This was evident in the delayed and disorganized emergency services, failed preparations, and slow response by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Bush administration. If the disaster had occurred in wealthier areas like Hollywood, California, or Long Island, New York, it is likely that the response would have been more efficient and prompt, with residents being rescued sooner and without having to resort to desperate measures like being stranded on rooftops with signs for help.