According to Photo Captioners: White people "find," Black people "loot"

http://photos23.flickr.com/38725768_16c66eb58b.jpg?v=0

This controversy has been bouncing around among bloggers today. It shows a comparison between two AP photo captions of hurricane victims in New Orleans who helped themselves to merchandise. (Presumably anyway, since no stores are open there.) In the two photos, the white people had "found" their items, while the black people "looted" theirs.

Here are the two originals on Yahoo...

http://news.yahoo.com/photo/050830/480/ladm10208301530
http://news.yahoo.com/photo/050830/p...hxwaoma_photo1

Here's another white person "shopping" who's apparently not a "looter."
http://news.yahoo.com/photos/ss/even...VvBHNlYwNzc20-

CNN used the same photo that AP labeled as a black "looter," but said the young man was "dragging groceries."
http://www.cnn.com/interactive/weath...ntent.1.5.html

If you are "looting" or "finding" food, beverages, water, etc. (neccessary items), I can live with that, and can look away.

If you're "looting" or "finding" TV's, Radios, Jewelry, etc. then you are a criminal


Period. End of story.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Unassisted

Here's another white person "dragging groceries" who's apparently not a "looter."

http://www.cnn.com/interactive/weath...ntent.1.5.html

---

That individual doesn't look white to me, but it may just be the lighting.

Edit: That white person who is apparently not a "looter" is the same as the black person who is a "looter" in the yahoo link.

I don't think the girl is white. She appears biracial to me. Now, let the bloggers debate that one. :rolleyes:

The first two photos are on yahoo, but they are from two different news services, the AP and AFP. I might see a case to scream "racism" if they were both captions from the same news service, but they are not.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by traderumor

I don't think the girl is white. She appears biracial to me. Now, let the bloggers debate that one. :rolleyes:

---

Fine...she's "finding loot." :D

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by savafan

Edit: That white person who is apparently not a "looter" is the same as the black person who is a "looter" in the yahoo link.

---

You're right. I think I pasted the wrong link. I'll try to find the correct one.

[edit]Updated now... In the interest of fairness, I kept the aforementioned CNN link, but updated the label. :)

As if the news isn't stomach-churning enough, they have to focus on things like looting, when people are grieving for the dead and the missing. Pathetic.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Falls City Beer

As if the news isn't stomach-churning enough, they have to focus on things like looting, when people are grieving for the dead and the missing. Pathetic.

---

The emphasis that the national news puts on the looting really bothers me as well. There are so many more significant things occurring that merit reporting.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Betterread

The emphasis that the national news puts on the looting really bothers me as well. There are so many more significant things occurring that merit reporting.

---

It's not just the news. Now New Orleans police have been siphoned away from rescue duty to go on "protect rich peoples' possessions" duty. :thumbdown

Its pretty obvious this is the governments way of keeping the black man down.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by CTA513

Its pretty obvious this is the governments way of keeping the black man down.

---

Huh.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Falls City Beer

It's not just the news. Now New Orleans police have been siphoned away from rescue duty to go on "protect rich peoples' possessions" duty. :thumbdown

---

That's what I have been trying to say basically. Honestly, when so many lives have been lost and continue to be at stake, why be worried about material loss? Its not like there are dry jail cells easily accessible, and if there were, I'd rather see them used for the people that are to infirm to move out of the region.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ochre

That's what I have been trying to say basically. Honestly, when so many lives have been lost and continue to be at stake, why be worried about material loss? Its not like there are dry jail cells easily accessible, and if there were, I'd rather see them used for the people that are to infirm to move out of the region.

---

You know, people are so fond of saying that disaster brings out the best in people. This is just evidence that it also brings out the worst. The actions of the police really reveal some of our society's priorities and values. And it's not pretty.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Matt700wlw

If you are "looting" or "finding" food, beverages, water, etc. (neccessary items), I can live with that, and can look away.

If you're "looting" or "finding" TV's, Radios, Jewelry, etc. then you are a criminal


Period. End of story.

---

Exactly. I have heard reports that police weren't stopping people from going into grocery stores/convenience marts and getting food, diapers, etc. What food stuff is there is gonna perish. It's all about survival right now for those people.

Saw a video of people breaking into an auto parts store. That's looting IMO.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Falls City Beer

It's not just the news. Now New Orleans police have been siphoned away from rescue duty to go on "protect rich peoples' possessions" duty. :thumbdown

---

Makes sense. Instead of focusing on the criminal and incredibly disgusting acts of the looters blame the rich people. Surprising view.

It is not just about the material possesions. The problem with the looting is that it signals the absence of the rule of law. Scavenging groceries is self preservation. Being shot by a thug because he likes the necklace that you just stole, and he wants it himself, is insane. Today these very shortsighted fools are gathering possesions, like TV's and Jewelry, and 57 Aaron Brooks Bobbleheads. By this weekend people will be being shot for their BOTTLED WATER.

Exactly.

Well the kid has a bag full of goodies and the girl has a loaf of bread.

The captions aren't indicative of anything I don't think. The bag of stuff could be for others - it looks like he's coming back from a food store. I have no real problem with that. And the fact they're from two different sources makes the point of the thread a moot one.

Is it just me or is the mobilization of people by the federal government to safeguard whats left of this great city, seeming to take an awful long time. Its not like we didn't have adequate warning. Why aren't there troops all over the place by now? Is this logistically impossible?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mutaman

Is it just me or is the mobilization of people by the federal government to safeguard whats left of this great city, seeming to take an awful long time. Its not like we didn't have adequate warning. Why aren't there troops all over the place by now? Is this logistically impossible?

---

this has been bothering me, as well. i do know some efforts are being made, but these are our own countrymen in peril - should we not make sure their safety is priority one? once it became apparent this storm was targetting New Orleans, shouldn't we have been on the ready - i would rather much watch us overprepare for such events.
i remember after the tsunami hit, hearing all of the reports of what went on afterwards...people shook their heads, saying "that would never happen here, not in America". yet...here we are.
I can only hope this ugliness ends soon, and that we learn from our mistakes.

There are churches, all over the country, that could house people and take care of them for a while. It's time that the churches open their doors and love these folks, rather than sending a sandwich on a paper plate. These folks need to be taken care of and shown the love that Jesus Christ represents.

Interesting that I just heard that the evacuation of the Superdome has been halted because some idiots are firing shots at Military helicopters.

The reason that the police have to be pulled off or search and rescue to looters is because there are reports of armed bands of men roaming around looting everything. There are also cars being stolen left and right (I guess those not damaged by flood water). I think it is horrid that we even have to consider sending police to take care of this. There was a report that the looters were heading into the CHILDREN"S HOSPITAL in New Orleans. The cops stopped them from going in. So I don't want any people on here saying that we shouldn't worry about material possessions. They showed one black couple going home, I think in Mississippi, to find that there home was still standing. They went in, came out and stated that anything of value was gone. Computers, antiques, all gone. Catastrophes bring out the best in the most people and the worst in a few. I understand people taking bread, water, chips, pop and other non-perishables. Even clothing, shoes and stuff I can see when hope looks lost. TV's, DVD players, radios, Playstations. Where the hell do these morons think they are going to play them. There is no electricity. It's not like they can get on E-bay either and try to sell this stuff. I don't get it. I'm also not there, but I endured the massive flooding up here in the Ohio Valley last September. That didn't happen here.

More pictures of looters or are they finders? ;)


http://news.bbc.co.uk/olmedia/113000...16_esso300.jpg

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by RedBloodedAmerican

More pictures of looters or are they finders? ;)


http://news.bbc.co.uk/olmedia/113000...16_esso300.jpg

---

I think the preferred term is "scavengers".

The looting is happening because the police have no communications infrastructure in place to respond to it. The Interlocutor blog I posted says that without communications, there is little command and control in the police forces.

Sadly, this is proving to be a real case study for how important communication tools are for maintaining law and order, as well as the fabric of society.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by RedBloodedAmerican

More pictures of looters or are they finders? ;)


http://news.bbc.co.uk/olmedia/113000...16_esso300.jpg

---

They're a whole different species known as gougers.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Unassisted

The looting is happening because the police have no communications infrastructure in place to respond to it. The Interlocutor blog I posted says that without communications, there is little command and control in the police forces.

Sadly, this is proving to be a real case study for how important communication tools are for maintaining law and order, as well as the fabric of society.

---

Yes, this was a lesson learned during 9/11. It's been 4 years, but nothing has done. Coast Guard, local police, federal law enforcement, the military, etc, all operate different radio systems. There are devices that control centers can use that tie in all different radio communications so personnel on the ground can communicate with each other. (Where are they?) It's sad that 4 years after 9/11, we aren't prepared any better for an emergency.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Falls City Beer

It's not just the news. Now New Orleans police have been siphoned away from rescue duty to go on "protect rich peoples' possessions" duty. :thumbdown

---

Blame the morons that are going around looting. The radio this morning claimed that someone was shot over an arguement over a bag of ice. If humans didn't behave like animals, there wouldn't be a need for the police to distracted by protecting people. It's a shame they have to send National Guard people down there to prevent anarchy.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by REDREAD

Blame the morons that are going around looting. The radio this morning claimed that someone was shot over an arguement over a bag of ice. If humans didn't behave like animals, there wouldn't be a need for the police to distracted by protecting people. It's a shame they have to send National Guard people down there to prevent anarchy.

---

It's a shame to send them prevent anarchy, but it's also a shame not too when they were needed.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by RedBloodedAmerican

It's a shame to send them prevent anarchy, but it's also a shame not too when they were needed.

---

I agree we need to send the Guard down there. My point was that it's awful that roaming gangs of bandits are forming to try to steal during this time of crisis. Says a lot about human nature.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by REDREAD

I agree we need to send the Guard down there. My point was that it's awful that roaming gangs of bandits are forming to try to steal during this time of crisis. Says a lot about human nature.

---

I think you miss my point. Looting's bad. I get it. And yeah, if these looters are turning violent, then yes, police need to take care of them. What I'm disgusted at is 1. the media's attention to the looting, not to the rescue of people 2. The police being drawn away from a more important duty (rescue) to a less important duty (stolen goods).

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Falls City Beer

I think you miss my point. Looting's bad. I get it. And yeah, if these looters are turning violent, then yes, police need to take care of them. What I'm disgusted at is 1. the media's attention to the looting, not to the rescue of people 2. The police being drawn away from a more important duty (rescue) to a less important duty (stolen goods).

---

1. Not sure what channel you watch, but I have seen hours upon hours of rescues. Surely you would not be exaggerating, would you? I have also seen looting. I have seen much more rescuing than looting. However, as logic would tell anyone, there are only so many rescues that can be made. Time is not on the side of those who are trapped. Once police can do no more rescuing, then they will do diff. police work.

2. Are you an official with the rescue effort or the New Orleans police? You talk as if you understand everything that is happening. My guess (and a good one) is YOU ARE NOT. You like to point fingers and blame. Are people really so blind to believe that police are more worried about looters than saving lives? My guess is that as most people are saved, then police can be directed towards criminal activities. Do share with us the inside knowledge that you seem to have (and like to portray here at RZ) with the New Orleans police. Or you can simply tell us that you are shooting from the hip.

Any estimates on how many people have been raped and murdered in New Orleans after the floods? You seem to think it is all about looting. Have you heard the stories of criminals firing pistols at helicopters?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Falls City Beer

I think you miss my point. Looting's bad. I get it. And yeah, if these looters are turning violent, then yes, police need to take care of them. What I'm disgusted at is 1. the media's attention to the looting, not to the rescue of people 2. The police being drawn away from a more important duty (rescue) to a less important duty (stolen goods).

---

I figured you knew looting was bad, didn't mean to imply that.

Sadly, the looters are armed and are as bad of a threat to human life as the flooding. (IMO). So, I can see the justification of having more police patrols to deter anarchy.

I do agree with you though. I wish the media didn't give so much attention to looting. They are basically encouraging the looting by showing this. For example, during the Rodney King riots, it was bad to show all these people appearing to get away with looting. IMO, it only encouraged more of the same. It's now becoming a societal norm to expect this behavior, which is appalling.