The New York Times
September 10, 2005
The Divide Laid Bare by Katrina
To the Editor:
As it does for Nicholas D. Kristof, New Orleans
reminds me of South Asia, too.
Many years ago I saw a black and white film about
India where bodies floated in the Ganges River,
beggars seemed ubiquitous and untethered animals
wandered the streets. Yet, in spite of these
unbelievable spectacles, pedestrians simply went about
their business.
When I asked a student from India his views on what we
had seen, he replied that the film was a grossly
distorted view of his country. He did admit, however,
that it would probably take decades to overcome the
chilling images depicted in the film.
He was correct, but fortunate to a degree. Unlike New
Orleans, the Indian misery wasn't in the richest
country on earth and instantly transmitted around the
world via the Internet and satellites - for days and
perhaps months.
David L. Evans
Cambridge, Mass., Sept. 6, 2005