Zeitoun by Dave Eggers Understanding Hurricane Katrina - Essay Example

? Zeitoun by Dave Eggers: Understanding Hurricane Katrina Zeitoun by Dave Eggers: Understanding Hurricane Katrina The disaster mitigation efforts before, during and after the Hurricane Katrina have been criticized for various reasons. The post-disaster emergency services and law enforcement after Katrina illustrates issues related to government inefficiency, racial discrimination, human rights violations, breaking of family bonds and psychological trauma. In a single story, Dave Eggers depicts the countless tales of trauma during and after the Hurricane Katrina, in the book Zeitoun. This paper critically examines how Eggers’ narrative in Zeitoun affects the understanding of Hurricane Katrina based on my own experiences with those depicted in the text and how they coincide with the event. Zeitoun is a contemporary nonfiction masterpiece that illustrates the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina. In the book, Abdulrahman Zeitoun is an American Muslim, born and grown up in Syria before settling in the U.S. Zeitoun married Cathy, a native Louisiana Muslim. When Hurricane Katrina began, Zeitoun sends his family to Baton Rouge. Zeitoun stays behind to watch over his home and business. After the devastating storm, Zeitoun crosses the submerged city in a canoe helping trapped people. Zeitoun and two friends are arrested by law enforcement agents in the ensuing counterterrorism efforts. While Zeitoun experienced poor treatment in the hands of the security officers, the book gives clear picture of prison injustices met on the basis of discrimination. A critical analysis of the novel reveals that the author’s main themes relates to racism and the importance of family relationships in post-disaster efforts. With specific regard to the Hurricane Katrina, the book exposes the reader to the government inefficiencies and flaws in handling the disaster. In particular, the book explores the consequences of government inefficiencies such as prison injustices, discrimination and breaking of family ties. Litman (2006) argues that every disaster presents unique problems, and that Katina began with hurricane leading to civil disorder and isolation of people (2). The handling of the Hurricane Katrina has been criticized for various reasons. The Center of Progressive Reform (2005) argues that Katrina was foreseeable but emergency response planning and implementation efforts were poor (6). Although the book does may not paint a complete picture of the post-disaster management exercise, it exposes how long-running government inefficiencies could be exacerbated during disaster management and the consequences such inadequacies have on individuals and families. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) was mandated in overseeing both the preparation and response to the disaster. The book shows how FEMA could have lost its focus on mitigating natural disaster. On one hand, the book exposes how efforts from civilian volunteers could have helped in disaster response efforts. This is especially important considering that federal assistance was delayed for many days after the disaster. Criticisms have been raised against the leadership in disaster management. While there was communication breakdown, civilian volunteers could have had an impact in rescuing trapped people. The book uncovers the impact of prison injustices in the investigations of the terror threats following the Hurricane Katrina. For instance, Zeitoun and other men are arrested and transferred to Hunt correctional facilities while no appropriate charges are preferred. This is especially important because the Zeitoun is not allowed to contact his family or friends. Egger says “Zeitoun had not been charged with a crime….he did not know why he was being held….in a small room surrounded by soldiers in camouflage demanding he removes his clothes’ (226). From the outset, this statement exposes the violation of human rights issues during the post-Katrina events. The author continues “….arrested at gun point in a home he owned, brought to an impromptu military base built inside a bus station, accused of terrorism and locked in an outdoor cage. It surpassed the most surreal accounts he’d heard of third world law enforcement” (228). From the book, we learn that Zeitoun suffers untold pain. On one hand, Zeitoun is not allowed to make calls causing psychological trauma. The mistreatment in the hands of the law enforcement officers causes physical harm and Zeitoun losses weight. The book exposes the theme of broken family ties in the post-disaster period. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration assert that Katrina was one of the costliest hurricanes in the U.S history and one of the deadliest (4). While many people could not contact their families and friends due to destroyed infrastructure, the book exposes a different cause of broken family ties, government inefficiencies in laws enforcement. For instance, reading the book, one becomes aware of the psychological pain Kathy and her children underwent as she searched for her husband. The irony is that post-disaster services aim at facilitating people to contact their families and friends. However, the book depicts how Zeitoun is mistakably arrested and becomes detached from his family. Cashell (2005) argue that the general impact of Katrina can be compared to the September 11 terrorist attacks. The social and physical consequences of this include symptoms of post-traumatic stress. This is especially important given that Zeitoun is whisked by security officers and goes missing without communication or any contact with his family and friends. With respect to the American values, the book uncovers the dark-side of the post-disaster events. For instance, Kathy assumes that Zeitoun is dead after six days of searching. Eggers remarks “He was so content in this country, so impressed with and loving of its opportunities, but then why,….did Americans fall short of their best selves” (37). In this context, Eggers expresses Zeitoun’s frustration about discrimination and how it affects the American dream. The book uncovers the link between Hurricane Katrina and counterterrorism efforts. A critical analysis of American counterterrorism efforts reveals inherent cases of mistaken identities and unwarranted violations of human rights in pursuing potential suspects. The book gives a clear perspective on how inefficiencies by law enforcement agencies cause untold suffering to families especially in post-disaster events. Further, the book illustrates the American dream and dark forces that could threaten to drown such dreams in the guise of counterterrorism measures. In conclusion, Zeitoun is a powerful masterpiece that uncovers the humanitarian issues surrounding the Hurricane Katrina. The book exposes the ironical aspects of disaster management efforts during and after the Hurricane Katrina. The issues of human rights violations, government inefficiencies, racial discrimination and broken family ties are not only inconsistent with the American values but threaten the American dream. With view to the Hurricane Katrina, Eggers gives an insightful foray about the disaster, using Zeitoun’s family experiences. I recommend this notable book to other students, humanitarian organizations, policy-makers and the general public. Works Cited Cashell, B. The microeconomic effects of Hurricane Katrina. Congressional Research Service Report, September, 2005. Center of Progressive Reform. An unnatural disaster: the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, September, 2005. Eggers, Dave. Zeitoun. New York: Penguin Books Limited, 2009. Litman, T. lessons from Katrina and Rita: what major disasters can teach transportation planners? Victoria Transport Policy Institute, April, 2006. Retrieved May 5, 2012 from www.vtpi.org/katrina.pdf National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Hurricane Katrina, August 23-31, 2005. Retrieved May 5, 2012 from www.nws.noaa.gov/om/assessments/pdfs/Katrina.pdf Read More