Fan in Chicago Posted September 2, 2005 Share Posted September 2, 2005 I have been reading and watching with horror the events in NO following Katrina. The more I watched the more I started sub-consciously comparing the effects with those in Mumbai (formerly Bombay) just a month back. For those that did not notice, here is a link http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4720343.stm. Similarities: - Heavy rains, flooding - Wind Differences: - Wind in Mumbai was not quite as strong - Mumbai is not below sea level Social and infrastructure comments: - Mumbai population density is much higher - Filth in the drainage system is much higher in Mumbai - Houses are built of concrete - Evacuation would be near impossible given the number of people and transportation means available With that brief background, I find it stunning that in Mumbai: - It did not need to be evacuated - There was no significant violence or gang activity for food and water - Law and order did not collapse as a result of these rains - People stayed at home for the few days and went about their normal business once the flood waters receded - There was no large scale bitching and moaning against the head of state (Prime Minister = President in US) or authorities I grew up there but am a firm American now. What is baffling to me is that we are supposed to be more civilized, advanced, sophisticated of the two societies. This recent evidence is making me reconsider what really makes up a social structure. How do we as humans revert to our baser instincts faster than a society that is supposed to be less tolerant and more diverse ? All comments are welcome but not those bashing me for being anti-American because I am not. I am simply seeing what is presented to me and wondering about what defines an advanced society versus a developing one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pine Barrens Mafia Posted September 2, 2005 Share Posted September 2, 2005 I think that Asians in general and Indians in particular are more accustomed to an orderly process of society. Rigid class structure and millenia-long traditions do wonders to hold a society together. Many Americans have a sense of entitlement. That's our #1 problem. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crap Throwing Monkey Posted September 2, 2005 Share Posted September 2, 2005 I have been reading and watching with horror the events in NO following Katrina. The more I watched the more I started sub-consciously comparing the effects with those in Mumbai (formerly Bombay) just a month back. For those that did not notice, here is a link http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4720343.stm. Similarities: - Heavy rains, flooding - Wind Differences: - Wind in Mumbai was not quite as strong - Mumbai is not below sea level Social and infrastructure comments: - Mumbai population density is much higher - Filth in the drainage system is much higher in Mumbai - Houses are built of concrete - Evacuation would be near impossible given the number of people and transportation means available With that brief background, I find it stunning that in Mumbai: - It did not need to be evacuated - There was no significant violence or gang activity for food and water - Law and order did not collapse as a result of these rains - People stayed at home for the few days and went about their normal business once the flood waters receded - There was no large scale bitching and moaning against the head of state (Prime Minister = President in US) or authorities I grew up there but am a firm American now. What is baffling to me is that we are supposed to be more civilized, advanced, sophisticated of the two societies. This recent evidence is making me reconsider what really makes up a social structure. How do we as humans revert to our baser instincts faster than a society that is supposed to be less tolerant and more diverse ? All comments are welcome but not those bashing me for being anti-American because I am not. I am simply seeing what is presented to me and wondering about what defines an advanced society versus a developing one. 426627[/snapback] I don't know anything about Bombay, so tell me this: is Bombay practically surrounded by water, and inaccessible during a flood? I think that's a big part of the problem in New Orleans; the city's so flooded and wrecked, it's difficult as hell to get to or out of. Plus, I'm assuming Bombay drains naturally. New Orleans doesn't...flood waters don't recede, they get pumped out. Both factors make for a much bigger disaster. The second thing is that, frankly, Americans are !@#$ing stupid, loathsome, lazy, and irresponsible. It's not "What can I do to help?", but "Why isn't anyone helping me?" This has all finally convinced me that this is a useless and weak society I'm living in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fan in Chicago Posted September 2, 2005 Author Share Posted September 2, 2005 I don't know anything about Bombay, so tell me this: is Bombay practically surrounded by water, and inaccessible during a flood? I think that's a big part of the problem in New Orleans; the city's so flooded and wrecked, it's difficult as hell to get to or out of. Plus, I'm assuming Bombay drains naturally. New Orleans doesn't...flood waters don't recede, they get pumped out. Both factors make for a much bigger disaster. The second thing is that, frankly, Americans are !@#$ing stupid, loathsome, lazy, and irresponsible. It's not "What can I do to help?", but "Why isn't anyone helping me?" This has all finally convinced me that this is a useless and weak society I'm living in. 426642[/snapback] To your first question - Bombay is an island (it really is). But I agree that it probably drains naturally. But is greatly hindered by the archaic open sewer system in a large part of the city. This is forever clogged due to garbage making drainage difficult. I am more disturbed by the reaction of the residents than the technical comparison of the disaster. We seem to be more worried about our own individual good that trying to recover as a society. Situations such as these amplify the downsides of an individualistic me-first society. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
/dev/null Posted September 2, 2005 Share Posted September 2, 2005 What is baffling to me is that we are supposed to be more civilized, advanced, sophisticated of the two societies. This recent evidence is making me reconsider what really makes up a social structure. How do we as humans revert to our baser instincts faster than a society that is supposed to be less tolerant and more diverse ? 426627[/snapback] i'm not surprised at all that New Orleans has deteriorated so fast. We Americans are more spoiled than civilized. Take away our running water, cell phones, HotPockets®, and Motherment, and how are we to fend for ourselves? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilverNRed Posted September 2, 2005 Share Posted September 2, 2005 The second thing is that, frankly, Americans are !@#$ing stupid, loathsome, lazy, and irresponsible. It's not "What can I do to help?", but "Why isn't anyone helping me?" This has all finally convinced me that this is a useless and weak society I'm living in.426642[/snapback] I'm sad to say I agree. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blzrul Posted September 2, 2005 Share Posted September 2, 2005 They say, don't they, that one measure of man is how he responds to adversity. They don't need to say any more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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