Submitted by Maurice_Stevens on Sep 27, 2006-03:32pm
Wed, 09/27/2006 - 14:32

Re-Making Identity in the Wake of Catastrophe

We are all members of communities whose identities are continually in flux. Overwhelming events like disasters or catastrophes disrupt community identity and force community members to reproduce a sense of coherence and ?story? about who they are or believe themselves to be. In our acts of communal recuperation through story telling we reaffirm and ?rewrite? the values, beliefs, and social norms that determine who is properly inside or outside of our idea of community: for good and bad.

This blog is a space for anyone to participate in a conversation about community recuperation in the aftermath of catastrophe ? its costs and its benefits. Discussion is not limited to the communities impacted by Katrina related events, for these dynamics are evident in varying ways in many, many communities.

Please join this conversation with your experience, your wisdom, your speculations and your thoughts. Now, more than ever, these conversations can lead to meaningful shifts.

Katrina Summit Sessions American Indians and Katrina

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rebuilding the Superdome
Posted on Oct 03, 2006-12:29pm by Joe Dunlap
Joe Dunlap
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The Lousiana Superdome is a venue known across the world. The effects that hurricane Katrina had on it and the fact that it housed thousands of locals waiting for transportation to safety on that horrible day, makes it even more special. Sports took a back seat for awhile to witness the destruction of a city and of people's homes, due to a natural disaster. The damage to the Superdome roof would turn out to be extremely expensive. The money could have been used for numerous other sources. However, this roof that sheltered thousands and housed a football team that motivated the country, needed to be rebuilt. The 185 million dollars it cost to fix the roof was mostly government money, and when the Superdome re-opened it's doors for a Monday night football game last week it showed that the money was well spent. It showed New Orleans residents taking a break from reality and enjoying their team play a game. Even after playing all of last season on the road and being labeled an underdog, the Saints pulled out a victory giving good memories to fans that desperatley needed them. The Superdome holding a nationally televised event showed that New Orleans is still there and that people can once again have a good time in the big easy.