I chose the Flint Water Crisis because it was something I was initially interested in, but I think the problem was overshadow by the other tragedies that were going on in the nation. Tragedies such as the unlawful shootings of African Americans by police, ISIS and this very pathetic presidential election.
I was not aware about the switch, when the city chose to stop buying water from Detroit and instead draw water from Lake Huron; water that had not been treated or tested. I can’t even wrap my mind around the carelessness and udder disinterest that the government exemplifies for the residents of Flint. To add insult to injury, Michigan’s Department Environmental Quality outright ignored and downplayed the residents’ complaints of smelly discolored water.
This is another example of those given authority and ranks, abusing their power and showing no respect of concern of the people they are suppose to protect.
I’m sure I’m not the only one who was ignorant about everything going on in Flint, Michigan and I wish more people who educate themselves about this and the other atrocities going on in the nation caused by people with power trying to suppress those who do not. I think many people live in a state of denial. They don’t want to believe the corruption and injustice, but it’s happening everyday.
The article mentioned that similar water crisis have taken place in many other cities across the nation, but the reason Flint became such a big story is because it was avoidable. The author of the Vox card referred to it as a “manmade disaster,” and to me, that’s the most upsetting part.
The Flint Water Crisis is another example of how government institutions have failed Black Americans. It exploded in the media at the same time that African Americans were being targeted by systematic racism, which puts this crisis in a larger realm.