Golda Markowitz- Outline

I. Introduction

a. The public and government responses to tragic events correlate according to the socio- economic classes of the victims of the tragedy.

b. The public responses to tragic events often correlate with the magnitude of the attention they receive in the media, which in turn is greatly influenced by the socio-economic classes of the victims of the tragedy. For instance, due to the fact that Minneapolis is a wealthy, upper class area, it attracted major aid from the government and the public in response to the bridge collapse in Minneapolis, Minnesota

c. The New York Times, Minneapolis City of Lakes, and Minneapolis City Radio all mention the responses that the public and government gave to the event. For example, Minneapolis City of Lakes newspaper mentions in one of their articles that on August 15, 2007: “In his first speech to the City Council since the I-35W Bridge collapse, Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak today said that the City’s response to the disaster showcased Minneapolis’ significant investments and planning in public safety and emergency preparedness over the last five years.” So it is shown that due to the fact that Minneapolis is such a wealthy upper class area, it attracted major aid from the government and public in response.

II. Body

a. Favoritism to wealthy areas such as Minneapolis is shown by the fact that there has been continued cooperation between all levels of government to build a new I-35W Bridge and make necessary investments in public infrastructure in the state.
i. The Minneapolis City of Lakes quoted: “The best way to show respect for those lost on the 35W Bridge is to make the tough decisions that lie ahead with dignity, sustained compassion and continued cooperation,” Rybak said. “We should remember a lesson from this tragedy: when you invest in quality government you get quality results; when you don’t invest, there are consequences.”
ii. The New York Times said that: “The state’s congressional delegation was pressing leadership in both chambers to fast-track the bill (HR 3311), which would authorize the government to give the state as much as $250 million to reconstruct the bridge and relieve congestion until it is rebuilt.”

b. However it is easy to argue and say that not all favor the socio-economic classes.
i. Minneapolis City Radio said that “Gov. Tim Pawlenty is contemplating extra aid for the worst-hurt bridge collapse victims. Pawlenty told The Associated Press on Monday that he still supports a $400,000 limit on compensation for individual victims of the Interstate 35W bridge disaster. That's the approach endorsed by the Minnesota Senate last week.”

III. Conclusion

a. From examining the responses that came about after the bridge collapse in Minnesota, one might assume that the government and the public tend to cater more to the socio-economic classes. However one can argue and say that this is not true, as shown for instance by the New York Times.

b. Although one might say that the government and the public don’t favor the victims of a tragedy from a wealthier area, it is still tempting and clear to say that major aid is attracted more to such areas. As an effect from this, the magnitude of the attention they receive in the media plays a big factor in the public responses that occur to tragic events.