Evacuees, Refugees, or Victims?

I received an email this morning suggesting that I change my wording from "refugee" to "evacuee":

"The victims of Katrina are not refugees rather they are US citizens displaced by a natural disaster.  A refugee is defined as: One who flees in search of refuge, as in times of war, political oppression, or religious persecution.  This is not the case in Katrina victims."

That definition needs to be attributed to Dictionary.com, as it is a direct copy of their definition.  Other dictionaries just call a refugee, "one who seeks shelter," or "one who flees."  Usually the term is applied to wars and politics and religious persecution, but our world has not seen many cases such as we have in New Orleans. 

Reverend Al Sharpton agrees with my reader that the the term "refugee" is not right, assuming that the term strips the people of their dignity.  "They are not refugees. They are citizens of the United States," he says. You can read an interesting article about this discussion here, on the NPR site. 

From a personal point of view, and as a refugee, evacuee, or hurricane victim, I can tell you that we just don't care.  We're simply Southerners who were caught in a storm.  We simply want help, whatever you prefer to call us. 

(p.s.  Even though I think "refugee" has been accurate in this case, I will soon change my wording at the top of this blog, just because I think the people who are homeless will soon no longer be "refugees," needing to seek "refuge."  Even though they won't have homes to go back to yet, the rebuilding will begin and "refugee" will no longer seem fitting.)

10:07 AM - Sep. 7, 2005 - post comment

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I think you could call them refugees! It seems from some of the news broadcasts that the way some people are behaving down there, I would be fleeing!

MrsRitchey - 10:49 AM - Sep. 7, 2005

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Choosing our battles

I've been careful to avoid the word "refugee" because I see that some are eager to take offense where none was intended. "As far as it lies within you, be at peace with all men." Romans 12:18.

Somerschool - 11:18 AM - Sep. 7, 2005

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Exactly

It hasn't occured to me that refugee was offense to some, until it has come up in the media recently. To me, it means "refuge" - "refugee", "evacuate" - "evacuee", "Florida" - "Floridian", "America" - "American". We're just so used to seeing "refugee" as something in another country, and we think it is only to be used for wars, and religion. Can we not take refuge from other things, l like lost housing and weather?

Personally, I dislike "victim" more than "refugee," when you put a label on my family and how the hurricanes have affected us. Because I don't think we are ever victims, when God says He'll "work everything for our good." "Victim" feels hopeless.

HurricaneKatrina - 11:38 AM - Sep. 7, 2005

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You are a blessing!

Dear Lori,
Our hearts go out to you. May God be your strength and shield. Do not grow weary of well doing. I can only imagine how tired you are and how unreal this all may seem. Be of good courage and do not fear. We are reading all of your posts and ask you to continue to faithfully paint the picture of this catastrophe so that we can all be moved to action. Thank you for being a channel of blessing to those that the Lord puts in your path. You and your family will be transformed by the suffering that you are experiencing firsthand. Look to the Lord, Lori. Keep your eyes fixed on the cross.

Jill

JillNovak - 11:39 AM - Sep. 7, 2005

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Untitled Comment

First of all, I want you to know that I'm praying for you and your family and friends as you minister to those God is putting in your path. As far as the "semantics" involved in this discussion in the media, I just keep thinking that God's Word tells us He is our Refuge. Psalm 9:9 says, "The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble." May we all seek God's shelter in times of trouble! May God bless you, Lori, as you reach out to hurting people in His Name.

MamaBird - 12:25 PM - Sep. 7, 2005

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I don't care for the term "victim" either. I've just been referring to them all as "Katrina Families". Thank you so much for this blog, Lori. God bless you!

Ruthanne

Anonymous - 3:05 PM - Sep. 7, 2005

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Untitled Comment

How about "affected and displaced residents of the Gulf Coast"? Thats alot of typing though! I saw this on a flyer this morning in my area and thought of your blog.
Right now, we're going through our church to help with the relief efforts. The kids and I are trying to fill a coffee can with change that we will then cash in and send on to you, it may take awhile though.

I love the fact that you are just a local homeschool mom who is trying to help!
You're in our prayers everyday.

carolm22117 - 11:17 AM - Sep. 8, 2005

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Labels

I can not believe that the primary concern of the people in the he gulf area is the title with which the rest of the world is using to call them. (Admittedly, I don’t live there, am only guessing, and could be way off base here.) When I am running errands and it's 118 degrees outside, you can call me a desert-refugee-victim-heat-evacuee-sweaty-mess fleeing to the climate controlled shelter of my home. It sounds to me like the people in the media/government/ department of political correctness clearly have too much time on their hands. Instead of wasting precious time and energy debating verbiage perhaps they could do something useful like pray, volunteer, donate money, or collect some supplies.

Rant over – off to adjust my attitude now,
Mrs. L

WingsAsEagles - 1:09 PM - Sep. 8, 2005

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Thank you

Thank you for creating this informative blog to keep us posted about what is going on. I think too much emphasis is being put on words, and criticism - instead of using that energy to roll up sleeves and help out. Appreciate all your work to keep us posted - and we'll be keeping you and your neighbors in our prayers as the clean up continues.

jewls2texas - 9:19 AM - Sep. 9, 2005

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refuge

argh of course they are refuges and if your saying they are not you obviously dont know the meening of a refuge .....

Anonymous - 3:02 AM - Sep. 10, 2005

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