Tranforming the Culture of New Orleans

During our orientation Tracie Washington of the NAACP Gulf Coast Advisory Center spoke of the importance of bringing New Orleanians home to a better place. She explained that before the storm New Orleans was a city with a Plantation mentality. This was a city that served the needs of the forty prominent families. She spoke of the need for structural change in the city – in the schools, in the police and justice system and throughout the city’s social system. This is an image that I can understand.

We have heard about the need to preserve the New Orleans culture. Many people talk about the music and the festival life of the city. The arts are an important part of culture. But for me, the core of the culture of a city is linked to the social systems of a city. Without a great school system and a commitment to social justice the culture of a city is deeply scarred. And I cannot find that much to preserve in this city.

This is not to say that it cannot be an exciting time, because there is now an ability to rebuild anew. The issue will be what values are brought to the table and whose voices will be heard? Will it be the best of times or the worst of times?

As visitors we have the challenge of not adopting the “Plantation mentality.” Hotel wages here are significantly less than what they are at home (D,C.) I urge you to make an effort to leave a tip for the housekeeping staff. Remember when you are out eating and marveling about the inexpensive restaurant prices that this is a reflection of a low wage base.