Constructing “the Other” Media Representations of Katrina Evacuees in Houston, Texas

Abstract

This article examines the Houston Chronicle’s construction of the Katrina evacuees as “the other.” Critical race theory informs the qualitative document analysis of 12 months of newspaper coverage between August 2005 and August 2006. It examines the initial construction of the evacuees, how it changed during 12 months, and the role of cultural understandings of race and class in that construction. Five media frames are identified and discussed: criminal justice, humanitarian, human interest, evacuee character, and race/class issues. Results indicate an almost exclusive association of the Katrina evacuees with the low income, African American residents of New Orleans, as well as an increasing focus on evacuees as threats to community safety. Distinct to Houston coverage, results yield an emphasis on evacuees as burdens to community resources, including the management of evacuee drug addiction and mental health issues. Finally, evidence of color-blind racism in media entries is discussed.