Institutions are meant to help, protect or aid people. That is their purpose. Unfortunately, institutions do not always adhere to this purpose. The institutions in
Friendswood, specifically City Hall and the EPA, are examples of institutions that have failed to protect the people.
City Hall completely ignores Lee's arguments and information about the oil spill. They act as if she's just some angry woman who wants to cause trouble. Yes Lee is angry, but that tends to happen when "no one goddamn listens." (
Friendswood page 90). They are failing the people of Friendswood. City halls are supposed to be a place where townspeople can get involved and bring up issues they think need to be addressed and are able to have their voices heard. Friendswood's City Hall seems to just want Lee to shut up about the chemicals, they obviously haven't been listening to her, and keep trying to invalidate her research.
The EPA treats Lee no better than City Hall. It is implied that the EPA has been adamantly ignoring Lee. She says "Just give me the address, not just the general EPA one, but yours in particular." (
Friendswood page 90). It is very possible that the EPA has just been tossing any and all information that Lee has sent, which is why she asks for the specific address of someone who seems at least moderately interested in reading her report.
Thank you for your answers Halina:
ReplyDeleteCommunity officials are supposed to protect the citizens, aren't they? Why would the officials not listen to Lee or correlate community members' illnesses, death, and cancer to the chemicals?
--Prof. Young
Halina, I'm fascinated by the images you chose for your blog, and I enjoyed reading your responses to the characters, especially your analysis of Jose and his importance. Your research topic is also a rich one--Thanks for your insightful, close readings. Rene
ReplyDelete