From: Sarah Elzas
Length: 00:03:38
Over the past few weeks in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, a fierce debate has raged about what term should be used to refer to those who were forced out of their homes. Everyone has weighed in, from William Safire on the linguistic uses of the word "refugee", to Jesse Jackson and others on its political connotations. Here's one point of view you may not have heard from much: someone working with "actual" refugees. Olivia Bueno is an international refugee advocate and has been thinking a lot about the term. ------------------------------------- Outro: Olivia Bueno is a founding member of the International Refugee Rights Initiative and was previously part of the International Refugee Program of Human Rights First (formerly the Lawyers Committee for Human Rights). This commentary does not necessarily reflect the opinions of either of these organizations.
SUGGESTED INTRO:
Over the past few weeks, a debate has raged about whether or not we should use the word "refugee" to refer to those who were forced out of their homes because of hurricane Katrina. Everyone has weighed in, from William Safire on its linguistic uses, to Jesse Jackson and others on its political connotations. Here's one point of view you may not have heard from: someone working with "actual" refugees. Olivia Bueno is an international refugee advocate and has been thinking a lot about the term.
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PLEAE INCLUDE THIS OUTRO:
Olivia Bueno is a founding member of the International Refugee Rights Initiative and was previously part of the International Refugee Program of Human Rights First (formerly the Lawyers Committee for Human Rights). This commentary does not necessarily reflect the opinions of either of these organizations....
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Dmae Roberts
Posted on September 29, 2005 at 09:20 PM | Permalink
Review of Commentary: Refugees, Evacuees--Let's Call the Whole Thing Off
There has been considerable disagreements about whether to call the Katrina victims as refugees. While the term might not be legally sound, many believe that it describes people who are seeking refuge from a horrible experience. This commentary brings the discussion to light in a thoughtful way and offers several differing perspectives. Though the voicing could have been recorded in a less live room, the producer offers her insights in an upbeat way. This could air as a drop-in for any magazine.