Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Stubbornness
If Hurricane Katrina proved one point about human nature, it is that only great tragedy can change human stubbornness and sometimes not even that. At long last, people are reconsidering living on coastlines where they are vulnerable to sinking lands and forceful winds. It's going to take a new flood-vulnerability map and loss of insurance to make some of them do it. And, others will not move no matter what.
A question in public relations and society as well is where to draw the line on human folly. Does everyone have a right to build on barrier islands where one knows rising sea levels and high winds will destroy homes? Does society have a duty to help people rebuild who choose to live below sea level? It is shocking that we even discuss these questions but the power of public opinion is such that we are.
Rationality doesn't rule among humans but habit. This is where I grew up and this is where I'm going to live.
PR can only go so far in face of human perversity and most of the time, it isn't nearly far enough.
A question in public relations and society as well is where to draw the line on human folly. Does everyone have a right to build on barrier islands where one knows rising sea levels and high winds will destroy homes? Does society have a duty to help people rebuild who choose to live below sea level? It is shocking that we even discuss these questions but the power of public opinion is such that we are.
Rationality doesn't rule among humans but habit. This is where I grew up and this is where I'm going to live.
PR can only go so far in face of human perversity and most of the time, it isn't nearly far enough.
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