The “refugee” debate

Did you know that the word “refugee” was racist[*1] ? I didn’t, either.

News organizations are struggling for the right word.

Many, including the Associated Press, have used “refugee” to describe those displaced by Hurricane Katrina.

But the choice has stirred anger among some, particularly in the black community. They argue “refugee” implies the displaced storm victims, many of whom are black, are second-class citizens — or not even Americans.

“It is racist to call American citizens refugees,” the Rev. Jesse Jackson said, visiting the Houston Astrodome on Monday. Members of the Congressional Black Caucus have expressed similar sentiments.

If Jesse Jackson wants to find racism, he should start by looking in the mirror. Personally, I prefer the terms”victims” or “evacuees,” as “refugee” tends to have a political component which does not exist here. In fact, I could easily argue that race-baters and witch-hunters should prefer the more politically charged “refugee” label to the more accurate “victim/evacuee” terms

“Refugee” is inaccurate. It isn’t racist.