– The social causes of the 1995 Chicago heat wave, as elucidated by Klinenberg, were overlooked initially because media coverage failed to recognize “the political determinants of the heat wave deaths” (272).   Klinenberg acknowledges that the heat wave shed light upon the underlying violence, vulnerability, and state entrenchment that was present during this ‘natural’ disaster.  It thus becomes evident that the media coverage during the heat wave also served to de-politicize the event. The media’s naturalization of the heat wave shifted the public eye’s focus from the marginality and neglect of particular groups (for instance, the elderly), despite the fact that the death rates among the marginalized brought to light the social issues in Chicago at the time.  It was interesting to note that, when the social causes of the heat wave started to become apparent – after the government failed to implement emergency procedures and then blamed the victims of the heat wave for not taking proper care of themselves – the Chicago mayor defensively argued, “I’m not insensitive” (274).

– Klinenberg’s article also draws attention to the influence of gender, race, and class on the survival rate of those who experienced the Chicago heat wave, thereby shedding light upon the social aspects that influenced the outcomes of this natural disaster.  Klinenberg reports a higher death rate among blacks and whites in comparison to Latinos because of their socially connected lifestyles.  A tradition of communal living, as well as the presence of women in Latino families, allowed them to cooperate during the heat wave.

– Can the outcomes of Hurricane Sandy in particular geographic areas indicate social marginalization in NY? (To be honest, the lack of immediate attention to certain areas in Staten Island certainly seemed to validate – for me – the suggestion that we are “the forgotten borough”!)