now, American refugee

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now, American refugee
Photo Information
Copyright: Thanh Nguyen (ngythanh) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 508 W: 139 N: 2284] (8309)
Genre: People
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2005-09-01
Categories: Event
Camera: Canon EOS 10D, Tamron 28-300mm XR Di f3.5-6.3, RAW @ ISO 400
Exposure: f/8, 1/15 seconds
Photo Version: Original Version
Theme(s): From Katrina to Rita — Hurricane Season 2005 [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2005-09-02 6:12
Viewed: 1271
Favorites: 2 [view]
Points: 16
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
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The first American refugee I photographed


In high school class during the early ’60s, I saw pictures of Europeans refugees in magazines about the 2nd World War.

During the ’70s, as a combat-photographer covering the Vietnam War, I witnessed Vietnamese refugees every day, killed and alive.

In 1990, my family and I landed Seattle Tacoma Airport as refugees ourselves. Also in this decade, I saw pictures of Kosovo refugees again on TV. In my mind, citizens of all countries of the world can be refugees with empty hands running away from their houses; anyone can be displaced, except the US citizen in their rich and safe country. Now, the truth verified that I am wrong. You are looking at the picture I took last night of the first American refugee I saw as he walked off the convoy of 475 buses with his entire properties in the backpack, waiting for being admitted at the west entrance of the Astrodome. This little boy is among the "lucky" one of the 25,000 victims who were fortunate enough to make it to Houston. He has just been dropped off to begin the admissions process into the dome shelter. Hurricane victims are finding in the 131,000-square-foot Astrodome some things they haven't had for days — cots, running water and air-conditioning.

Talking to his mother, I found out his daddy took them to safety in New Orleans Superdome, then swam back home among the bodies floating around him in New Orleans' flooded streets to get some more belongings, and didn't return to them yet...


¨


Based on early reports, we understand that Hurricane Katrina has seriously impacted many people and families. Our deep sympathy and heartfelt concern go out to all of the victims of this terrible disaster. When a disaster of the magnitude of Hurricane Katrina strikes and the news broadcasts images of broken, battered and destroyed homes, it is natural for the public to be eager to help their neighbors — whether they’re across town or across the country. The first priority is meeting the urgent, critical needs of nearly 42,000 which include providing emergency shelter, food and water.

You can help the victims of this disaster by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to those in need. Call 800-HELP NOW. Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P. O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.

Thank you for your generosity and God Bless!


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ktanska, Alain, serenadanesi, Leonie, pamastro, PSYOPS, TRASH, fireflyz, mimi, pnphan, mareseye, robjol, digi-mom, Dr_Nibbles, rajhema has marked this note useful
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ThreadThread Starter Messages Updated
Now,American Refugeerobjol 1 09-03 14:24
Now,American Refugeerobjol 1 09-03 14:23
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Critiques [Translate]

Thank you! Serena

  • Great 
  • Leonie Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1009 W: 50 N: 745] (7938)
  • [2005-09-02 14:01]
  • [2]

Hi Thanh, with horror I am following in the news what is happening in New Orleans. Thanks for your tributes. I hope they will get this situation under control soon.

Regards, Léonie

  • Great 
  • PSYOPS Gold Star Critiquer [C: 204 W: 0 N: 0] (0)
  • [2005-09-02 15:25]
  • [2]

Thanh:

Let me say something with due respect: on behalf of American people, I thank you.

In 1969, I had been sent to Vietnam with a rifle and a camera, to help protect Vietnamese people. Finally, I became enemy of the Northern people, the garbage of American people, and the betrayer of the Southern. The blood I shed has been s**t to everyone.

Now you are doing your best for my people while President Bush looking down from Air Force One, at the altitude of some 30,000 feet... If you are running for presidency, I am sure you get my vote.

God bless you too!

George

  • Great 
  • TRASH Gold Star Critiquer [C: 199 W: 0 N: 0] (0)
  • [2005-09-02 16:39]
  • [4]

I am proud when you spent time to contribute your voice calling for help on these victims.
Being a refugee myself, I wish I have a chance like you to tell local residents how much my family appreciates the kindness of second fatherland and its people.

This is not only the question of art. It's about the appreciation and morality. Your attitude deserves respect from me than just two cheap "smileys".

Sincerely,

Following you in this trip, I learned how to select one out of 25,000 victims for photo subject. The survivers from Superdome, the army of Houston police, the army of Red Cross volunteers, and the objection to photo by the hurricane victims.
Without coming to Astrodome, I have never been able to realize how to work with a camera among that much refugees...

I hope our tiny voice will touch someone...

Hi Thanh,
What a great capture along with fine journalistic report on this unfortunate event.. Thank you for posting, but even more for caring!
Best Regards,
Skye

  • Great 
  • pnphan Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 232 W: 33 N: 372] (3556)
  • [2005-09-02 22:00]
  • [3]

all i can say is Great work chu thanh
keep posting.

Hello Thanh,
Thank you for this portrait. And thank you so much for your great commentary.
Best wishes,
Mare

  •      
  • robjol Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 301 W: 13 N: 140] (817)
  • [2005-09-03 14:50]
  • [3]

Hello Thanh,

Thank you for your report.
your photo showing a little boy,I imagine all he has left from his home.
At least he looks in good condition, he is young and let us hope he recovers without too much proplems with the things he never expected to see.As I am sure he did. Maybe better he did not fully understand.

Once again thanks,
NB No smiley,s

Kind regards.
Rob.

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