Fear, Rumor, and Authority

Five Days at Memorial

Rumors of violence and martial law change how hospital workers perceive danger, authority, and the possibility of rescue.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

The City’s Rumors The City’s Rumors from "Five Days at Memorial". The City’s Rumors Reports on the Radio Broadcasts carried claims of looting, murders, and martial law.

The City’s Rumors from "Five Days at Memorial". The City’s Rumors Reports on the Radio Broadcasts carried claims of looting, murders, and martial law.

The City’s Rumors Reports on the Radio Broadcasts carried claims of looting, murders, and martial law. Some reports were inaccurate, but they reached people trapped without reliable outside information. Fear Enters the Hospital Staff and families interpreted noise, gunshots, and darkness through the reports. The perceived threat influenced decisions even when the actual danger was uncertain.

A Hospital on Lockdown A Hospital on Lockdown from "Five Days at Memorial". A Hospital on Lockdown Securing the Building Memorial tightened access and directed people approaching the hospital away.

A Hospital on Lockdown from "Five Days at Memorial". A Hospital on Lockdown Securing the Building Memorial tightened access and directed people approaching the hospital away.

A Hospital on Lockdown Securing the Building Memorial tightened access and directed people approaching the hospital away. Staff feared looting and believed security might be needed to protect patients and supplies. Shelter Becomes a Boundary The hospital sheltered many people but also refused some who sought help. Concern for safety and limited capacity became difficult to distinguish from exclusion.

Martial Law Believed Martial Law Believed from "Five Days at Memorial". Martial Law Believed Authority Misunderstood Some staff believed that military or state officials had taken control and were issuing binding orders.

Martial Law Believed from "Five Days at Memorial". Martial Law Believed Authority Misunderstood Some staff believed that military or state officials had taken control and were issuing binding orders.

Martial Law Believed Authority Misunderstood Some staff believed that military or state officials had taken control and were issuing binding orders. The claim spread despite the absence of an actual declaration of martial law. Decisions by Assumption Belief in external authority could make people less likely to question orders or seek clarification. The rumor shaped how some LifeCare workers understood the instruction to leave patients with Memorial staff.

Police Arrive at Night Police Arrive at Night from "Five Days at Memorial". Police Arrive at Night A Frightening Approach Armed police entered Memorial after reports that the pharmacy was being looted.

Police Arrive at Night from "Five Days at Memorial". Police Arrive at Night A Frightening Approach Armed police entered Memorial after reports that the pharmacy was being looted.

Police Arrive at Night A Frightening Approach Armed police entered Memorial after reports that the pharmacy was being looted. Workers had guarded the building and were uncertain whether the arrival meant danger or help. Rumor Becomes Action The police found no takeover and left. Their brief visit showed how unverified reports could command resources and intensify fear without resolving patients’ needs.

The Fear Is Reassessed The Fear Is Reassessed from "Five Days at Memorial". The Fear Is Reassessed Exaggerated Threats Later reporting found that many of the worst crimes reported during the disaster had not occurred.

The Fear Is Reassessed from "Five Days at Memorial". The Fear Is Reassessed Exaggerated Threats Later reporting found that many of the worst crimes reported during the disaster had not occurred.

The Fear Is Reassessed Exaggerated Threats Later reporting found that many of the worst crimes reported during the disaster had not occurred. Fear of violence nevertheless influenced evacuation and rescue decisions. Consequences of Perception Rumors were not harmless simply because they were false. They changed where people went, whom they trusted, and which rescue efforts were considered safe.

August 30, 2005

August 30–31, 2005

August 30–September 1, 2005

September 1, 2005, near midnight

After Katrina