Video Response Questions
Something in the Water
While most people are aware of t
Video Response Questions
Something in the Water
While most people are aware of the basic contours of the Flint water story, AMERICA
DIVIDED goes deeper. Correspondent Rosario Dawson investigates how a government could
poison its own citizens, what hidden forces may have been at work, and how specific policies
unique to Michigan, led not only to the crisis in Flint but also damaged other poor, largely
African American communities around the state.
Use the link to connect to the video. https://www.kanopy.com/en/product/1319342?vp=mga
You will need your MGA email credentials to log in. Once logged in, search for Middle Georgia
State University and add it to your library. Then at the top use the search function and type in
Something in the Water. The film should appear. The video is about 40 minutes. As you watch
the video answer the following question and think about the crisis as if you were the Crisis
Manager for the city of Flint Michigan.
1) What are some the signs that families noticed to let them know something was wrong
with the water?
2) According to Dr. Laura Sullivan what crimes did the city of Flint commit?
3) How did officials respond when presented with data from scientists showing evidence of
contaminated water?
4) What legal protections does Darnell Earley enjoy as an emergency manager? Do you
think this affects his decision-making? Explain.
5) In the Unit 1 Reflection Paper you were asked to come up with some key messages. We
will dive more into key messages and creating a crisis communication plan in the last
unit. For now, develop 3 key messages that you would put out through the media about
the Flint, Michigan, water crisis. Keep in mind that key messages can be simple
statements that just provide some clarity, accountability, explanation, or empathy about a
situation.
Two things to consider when creating key messages about a crisis:
a) Communicate compassion for any victims of the crisis
b) Provide suggestions for protection if appropriate (i.e. remembering to wash your hands
during a flu outbreak)