Human Nature

When watching the film regarding the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, there was one thing which particularly struck me. And I’m still trying to decide whose “fault”, or responsibility for what happened it was. So, I’m going to argue both sides. My question is: how did human nature intervene and effect people’s lives in New Orleans after the disaster? Human nature is defined as the general psychological characteristics, feelings, and behavioral traits of humankind (Wikipedia). This is exactly what was showcased and exercised in the film. On one hand, human nature has the distinct and powerful will to survive, and do whatever it takes in order to do so. This was developed early one in the course of the disaster, as people were desperately exploring and considering all possible measures by which to survive what was to come/what was happening. But, it really shined as countless people were in need of many resources essential to survive, and stranded with no help on the way or contact to the outer world. Because of such strong and devoted human nature, the natural thought was to go to stores and places which provided things that they could use to either make them more comfortable or to fulfill their survival needs (food, water, etc.). Therefore, human nature overrode all ideas of morals and ethics, and people raided and destroyed all stores and homes in which held things that they could use to better their situation. From looting many stores, humanity was using its surroundings in order to survive. This represents the side of human nature which can turn out to be more voracious, self-absorbed, and negative, but can be argued positive for reasons regarding the essence of human nature: survival (but the means to come across it). This raises the point, do the ends justify the means? This argues the more unfavorable side of the question and human nature as a whole, but there was one area of the film which argued the exact opposite. Right before its conclusion, it was heard and seen of a group of people (which turned into the entire city) singing a song of hope, faith, and good will. One man began singing “I’m Gonna Let it Shine!” and the entire feeling and emotion of the film was lifted to a positive, optimistic level. The population was coming together and sharing, coexisting, and surviving as one instead of as individuals. The sound of the music and the happiness which burst from the people’s faces when hearing and joining in changed the entire spirit of the film. The enormous change from devastated, dejected, hopeless, and solitariness feelings to hopeful, ethical, communal, and mere pleasure feelings highlighted what a small action can do to an entire community, and how that there was still some optimism and hope left throughout all of the destruction and devastation. This exemplifies the positive, ethical, and bright side of human nature, and shows that in the worst of times, human nature has the capability to change it and better it; literally and philosophically picking the world up form the rubble and rebuilding it. It shows that aside from crime and selfishness, human nature has a good and virtuous side to it, and it is determined which side is shown based solely on the individual. As the film represented both the criminal and exemplary sides of human nature, it was and still is up to humanity itself to live in accordance to the side of human nature which we all admire and aspire.