Weekly Discussion Paper

Lana Silva

SOC 122 MW 5:30

8 March 2016

http://www.democracynow.org/2016/3/7/a_democracy_problem_as_debate_brings

This story highlights the Flint, Michigan water crisis, where the water supply was so severely contaminated with lead that in 2014, General Motors said they could not use it anymore because it was corroding their parts. One activists argues that since General Motors, the emergency manager, and the governor knew that the water supply wasn't okay for car parts, they should've known that it was not okay for citizens to consume either, even if it was cheaper. Furthermore, even though this water is essentially unusable and citizens have had to resort to drinking, cooking, and bathing with bottled water, the residents still have to pay for both their water bills and this bottled water. Another activist from "WATER you fighting for?" discussed various medical problems that she, her family, and neighbors have faced as a result of this water contamination. These are all examples of the movement diagnosing the problem and using motivational framing because the movement is focused on using language to get people emotional and give them a rationale for taking action. Furthermore, because of the primaries and the Democratic candidates' debate in Flint, the issue received even more national attention than it likely would have gotten previously, which is an example of political opportunity theory.

  

http://www.democracynow.org/2016/3/8/heres_to_flint_the_untold_story

Because the primaries are taking place in Michigan and it would be a meaningful win for the Democratic candidates, Flint's water crisis has turned into a "major campaign issue." This shows evidence of political opportunity theory because Flint's water crisis has a much bigger opportunity to receive even more national or global attention than they have gotten before. In addition, the ACLU of Michigan created a documentary titled "Here's to Flint," which was featured on Democracy Now, specifically on this day of the primaries, which is another example of political opportunity theory.  Now that Flint is getting so much national attention, it is the perfect time for activists to organize. In addition, the Flint water activists used framing when they communicated their diagnosis and motivation by chanting, "Whose water is it? Our water!" and holding signs that said things such as "No more paying for poison!"