Uncovers the ways the United States government responds to natural and human-induced disasters in relation to race over the past eight decades
When the images of desperate, hungry, thirsty, sick, mostly black people circulated in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, it became apparent to the whole country that race did indeed matter when it came to government assistance. In The Wrong Complexion for Protection, Robert D. Bullard and Beverly Wright place the government response to natural and human-induced disasters in historical context over the past eight decades. They compare and contrast how the government responded to emergencies, including environmental and public health emergencies, toxic contamination, industrial accidents, bioterrorism threats and show that African Americans are disproportionately affected. Bullard and Wright argue that uncovering and eliminating disparate disaster response can mean the difference between life and death for those most vulnerable in disastrous times.

"A fine overview for those interested in the subject matter. Summing Up: Highly recommended." - Choice

"The Wrong Complexion for Protection is an intellectual version of a 'greatest hits' album, combining autobiography and research findings to give a picture of the authors' important contributions to the field of environmental justice, and a picture of what environmental justice has contributed to political science and other fields." - Political Science Quarterly

"Robert D. Bullard and Beverly Wright provide an intersectional examination for understanding and addressing environmental disasters by interconnecting race, class, and place… The Wrong Complexion for Protection makes a compelling case regarding the need for government oversight and more effective and equal policies that would provide equal protection regardless of race and place." - Race and Justice