Let Them Eat Lead

• In Event: Let them Eat Lead: Flint, Race and the Devastating Effects of Neoliberalism in the World

Abstract

This paper explores the water crisis in Flint, Michigan. The exposure to lead has disproportionately affected the poor and African Americans, especially children. Citing the World Health Organization we discuss the consequences of lead exposure, especially on children. We argue that what has happened constitutes criminal activity victimizing the entire city of Flint. This crisis is placed in a large context of the rise of neo-liberalism with the resulting cut-backs in vital social services to the poor.

Authors

• Randall Shelden, University of Nevada, Las Vegas

• Cassandra Boyer, University of Nevada, Las Vegas