Combining rigorous participant observation with analysis of media reporting, Flint Fights Back by Benjamin J. Pauli is a story of environmental justice and participatory politics that offers an empowering look at one of the United States’ most shameful and persisting social and health crises in the 21st century. Using a focus on the political activism inspired by the water crisis, Pauli’s main thesis is that the political mobilization in response to Flint’s crisis is part of broader contemporary pro-democracy movements, demonstrative of not only democratic practices encoded in law, but in practice. In addition to giving thanks to the many people who shaped the book, Pauli uses the preface and acknowledgements to sharply contrast the Flint of General Motors and the first mover in racial parity to the Flint of residence vacancies and financial crisis. He also brings to attention to the people who move to Flint by choice, the arts, the receipt of philanthropy, and the community’s rising home for Flint’s future. Pauli frequently refers to Flint as “progressive, pugnacious, and resilient”, a description which drives the narrative of the city, its people, and concerned activists throughout (xi). He initially moved to Flint for work with no idea that the water was a safety hazard. In the thick of the move, he became witness to local and government voices giving contrasting accounts of the water quality, leading to a unique, if highly unanticipated or premeditated, participant observation.
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