99% Invisible This is Chance! Redux
Mar 25, 2020
John Mooallem, author of 'This is Chance!', shares the gripping tale of Jeannie Chance, a courageous radio reporter during the catastrophic 1964 Anchorage earthquake. He reveals how Chance's powerful voice united a fractured community amid chaos. The podcast dives into themes of resilience, the importance of preserving historical narratives, and the deep emotional ties that connect us through shared adversity. Mooallem also highlights how Chance's legacy continues to inspire and calls listeners to appreciate the lessons learned from such crises.
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Existential Impact of the Earthquake
- The 1964 earthquake challenged Anchorage residents' worldview, highlighting the instability of the built environment.
- Amidst this chaos, human connection emerged as a source of strength and resilience.
Discovering Jeannie Chance
- John Mooallem discovered Jeannie Chance's story through research on a 1964 tsunami in Crescent City, California.
- Chance's extensive documentation of the earthquake and its aftermath made her a key figure in his research.
Human Response to Disasters
- Contrary to disaster narratives of societal breakdown, research shows increased cooperation and altruism during crises.
- This human response, observed in Anchorage and other disasters, underscores our capacity for collective action.
