This concept is not introduced as the result of racist individuals, rather the end product of years of colorblind policymaking that has since been supported by governmental officials

Terressa Benz argues that “ (Flint and Detroit, Michigan) are ‘sacrifice zones’, areas that have been offered up as tribute to free-arket ideology which are opened up for exploitation in the name of profit, corporate capitalism, and ‘progress.’”

The Flint citizens were devalued, while the government gained more power and profit that otherwise would not have been possible

However, the affected Flint residents were able to build strong social networks and advocate for systemic change as a result

The mayor expresses that she “continues to tell residents to drink only bottled or filtered water.”

The marginalized communities especially made it a point to express the slow response from state authorities and evoke emotion to indicate how their quality of life has decreased since the crisis.

The people of Flint want to make it clear that although it may seem to outsiders that the crisis has dissolved, there are still lasting effects that perpetrate the pre-existing socioeconomic inequalities

What also perpetuates the effects of slow violence is the regulatory neglect by government agencies, since the exposure to contaminated water is prolonged

Other instances of slow violence were elaborated upon with the discussion of nitrate levels in the Flint drinking water

Residents still continue to struggle with the physical, emotional, and socioeconomic consequences that were brought about by the lead exposure

This relates to Nixon’s discussion on slow violence, as he centers on pollution as a form of gradual harm that has various cumulative effects in the way that it leads to health impacts, environmental degradation, and social inequity.

There was also mismanagement and disregard for water as a public resource

The governmental officials did not apply proper corrosion control treatments when Flint switched the water source to the Flint River and the health of marginalized communities were disproportionately impacted

The weak regulation propelled infrastructural violence and the infringement on social equality. Again, the cost-saving measures valued by the government were prioritized over the well-being of those residing in marginalized communities

There existed the potential to rebuild trust, enhance social networks, and gain community involvement in infrastructural development

There was clear mismanagement of water as a public resource. The laws put into place did not work against the large-scale projects effectively

Rodgers and O’Neill indicate that, “infrastructure is a key factor shaping people’s direct relationships both with each other and with their environment in cities”

The marginalized communities also lacked the resources or power to enact change. Rodgers and O’Neill redefined infrastructure as “a privileged institutional channel for social regulation,” as well as “the dramatic suffering that can occur as a result of the deliberate targeting of infrastructural networks.”

Scholars like Richard Nixon brought to popularity an interpretation of slow violence

The government workers failed the city of Flint, as the decision to switch the water supply from the Detroit River to the Flint River caused lead and legionella bacteria to leach into the tap water of the Flint residents.