Don't Hate Haiti Because It's Black
Reginald James
Issue date: 2/4/10 Last update: 2/4/10 at 3:05 AM PST
Section: OpEd
The U.S. later withdrew, but has had a love-hate relationship with Haitian dictators-those who supported neo-slavery of the Haitian people.
The urban area of Port-au-Prince, Haiti's capital, had a poor infrastructure before the ground shook. Millions recently had migrated to the capital for jobs in sweatshops.
In 2004, U.S. Marines kidnapped Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide due to his plans for reform.
Haiti was already a tragedy before the earthquake. Instead of sending aid, the U.S. sent troops with guns.
The media rexaggerated claims of violence and looting, when people were just hungry. The portrayal attempts to reduce sympathy for Haiti and justifies the militarized response as necessary to keep the "savages" in line.
It also sets the groundwork for the continued occupation of Haiti. It is reported that Haiti is the "most impoverish nation" in the hemisphere, yet the country is rich with gold, silver, bauxite and uranium. And Bloomberg News Service recently reported that the earthquake has uncovered petroleum reserves.
The Haitian people must be in charge of their own relief and recovery efforts. Haiti must have sovereignty and self-determination. Venezuela recently forgave Haiti's debt. The International Monetary Fund, World Bank and the U.S. should do the same. The U.S. has a historical obligation to allow Haiti to lead and benefit from rebuilding efforts. If they don't have food, water or medical training, U.S. troops need to leave Haiti now.
Douglass once said, "Haiti is black, and we have not yet forgiven Haiti for being black."
We don't have to forgive Haiti for its beautiful Blackness. Give reverence and continue to give relief (even after the cameras leave).
But don't hate Haiti because it's Black.
The urban area of Port-au-Prince, Haiti's capital, had a poor infrastructure before the ground shook. Millions recently had migrated to the capital for jobs in sweatshops.
In 2004, U.S. Marines kidnapped Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide due to his plans for reform.
Haiti was already a tragedy before the earthquake. Instead of sending aid, the U.S. sent troops with guns.
The media rexaggerated claims of violence and looting, when people were just hungry. The portrayal attempts to reduce sympathy for Haiti and justifies the militarized response as necessary to keep the "savages" in line.
It also sets the groundwork for the continued occupation of Haiti. It is reported that Haiti is the "most impoverish nation" in the hemisphere, yet the country is rich with gold, silver, bauxite and uranium. And Bloomberg News Service recently reported that the earthquake has uncovered petroleum reserves.
The Haitian people must be in charge of their own relief and recovery efforts. Haiti must have sovereignty and self-determination. Venezuela recently forgave Haiti's debt. The International Monetary Fund, World Bank and the U.S. should do the same. The U.S. has a historical obligation to allow Haiti to lead and benefit from rebuilding efforts. If they don't have food, water or medical training, U.S. troops need to leave Haiti now.
Douglass once said, "Haiti is black, and we have not yet forgiven Haiti for being black."
We don't have to forgive Haiti for its beautiful Blackness. Give reverence and continue to give relief (even after the cameras leave).
But don't hate Haiti because it's Black.
Viewing Comments 1 - 5 of 5
Jean Womack
posted 2/04/10 @ 8:53 AM PST
Haiti deserves our compassion and our help. What divides us is probably a matter of religion more than color, just as our religious differences divide us from the people in the middle east. (Continued…)
Alessandro Tinonga
posted 2/04/10 @ 10:03 AM PST
Thank you brother James for your hard hitting analysis. While I think it is inspiring to see so many people digging into their own pockets to help brothers and sisters in Haiti the overall relief situation is inexcusable. (Continued…)
Tony
posted 2/04/10 @ 1:19 PM PST
hmmm, Hate is such a strong word.
I think that the problems in Haiti extend beyond being "black."
There is no "black" or "white" here. Just people like you and me, in need of their fellow man. (Continued…)
Reginald James
posted 2/09/10 @ 1:06 AM PST
Jean, I think that is an excellent suggestion. There have been a few Hip Hop songs for Haiti, I've seen some visual art also. But the power of art to communicate a message is insurpassable. (Continued…)
Ariel
Ryan A. Simon
posted 2/17/10 @ 5:01 PM PST
I understand the anger behind past treatment of Haiti, and actually support formal reparations from France and the United States. However it is important to have context when implying that US troops in Haiti set the ground for another occupation. (Continued…)
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