I have been reticent to blog about the earthquake. When so many people are adding their two cents, I think people who are directly effected have a stronger ability to move others than someone like myself, who is more removed, and has the luxury of being riled up and distracted by idiots like Pat Robertson, or this asinine article by David Brooks (since when is Brooks an expert on Haitian culture and the ripple effects of voodoo?). I’ve prayed and I’ve given what money I could.

 

That being said, Edwidge Danticat, a Haitian-American author (who I openly stan for) wrote about her family’s losses and their resiliency in this week’s New Yorker. Check it out, and while you’re there I also suggest you take a look at Jon Lee Anderson’s report from Port-au-Prince. The best part:

 

We’ve seen many tragic pictures from Haiti. What do the images fail to convey?

The incredible, palpable ebullience and will to survive—the uncomplaining fortitude of the Haitians. People’s lives here—quake or no quake—are very hard. They have borne this stoically and without whining. They look you directly in the eye with pride and spirit and curiosity and most often, friendliness, and they have a great capacity for laughter too—even now. The Haitians are an exceptional people.

 

 

Also, I happened to catch PBS’ special Égalité for All: Toussaint Louverture and the Haitian Revolution this weekend, and I highly recommend it. It examines the various events that precipitated Toussaint’s rise to leadership all the way to Dessalines’ final defeat of the French in 1804. Did you know that at one point during the fighting the British, Spanish and the French were all staging attacks against Haiti? I didn’t.

 

 

In the past week or so I’ve realized that many of my friends and family weren’t aware of the often detrimental roles that Western powers have played in Haiti’s development. I think that in addition to sending money and support, something small I will continue do to is share that history with others.

Tags: Earthquake, Edwidge Danticat, Haiti