By Georges Bossous, Jr.
Several years ago I fell upon an article written by Michell Tauber and Greg Adkinsissue of “People Magazine” dated, January 30, 2006. While reading that interesting piece on Haiti, I saw a picture of Angelina Jolie, Wyclef Jean, and Brad Pitt. In front of them were two children standing and holding a painting. I didn’t pay too much attention to the hidden meaning of that picture until I browsed over the next page. My attention was captivated by the following statements, “—they (i.e., Jolie and Pitt) noticed that the kids have segregated themselves along class lines at the Jan. 13 party in Port-au-Prince. But then, Angelina began leading one group of kids in a canga line, and Brad began leading another…” The writer continues, “—suddenly the whole place was dancing, and everyone forgot their class. It was a really beautiful thing to see.”
The above quotes certainly surmise a Haitian reality that most people choose to either ignore or deny. It is no secret that Haiti is deeply and socially divided. That division is cemented by class structure, skin complexion, wealth, and socio-political struggles. That situation has been ingrained within Haiti’s social fabric ever since the foundation of that nation in 1804. Many national and international foes have been taking advantage of this brutal reality that exists in Haiti in a very inexplicable and deceitful way.
Divided to conquer has been one of the instruments of choice used in Haiti for more than two centuries. That strategy has enabled bad-intentioned people or entities to accumulate wealth and power from the ignorance of some and the miss-education of others. Also, maintaining the status quo, reinforcing the political instability, and keeping the socio-economic condition of Haiti are very lucrative in a very negative way. During his 1893 speech of the Haitian pavilion in Chicago, Frederic Douglass underlined, “It so happens that we have men in this country who, to accomplish their personal and selfish ends, will fan the flame of passion between the factions in Haiti and will otherwise assist in setting revolutions afoot.” Many vicious politicians have used the color card in Haitian politics for their personal gain instead of addressing this deep-ceded issue that has been damaging this country for countless years.
One ought to take a closer look at the real societal picture to understand how segregation between classes has established itself in the minds of young Haitians at a very early age. At the January 13th 2006 party hosted by Jean, I believe that no one told those children to stay away from each other. However, consciously or subconsciously they knew the learned and imposed differences between themselves in terms of class and skin tone. Overtly or covertly, they may have been taught that they were not of the same “breed.” Although veiled and unspoken, everybody knows the unwritten rules of class and color in Haiti. People tend to keep this particular issue away from their conscious level, because if acknowledged, it may create very uncomfortable feelings. Therefore, it is easier and even safer to pretend that such apartheid does not exist in a country that stood for freedom over 200 years ago. Should someone is brave enough to bring such an issue to the surface; he or she may quickly be labeled as being divisive or extremist.
One of my college mates explained to me her painful memories of being prejudiced and segregated against in her school simply because she was of dark complexion. Despite the fact that her parents were very well to do, that did not prevent her from being picked on by both her peers and other adults as a result of her skin color. Not too long ago, a journalist wrote an extensive article about her painful experience when she went to a store at Petionville. She explained how she had faced with great level of prejudice because of her dark complexion.
From the street to the classroom, prejudice has been rampant in Haiti. For example, it won’t be a surprise if inside of a classroom one observes “upper class and lower class” students socialize and interact with each other without problem. However, during break time they may act as total strangers in the schoolyard. The same scenario may reoccur, should those same students who may seem to be good friends inside the classroom encounter each other in another social setting, like a sporting event or a movie theater.
We ought to face and admit that prejudice related to social class and color does exist in Haiti. It is crucial problem that the Haitian society ought to address head on. We must work together to alleviate the excruciating pain and suffering that prejudice between class lines has brought to our country.
It is a fact that social class exists in every society. However, when the gap between the haves and the haves not is too wide it will lean toward social ostracism. As a result, violence will become an epidemic that will ruin the social fabric of an entire nation. Such a situation will bring resentment because of the inevitable social exclusion that it creates.
Rather than creating a “country within a country,” we should finally realize that the time has come to build one nation under one flag. Haiti may start to breathe a nicer and fresher air if and only if we can eradicate the epidemic of prejudice, social division, and class and color line, which is one of the causes of our socio-economic downfall.
It can be easily understood why “Jolie and Pitt looked like they wanted to adopt all the kids,” said Wyclef Jean (People Magazine Jan. 30, 2006). I have the same feeling when I saw the pictures of those children, full of live with a genuine love that shined in their eyes.
Nonetheless, I continue to keep the faith that one day my beloved homeland called Haiti will take is rightful place among the concert of stable and prosperous nations. Like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., I also have a dream. I dream that one day, all Haitians, lighter and darker skin alike, the upper and lower class, the poor and rich can unite under the flag of patriotism to reclaim our country and built our nation. I dream that we will finally work together as one to make our beautiful land the true “Perle des Antilles.” Like Angelina Jolie said to the Associated Press: “Given just a little chance, and given a little help, this is going to be a great country.”
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