Language Practicum In Haiti
Jalissa Garriga
Professor Edwards
Language Practicum
11/07/2012
Haiti
Jalissa Garriga
Professor Edwards
Language Practicum
11/07/2012
Haiti
Introduction
Haiti is one of the world’s poorest nations in the western hemisphere, which is still suffering the impact and devastation of the earthquake today. A nation so often on its knees had been knocked to the ground. (Clinton). On January 12, 2012 Haiti was struck by an earthquake with 7.0 magnitudes. Many Haitians suffered while others lost their lives. The earthquake shred many homes leaving many people homeless. Many towns got ruined and wrecked, even cities got ripped apart and drowned. The churches were crumbled and schools and banks. The best and fanciest hotels in town were crumbled …show more content…
as well. Most importantly the hospitals were a part of the disaster. Haitians suffered from order, safety and comfort. They had to wear mask to block off odor and diseases from the dead bodies that were all over the city. Police stations were down from the great destruction. The city of Part-au-Prince was turned upside down. The earthquake was a tragedy that caused chaos and desperation. Families were desperately crying looking for missing love ones. People were being pulled from collapsed buildings. Haitians suffered from hunger and thirst. The city was left without running water, people were collecting water from below the street. The earthquake killed 230,000 people and left about 1.3 million homeless. “A study by the intern American Development bank estimated that the total cost of the disaster was between $8 billion and $14 billion” (The New York Times).
However Haiti is a country that has faced many obstacles but it still has its good things. One of the most beautiful parts of Haiti is Labadie. Labadie is located on the North Coast of Hispaniola. It is surrounded by many beautiful mountains and exotic foliage. It offers beaches, breath taking scenery and wonderful water activities. They even have an amazing Aqua park for children. No matter where you go in Labadie you will find yourself amazed by the beautiful landscape.
Haiti’s name means “mountainous country” is derived from the language of the Taino Indians. Taino Indians were known for inhabiting the islands before European colonization. Haiti is located in the subtropics on the western third of the Hispaniola, the second largest island in the Caribbean’s. Haiti share island with the Spanish speaking Dominican Republic. Haiti covers 10,714 square miles. The population in Haiti has had steady growth from 431,140 at independence in 1804 to the estimate of 6.9 million to 7.2 million in 2000. “Haiti is one the most densely populated countries in the world. (Countries and their Cultures). In Haiti French has been the official language of the nation’s history. Majority of the Haitians speak kreyol. The pronunciation and vocabulary of kreyol derived largely from French but similar to creoles. In 1987 when a new constitution was adopted they announced kreyol as the official primary language. Five to ten percent to the population speak fluent French, but in recent years because of emigration to the United States it has help English replace French as the second language in many parts of the population. In the Haitians tradition there national dish is consider to be rice and beans. It is known as the most commonly eaten dish in urban areas. Haiti traditional foods are sweet potatoes, cowpeas, bread, and coffee. They also enjoy from delicious treats such as sugarcanes, mangoes, sweetbread, peanut sesame seed cluster made from melted brown sugar, and considers made from bitter manioc flour. Haitians make a nutritious sugar paste called rapadou. In Haiti people usually eat two times a day. In the morning they eat a small breakfast. Their breakfast consist of coffee and bread, juice or an egg. In the afternoon they are known for eating manioc, sweet potatoes, or rice. There afternoon meal also includes beans or bean sauce and usually they have an amount of poultry, fish, goat, or beef prepared as a sauce with a tomato paste base. As a snack they usually have fruits. As a custom a snack is eaten at night before going to sleep.
Every culture has their times in the year they celebrate, such as special occasions.
In Haiti their festive occasions are baptismal party’s first communions, and marriages. These festive occasions include the mandatory Haitian colas, cake, spiced domestic rum (kieren) and a drink made with condensed milk called kremass. The middle class and the elite celebrate the same festivities with western sodas, Haitian rum called babain court, the national beer (pretige), and imported beers. On New Year’s Day Haitians eat a pumpkin soup named bouyon.
The official state religion is Catholicism but over the last four decades it has reduce form 90 percent in 19060 to less than 70 percent in 2000. Haiti has become famous for its popular religion practitioners as “serving the Iwa” which is known as voodoo in the outside world. Voodoo is a mixture of African and Catholics beliefs. There are over 60 million followers of …show more content…
voodoo.
Bondye is the supreme deity of voodoo, not directly involved with human life or activities.
Bondye gives powers to the “loa” which are involved in human affair. Each “loa” is associated with a catholic saint and a natural element. The natural elements are fire, water, air and earth. The “loa” may be good or evil. The name of the good “loa” is known as the Rada the evil is known as the Petro. The Rada is considered to be protective and generous. Petro “loas” are demanding, malevolent and aggressive. People who follow the religion of voodoo pray to their God the “loa”. Followers may set up alters dedicated to their “loa”. They usually place pictures or figures of their “loa” on alter. Sacrifices and offerings are also offered done on alter.
Important aspect of voodoo are singing and dancing. It is usually done to honor the “loas”. Another important aspect is the performance of animal sacrifices such as slaughtering a chicken or a goat. The blood of the sacrifice can be placed on a person, alter or even a space. Sacrifices may be done is a healing
ceremony.
There are different uses of special healing. One of the uses is the herbalist which is the used of varies plant, herbs, roots and any other sort of natural substances for medical purposes. Another healer will be consulting a clergy for prayer or any spiritual guidance. Some people believe this to be a miracle. Lastly voodoo priest are consulted for any problems that have to do with illness or misfortune cause. Pries prescribe herbal treatments to heal the illness and they perform ceremonies to expel negative spirits from the misfortune. Throughout the years Haiti has been a country with a lot of history. Despite the fact that Haiti has faced so many struggles its history and its culture it is still something they have pride for.
Immigration Patterns
There are five major reasons why Haitians immigrated to the United States. First was the period of the French colonization. Second the nation revolution in 1791-1803. Thirds was the United States occupation of Haiti in 1915-1986. Fourth was the period of the Duvalier in 1957-1986. The last reason was the overthrow of President Aristide. When François “Papa Doc” and Jean Claude “Baby Doc” were in power in 1957 to 1986 political persecution caused many Haitians to emigrate. Professionals the middle class and students from the island left in large numbers. Haitians emigrated in search of political asylum. Others for permanent residents in different countries such as United States, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, France, Dominican republic, French Guyana and Africa. According to Thinney Fils a young Haitian girl I interviewed, she immigrated to the United States to meet her mother.
During the period of the French colonization the most important was the Caribbean colonial possession which took place in 1664. Santo Domingo today’s Haiti was found on the western half of the Spanish island of Hispaniola. In the eighteen century Santo Domingo was the richest sugar colony in the Caribbean. For a short period of time the eastern half of the Hispaniola came under French rule. By 1789 Haiti produce 40 percent of the world’s sugar. Haiti was also known as the most valuable European colony in the world. However Haiti was one of the most strikingly during the French Revolution.
The Nation Revolution was when slaves rose up in 1791 and by 1803 had driven the white out from Santo Domingo. This period led the elimination of slavery. After the revolt in 1791 they became successful in achieving a permanent freedom. The Haitian Revolution was considered as a defining moment in history of Africans in the new world.
United States occupation of Haiti began in 1915. During that time the U.S installed puppet governments, they ran the economy, military and police. At this time they were in control of everything that was done.
Francois Duvalier, known as Papa Doc, was elected president with the support of the army in 1957. Duvalier ruled Haiti until his death in 1971. After Duvalier death his don, Baby Doc replaced him and ruled until 1986. He became responsible for 30,000 to 50,000 assassinations and executions. The Duvaliers had a secret armed militia which was called “Tonton Macoules” or National Security Volunteers. These militias enforce a rule of terror on the Haitian population. During this period the majority of the deaths and executions were on small groups of individuals. There were a massive number of prisoners who was force to starve to death, executed, or died by getting torture in public or private prisons.
During the 1980’s many Haitians immigrants began to arrive in the United States by boat on the shore of Florida. These people were known as “the boat people.” There are about 546,000 Haitian immigrants in the United States. Out of the 546,000 Haitian immigrants only 48 percent are U.S citizens. In the following states the population of Haitian immigrants is the following: in Florida there are about 46%, New York 25%), New Jersey (43,316) Massachusetts 7%, Georgia 2% and Mary Land, 2%. An estimate of 75,000 to 125,000 Haitians are illegal in the Country.
Immigrant Experiences Haitians have brought some of their cultural traditions to the United States. Haitian men shake hands on meetings and going away. As a greeting both women and men are expected to kiss each other on the check. Women in Haiti kiss each other in the cheek to demonstrate their friendship. Young women are not allowed to consume alcohol unless there is a festive occasion. When families invite guest over they must have coffee and they are not allowed to leave empty handed. Whoever fails a departure is considered to be discourteous. In the Haitian cultural the family is the most important relationship. Before making any decision family must be considered and consulted. Anything that is done by an individual reflect on the family, whether it is in the house or outside the house. As a tradition in Haitian culture each family have a reputation affects its respect and status in society. Haitian families are usually considered as extended families including even their grandparents. Families are often much more closed even if someone from the family is far away. It is an obligation for families to visit a member if they are sick. Haitian elders are very highly respected because of how wise they are and their life experiences. Elders are usually consulted when it comes to issues such as illness, mental or emotional disturbance, disagreements and many more. The elders are in charge of taking care of their grandchildren. The eldest child from the family traditionally is responsible to care for their elders. In Haiti there is no such thing as putting an elder person in a nursing home. In Haiti a great stress is place on the youth by their parents. They are expected to achieve good grades and to be successful academically. Children must be very respectful, well behaved and obedient to any adult or elder. They are not allowed to show any sort of anger or aggression towards their elders. “When children are disrespectful to their elders, they are said to reap a future of misfortune”. (cookross).
Haitians began to face prejudice and discrimination in south Florida. In the 1970’s rumors that Haitians were sick from tuberculosis spread through the industry. Although the rumors were proven to be false they were still accused. The public created a strong stigma against the Haitians that affected them badly. This rumor made it hard for Haitians to obtain jobs. Restaurants owners did not want tuberculosis infected workers. Multiple Haitians began to get fired from their jobs and for others it got harder to get a job. Few years after the tuberculosis rumor calm down Haitians began to get targeted of having aids. As I was interviewing a young lady from Haiti she comments that she faced many contributions when she arrived to the United States because she did not know how to speak English. That made it really hard for her to communicate with people and in school. ( Fils). The only places that did not exclude the Haitians were low wage and dead end jobs. In 1983 a survey showed that over one third of the Haitian population had never worked since coming to the United States. About 30 percent of the males and more than 70 percent of the females were unemployed. The situation began to improve in the 1990’s when businesses realized that Haitians will settle to work for low wages and without complaint. The United States policy has helped Haiti with their economic growth, enhance government capacity, and strengthen democracy. They have also helped alleviate poverty, literacy, and promote respect for human rights. One of the helps that Haitians have really benefited from was the reconstruction of the country after the earthquake January 2012. Haitians were also eligible to be approved by the United States TPS application which gave them privilege to live and work in the United States. In addition an extension was provided for those who already had been approved to re register and remain in the Unites States until January 22, 2013. After the horrifying earthquake in Haiti many helpless Haitian infants suffered. Some were left injured, many hungry, and others were lying on blankets on bare dirt. Many children were in need and Americans respond. Adoption agencies in New Jersey and others around the whole country began to receive calls after the earthquake from people who were interested in bringing a Haitian child to the United States. President Obama promised Haiti a $ 100million along with American troops to help with the destruction of the earthquake. The pentagons send over a 125 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne and said that by later on in the week the number of soldiers will increase to 3,000. Their mission was to provide security as aid arrives in Haiti. Obama gave a brief message from the white house to the Haitians. “You will not be forsaken. You will not be forgotten,” he said, and stopped to compose himself.” In this, your hour of greatest need, America stands with you.” ( The New York Times). Obama mention that the financial aid was only a first installment and that it will grow.” Help is arriving he said”. “Much, much more help is on the way.” (The New York Times). In addition Haiti was provided with the aircraft carrier Carl Vinsion, which arrived in Haiti. This served to produce fresh water and operating rooms with multiple hospital beds. Another help that was provided was on January 15, 2012, the United States allowed Haiti to have temporary protected station. This rule was good for any Haitian that did not have immigration status in the United States. These Haitian immigrants were eligible to apply for a temporary immigration status permit. On January 21, 2012 The Department of Homeland Security approved Haiti for TPS which meant temporary permit status. In order to apply for the TPS you must meet the requirements. The requirements were the following: you must be a national of Haiti, prove that you were physically present in the United States on January 12, 2011 had to be shown and people with criminal backgrounds do not qualify. Furthermore the department of Homeland Security is also extending the suspension of certain requirements for the F-1, which means nonimmigrant Haitian students. This extension will allow the student to continue getting employment and authorization. They will also be allowed to work more hours while school is still in session. Lastly it will help reduce the amount of course load. The suspension will be effected for an additional 18 months, until July 22, 2012. Haitian did not only benefit from the United States but they also had to adapt to the American language. English has become very important for Haitians as they began to immigrate to the United States. For Haitians to find working and education opportunities they had to give up their primary language in order to achieve in the United States. Many Haitians spent a lot of time in the U.S during the period of Duvalier and returned back home to their country speaking fluent English. Children in Haiti by the age of seven and eight engage in serious work. They are usually in charge of bringing household water and firewood. Children also help cook and clean around the house. Since immigrating to the United States their mind set began to change, they rather focusing on gaining a education rather than working at an early age. Women have also change women in Haiti usually stay home taking care of their children and household. Once they entered the United States they wanted to turn into dependent women and work as well. However Haitians had to put aside a lot of their cultural traditions in order to succeed. Despite the fact that Haiti has faced so many struggles its history and cultural it is still something they have pride for.
Contributions to the U.S Haiti faced many contributions such as Jefferson’s policy towards the Nation. Jefferson policy was that all nations belong to him, he had ownership of slaves. Even in Jefferson last year’s he was still was still strongly obsessed with Haiti ant its link to the issue of American slavery. During the 1820’s, a scheme was propose to take children born to black slaves in the United States and ship them over to Haiti. Jefferson view was that Haiti would be all black and the United States all white. American slavery continued for another four decades until it was ended by the civil war. The hostility of the United States toward Haitians lasted until 1862, when President Abraham Lincoln granted diplomatic recognition. By then the Haitians had suffer from destructive patterns of political violence and economic problems had been established. “The bitter memories of Jefferson and Napoleon still feed the distrust that Haitians of all classes feel toward the outside world”. (Consortiumnews). One of Haiti significant person is Michaelle Jean. She was born Port-au-Prince, Haiti. She emigrated from Haiti at a young age; she was only eleven when she left along with her family. They left in 1957 in fear of the dictatorship government of Papa Doc Duvalier and settled in Montreal. Jean achieved her master’s degree in comparative literature. She began to teach at the Montreal University as a faculty of Italian studies after getting her bachelor’s degree in Italian and Hispanic language. On September 27, 2005, Michael Jean became the 27th governor in Canada. Michael Jean carried out duties of head state. She was the first black person and the second women to ever hold that position. Michaelle Jean has become a famous figure among Haitian women and throughout Canada. She proved her success because no matter what her background was she was able to achieve and become someone important in history. Another significant immigrant is Jimmy Jean Louis was born on August 8, 1968 Petion ville, Jimmy. Louis was a famous actor and model. Louis was enrolled in business courses, but he realized that his idea was meant for performance. He then dropped out of his business courses and joined the Paris International Dance Academy. Louis was then discovered by a producer at a French club during one of his performance. The man was left impressed and he decided to use him for a coca cola ad. After that Jimmy Jean Louis was prompt to model across Europe for some notable names in fashion industry, such as Gianco Ferre and Valentino. He also began to shoot videos with super stars such as Mariah Carey, Seal, George Michael and also low budget films which took place in Los Angeles. Jimmy Jean Louis then continued on with acting in movies. Louis came out in many movies “ Drailed”, “ Hollywood Homicide”, “ Monster in Law”, and “Phat Girls”. Jimmy Jean Louis achieved a widespread fame becoming a hero in Haiti’s eyes. After the devastating earthquake on January, 2010 Louis participated in many fundraisers to help his country. He is the founder of Hollywood Unite for Haiti, which is a nonprofit charitable organization. The organization provides sport and education to underprivileged young people in Haiti.
Conclusion
In closing we are brought to the reality of Haitian immigrants that came to United States in massive numbers because of the five reasons that led them to immigrate. Haiti had suffered a lot from their brutal dictator Duvalier whose son was the cause of the many deaths that took place in Haiti. It was a period of execution and punishment towards Haitian who oppose to do their commands.
Haitians also faced many contributions when they came to the United States. It was hard for them to communicate because they did not know how to speak English. In order for Haitians to obtain opportunities in the United States they had to push a side many of their cultural traditions and assimilate to what was offered in America. Still then it was hard for Haitians to find jobs and education because they were criticized and looked down on. What made it even harder for them was when the rumor spread a through the nations that Haitians were infected with tuberculoses and aids. This rumor was a big downfall for Haitians because doors began to close on them. Restaurant owners and other jobs did not want to hire a person that was infected. The ones who already had jobs were being fired because they were afraid to get sick by them. The only opportunities they had were working for low wage jobs and very complicated jobs. Haitians did not have another choice but to settle for what was offered.
Although Haitians went through many contribution after immigrated to the United States they were able to benefit. United States has helped Haitian people in many ways offering the TPS which allow Haitian immigrants to safely be in the United States. Haitians have been able to obtain a jobs and education with the new policy that was offered. They also receive a lot of help after the disruptive earthquakes that occur January, 2010. United States provided Haiti with shelter, food, water and money to reconstruct what was damage. Even though Haiti has had its many obstacles they can still say today that they have had their good moment as well.
Haiti one of the Nation’s poorest countries has proved to many people from today how strong they are. Haiti has been hit with many problems including the devastating earthquake and today they still stand together as a country. I learned from this country that no matter what problems you face there is always a tomorrow. Their journey continues to serve as an inspiration to all American’s today, despite of all of their struggles. As I have taking time to learn about Haitians I hope for others to appreciate their struggles and contributions and to give them significance as people.
Professor Edwards
Language Practicum
11/07/2012
Haiti
Jalissa Garriga
Professor Edwards
Language Practicum
11/07/2012
Haiti
Introduction
Haiti is one of the world’s poorest nations in the western hemisphere, which is still suffering the impact and devastation of the earthquake today. A nation so often on its knees had been knocked to the ground. (Clinton). On January 12, 2012 Haiti was struck by an earthquake with 7.0 magnitudes. Many Haitians suffered while others lost their lives. The earthquake shred many homes leaving many people homeless. Many towns got ruined and wrecked, even cities got ripped apart and drowned. The churches were crumbled and schools and banks. The best and fanciest hotels in town were crumbled …show more content…
as well. Most importantly the hospitals were a part of the disaster. Haitians suffered from order, safety and comfort. They had to wear mask to block off odor and diseases from the dead bodies that were all over the city. Police stations were down from the great destruction. The city of Part-au-Prince was turned upside down. The earthquake was a tragedy that caused chaos and desperation. Families were desperately crying looking for missing love ones. People were being pulled from collapsed buildings. Haitians suffered from hunger and thirst. The city was left without running water, people were collecting water from below the street. The earthquake killed 230,000 people and left about 1.3 million homeless. “A study by the intern American Development bank estimated that the total cost of the disaster was between $8 billion and $14 billion” (The New York Times).
However Haiti is a country that has faced many obstacles but it still has its good things. One of the most beautiful parts of Haiti is Labadie. Labadie is located on the North Coast of Hispaniola. It is surrounded by many beautiful mountains and exotic foliage. It offers beaches, breath taking scenery and wonderful water activities. They even have an amazing Aqua park for children. No matter where you go in Labadie you will find yourself amazed by the beautiful landscape.
Haiti’s name means “mountainous country” is derived from the language of the Taino Indians. Taino Indians were known for inhabiting the islands before European colonization. Haiti is located in the subtropics on the western third of the Hispaniola, the second largest island in the Caribbean’s. Haiti share island with the Spanish speaking Dominican Republic. Haiti covers 10,714 square miles. The population in Haiti has had steady growth from 431,140 at independence in 1804 to the estimate of 6.9 million to 7.2 million in 2000. “Haiti is one the most densely populated countries in the world. (Countries and their Cultures). In Haiti French has been the official language of the nation’s history. Majority of the Haitians speak kreyol. The pronunciation and vocabulary of kreyol derived largely from French but similar to creoles. In 1987 when a new constitution was adopted they announced kreyol as the official primary language. Five to ten percent to the population speak fluent French, but in recent years because of emigration to the United States it has help English replace French as the second language in many parts of the population. In the Haitians tradition there national dish is consider to be rice and beans. It is known as the most commonly eaten dish in urban areas. Haiti traditional foods are sweet potatoes, cowpeas, bread, and coffee. They also enjoy from delicious treats such as sugarcanes, mangoes, sweetbread, peanut sesame seed cluster made from melted brown sugar, and considers made from bitter manioc flour. Haitians make a nutritious sugar paste called rapadou. In Haiti people usually eat two times a day. In the morning they eat a small breakfast. Their breakfast consist of coffee and bread, juice or an egg. In the afternoon they are known for eating manioc, sweet potatoes, or rice. There afternoon meal also includes beans or bean sauce and usually they have an amount of poultry, fish, goat, or beef prepared as a sauce with a tomato paste base. As a snack they usually have fruits. As a custom a snack is eaten at night before going to sleep.
Every culture has their times in the year they celebrate, such as special occasions.
In Haiti their festive occasions are baptismal party’s first communions, and marriages. These festive occasions include the mandatory Haitian colas, cake, spiced domestic rum (kieren) and a drink made with condensed milk called kremass. The middle class and the elite celebrate the same festivities with western sodas, Haitian rum called babain court, the national beer (pretige), and imported beers. On New Year’s Day Haitians eat a pumpkin soup named bouyon.
The official state religion is Catholicism but over the last four decades it has reduce form 90 percent in 19060 to less than 70 percent in 2000. Haiti has become famous for its popular religion practitioners as “serving the Iwa” which is known as voodoo in the outside world. Voodoo is a mixture of African and Catholics beliefs. There are over 60 million followers of …show more content…
voodoo.
Bondye is the supreme deity of voodoo, not directly involved with human life or activities.
Bondye gives powers to the “loa” which are involved in human affair. Each “loa” is associated with a catholic saint and a natural element. The natural elements are fire, water, air and earth. The “loa” may be good or evil. The name of the good “loa” is known as the Rada the evil is known as the Petro. The Rada is considered to be protective and generous. Petro “loas” are demanding, malevolent and aggressive. People who follow the religion of voodoo pray to their God the “loa”. Followers may set up alters dedicated to their “loa”. They usually place pictures or figures of their “loa” on alter. Sacrifices and offerings are also offered done on alter.
Important aspect of voodoo are singing and dancing. It is usually done to honor the “loas”. Another important aspect is the performance of animal sacrifices such as slaughtering a chicken or a goat. The blood of the sacrifice can be placed on a person, alter or even a space. Sacrifices may be done is a healing
ceremony.
There are different uses of special healing. One of the uses is the herbalist which is the used of varies plant, herbs, roots and any other sort of natural substances for medical purposes. Another healer will be consulting a clergy for prayer or any spiritual guidance. Some people believe this to be a miracle. Lastly voodoo priest are consulted for any problems that have to do with illness or misfortune cause. Pries prescribe herbal treatments to heal the illness and they perform ceremonies to expel negative spirits from the misfortune. Throughout the years Haiti has been a country with a lot of history. Despite the fact that Haiti has faced so many struggles its history and its culture it is still something they have pride for.
Immigration Patterns
There are five major reasons why Haitians immigrated to the United States. First was the period of the French colonization. Second the nation revolution in 1791-1803. Thirds was the United States occupation of Haiti in 1915-1986. Fourth was the period of the Duvalier in 1957-1986. The last reason was the overthrow of President Aristide. When François “Papa Doc” and Jean Claude “Baby Doc” were in power in 1957 to 1986 political persecution caused many Haitians to emigrate. Professionals the middle class and students from the island left in large numbers. Haitians emigrated in search of political asylum. Others for permanent residents in different countries such as United States, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, France, Dominican republic, French Guyana and Africa. According to Thinney Fils a young Haitian girl I interviewed, she immigrated to the United States to meet her mother.
During the period of the French colonization the most important was the Caribbean colonial possession which took place in 1664. Santo Domingo today’s Haiti was found on the western half of the Spanish island of Hispaniola. In the eighteen century Santo Domingo was the richest sugar colony in the Caribbean. For a short period of time the eastern half of the Hispaniola came under French rule. By 1789 Haiti produce 40 percent of the world’s sugar. Haiti was also known as the most valuable European colony in the world. However Haiti was one of the most strikingly during the French Revolution.
The Nation Revolution was when slaves rose up in 1791 and by 1803 had driven the white out from Santo Domingo. This period led the elimination of slavery. After the revolt in 1791 they became successful in achieving a permanent freedom. The Haitian Revolution was considered as a defining moment in history of Africans in the new world.
United States occupation of Haiti began in 1915. During that time the U.S installed puppet governments, they ran the economy, military and police. At this time they were in control of everything that was done.
Francois Duvalier, known as Papa Doc, was elected president with the support of the army in 1957. Duvalier ruled Haiti until his death in 1971. After Duvalier death his don, Baby Doc replaced him and ruled until 1986. He became responsible for 30,000 to 50,000 assassinations and executions. The Duvaliers had a secret armed militia which was called “Tonton Macoules” or National Security Volunteers. These militias enforce a rule of terror on the Haitian population. During this period the majority of the deaths and executions were on small groups of individuals. There were a massive number of prisoners who was force to starve to death, executed, or died by getting torture in public or private prisons.
During the 1980’s many Haitians immigrants began to arrive in the United States by boat on the shore of Florida. These people were known as “the boat people.” There are about 546,000 Haitian immigrants in the United States. Out of the 546,000 Haitian immigrants only 48 percent are U.S citizens. In the following states the population of Haitian immigrants is the following: in Florida there are about 46%, New York 25%), New Jersey (43,316) Massachusetts 7%, Georgia 2% and Mary Land, 2%. An estimate of 75,000 to 125,000 Haitians are illegal in the Country.
Immigrant Experiences Haitians have brought some of their cultural traditions to the United States. Haitian men shake hands on meetings and going away. As a greeting both women and men are expected to kiss each other on the check. Women in Haiti kiss each other in the cheek to demonstrate their friendship. Young women are not allowed to consume alcohol unless there is a festive occasion. When families invite guest over they must have coffee and they are not allowed to leave empty handed. Whoever fails a departure is considered to be discourteous. In the Haitian cultural the family is the most important relationship. Before making any decision family must be considered and consulted. Anything that is done by an individual reflect on the family, whether it is in the house or outside the house. As a tradition in Haitian culture each family have a reputation affects its respect and status in society. Haitian families are usually considered as extended families including even their grandparents. Families are often much more closed even if someone from the family is far away. It is an obligation for families to visit a member if they are sick. Haitian elders are very highly respected because of how wise they are and their life experiences. Elders are usually consulted when it comes to issues such as illness, mental or emotional disturbance, disagreements and many more. The elders are in charge of taking care of their grandchildren. The eldest child from the family traditionally is responsible to care for their elders. In Haiti there is no such thing as putting an elder person in a nursing home. In Haiti a great stress is place on the youth by their parents. They are expected to achieve good grades and to be successful academically. Children must be very respectful, well behaved and obedient to any adult or elder. They are not allowed to show any sort of anger or aggression towards their elders. “When children are disrespectful to their elders, they are said to reap a future of misfortune”. (cookross).
Haitians began to face prejudice and discrimination in south Florida. In the 1970’s rumors that Haitians were sick from tuberculosis spread through the industry. Although the rumors were proven to be false they were still accused. The public created a strong stigma against the Haitians that affected them badly. This rumor made it hard for Haitians to obtain jobs. Restaurants owners did not want tuberculosis infected workers. Multiple Haitians began to get fired from their jobs and for others it got harder to get a job. Few years after the tuberculosis rumor calm down Haitians began to get targeted of having aids. As I was interviewing a young lady from Haiti she comments that she faced many contributions when she arrived to the United States because she did not know how to speak English. That made it really hard for her to communicate with people and in school. ( Fils). The only places that did not exclude the Haitians were low wage and dead end jobs. In 1983 a survey showed that over one third of the Haitian population had never worked since coming to the United States. About 30 percent of the males and more than 70 percent of the females were unemployed. The situation began to improve in the 1990’s when businesses realized that Haitians will settle to work for low wages and without complaint. The United States policy has helped Haiti with their economic growth, enhance government capacity, and strengthen democracy. They have also helped alleviate poverty, literacy, and promote respect for human rights. One of the helps that Haitians have really benefited from was the reconstruction of the country after the earthquake January 2012. Haitians were also eligible to be approved by the United States TPS application which gave them privilege to live and work in the United States. In addition an extension was provided for those who already had been approved to re register and remain in the Unites States until January 22, 2013. After the horrifying earthquake in Haiti many helpless Haitian infants suffered. Some were left injured, many hungry, and others were lying on blankets on bare dirt. Many children were in need and Americans respond. Adoption agencies in New Jersey and others around the whole country began to receive calls after the earthquake from people who were interested in bringing a Haitian child to the United States. President Obama promised Haiti a $ 100million along with American troops to help with the destruction of the earthquake. The pentagons send over a 125 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne and said that by later on in the week the number of soldiers will increase to 3,000. Their mission was to provide security as aid arrives in Haiti. Obama gave a brief message from the white house to the Haitians. “You will not be forsaken. You will not be forgotten,” he said, and stopped to compose himself.” In this, your hour of greatest need, America stands with you.” ( The New York Times). Obama mention that the financial aid was only a first installment and that it will grow.” Help is arriving he said”. “Much, much more help is on the way.” (The New York Times). In addition Haiti was provided with the aircraft carrier Carl Vinsion, which arrived in Haiti. This served to produce fresh water and operating rooms with multiple hospital beds. Another help that was provided was on January 15, 2012, the United States allowed Haiti to have temporary protected station. This rule was good for any Haitian that did not have immigration status in the United States. These Haitian immigrants were eligible to apply for a temporary immigration status permit. On January 21, 2012 The Department of Homeland Security approved Haiti for TPS which meant temporary permit status. In order to apply for the TPS you must meet the requirements. The requirements were the following: you must be a national of Haiti, prove that you were physically present in the United States on January 12, 2011 had to be shown and people with criminal backgrounds do not qualify. Furthermore the department of Homeland Security is also extending the suspension of certain requirements for the F-1, which means nonimmigrant Haitian students. This extension will allow the student to continue getting employment and authorization. They will also be allowed to work more hours while school is still in session. Lastly it will help reduce the amount of course load. The suspension will be effected for an additional 18 months, until July 22, 2012. Haitian did not only benefit from the United States but they also had to adapt to the American language. English has become very important for Haitians as they began to immigrate to the United States. For Haitians to find working and education opportunities they had to give up their primary language in order to achieve in the United States. Many Haitians spent a lot of time in the U.S during the period of Duvalier and returned back home to their country speaking fluent English. Children in Haiti by the age of seven and eight engage in serious work. They are usually in charge of bringing household water and firewood. Children also help cook and clean around the house. Since immigrating to the United States their mind set began to change, they rather focusing on gaining a education rather than working at an early age. Women have also change women in Haiti usually stay home taking care of their children and household. Once they entered the United States they wanted to turn into dependent women and work as well. However Haitians had to put aside a lot of their cultural traditions in order to succeed. Despite the fact that Haiti has faced so many struggles its history and cultural it is still something they have pride for.
Contributions to the U.S Haiti faced many contributions such as Jefferson’s policy towards the Nation. Jefferson policy was that all nations belong to him, he had ownership of slaves. Even in Jefferson last year’s he was still was still strongly obsessed with Haiti ant its link to the issue of American slavery. During the 1820’s, a scheme was propose to take children born to black slaves in the United States and ship them over to Haiti. Jefferson view was that Haiti would be all black and the United States all white. American slavery continued for another four decades until it was ended by the civil war. The hostility of the United States toward Haitians lasted until 1862, when President Abraham Lincoln granted diplomatic recognition. By then the Haitians had suffer from destructive patterns of political violence and economic problems had been established. “The bitter memories of Jefferson and Napoleon still feed the distrust that Haitians of all classes feel toward the outside world”. (Consortiumnews). One of Haiti significant person is Michaelle Jean. She was born Port-au-Prince, Haiti. She emigrated from Haiti at a young age; she was only eleven when she left along with her family. They left in 1957 in fear of the dictatorship government of Papa Doc Duvalier and settled in Montreal. Jean achieved her master’s degree in comparative literature. She began to teach at the Montreal University as a faculty of Italian studies after getting her bachelor’s degree in Italian and Hispanic language. On September 27, 2005, Michael Jean became the 27th governor in Canada. Michael Jean carried out duties of head state. She was the first black person and the second women to ever hold that position. Michaelle Jean has become a famous figure among Haitian women and throughout Canada. She proved her success because no matter what her background was she was able to achieve and become someone important in history. Another significant immigrant is Jimmy Jean Louis was born on August 8, 1968 Petion ville, Jimmy. Louis was a famous actor and model. Louis was enrolled in business courses, but he realized that his idea was meant for performance. He then dropped out of his business courses and joined the Paris International Dance Academy. Louis was then discovered by a producer at a French club during one of his performance. The man was left impressed and he decided to use him for a coca cola ad. After that Jimmy Jean Louis was prompt to model across Europe for some notable names in fashion industry, such as Gianco Ferre and Valentino. He also began to shoot videos with super stars such as Mariah Carey, Seal, George Michael and also low budget films which took place in Los Angeles. Jimmy Jean Louis then continued on with acting in movies. Louis came out in many movies “ Drailed”, “ Hollywood Homicide”, “ Monster in Law”, and “Phat Girls”. Jimmy Jean Louis achieved a widespread fame becoming a hero in Haiti’s eyes. After the devastating earthquake on January, 2010 Louis participated in many fundraisers to help his country. He is the founder of Hollywood Unite for Haiti, which is a nonprofit charitable organization. The organization provides sport and education to underprivileged young people in Haiti.
Conclusion
In closing we are brought to the reality of Haitian immigrants that came to United States in massive numbers because of the five reasons that led them to immigrate. Haiti had suffered a lot from their brutal dictator Duvalier whose son was the cause of the many deaths that took place in Haiti. It was a period of execution and punishment towards Haitian who oppose to do their commands.
Haitians also faced many contributions when they came to the United States. It was hard for them to communicate because they did not know how to speak English. In order for Haitians to obtain opportunities in the United States they had to push a side many of their cultural traditions and assimilate to what was offered in America. Still then it was hard for Haitians to find jobs and education because they were criticized and looked down on. What made it even harder for them was when the rumor spread a through the nations that Haitians were infected with tuberculoses and aids. This rumor was a big downfall for Haitians because doors began to close on them. Restaurant owners and other jobs did not want to hire a person that was infected. The ones who already had jobs were being fired because they were afraid to get sick by them. The only opportunities they had were working for low wage jobs and very complicated jobs. Haitians did not have another choice but to settle for what was offered.
Although Haitians went through many contribution after immigrated to the United States they were able to benefit. United States has helped Haitian people in many ways offering the TPS which allow Haitian immigrants to safely be in the United States. Haitians have been able to obtain a jobs and education with the new policy that was offered. They also receive a lot of help after the disruptive earthquakes that occur January, 2010. United States provided Haiti with shelter, food, water and money to reconstruct what was damage. Even though Haiti has had its many obstacles they can still say today that they have had their good moment as well.
Haiti one of the Nation’s poorest countries has proved to many people from today how strong they are. Haiti has been hit with many problems including the devastating earthquake and today they still stand together as a country. I learned from this country that no matter what problems you face there is always a tomorrow. Their journey continues to serve as an inspiration to all American’s today, despite of all of their struggles. As I have taking time to learn about Haitians I hope for others to appreciate their struggles and contributions and to give them significance as people.