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by Connie Lu/PoorNewsNetwork
Laura Flynn begins speaking about the harsh political
and financial situations facing the people of Haiti,
as her soft voice strains to compete with the constant
roaring of cars, buses, and blaring sirens rushing by
outside. I eagerly lean forward in my chair during
Community Newsroom at POOR Magazine, in an attempt to gain a
clear view of her expressive face, to read her lips,
which enabled me to not only hear with my ears, but
with my eyes as well. As Laura's large articulate
eyes continue to speak from her heart, and filled with
compassion for Haiti, seeds of curiosity begin to
firmly take root in my mind. What inspired her desire
to completely change her life by moving from San
Francisco to Haiti, one of the world's poorest
countries? But after having the opportunity to talk
to Laura personally, I realized that her source of
inspiration was truly compelled by the people of Haiti
themselves, who have so little and yet, still possess
this amazing amount of hope and strength that feeds
their perpetual hunger for a better life.
Before Jean-Bertrand Aristide became President of
Haiti, the people suffered greatly under the military
because it had complete control and power over them.
Flynn explains that one of the many unreasonable
demands made by the military was forcing people to pay
taxes for the simple act of taking a goat into the
city. As many as 5,000 Haitians were assassinated for
taking a stand against the military. However in 1995,
Aristide, who was the country's first democratic
President, abolished the military and broke the chains
of suppression.
After hearing about the Haitians' fight for freedom,
I am reminded of the history of China, my homeland.
The people of both Haiti and China sacrificed their
lives not for their own benefit, but for the benefit
of future generations. In 1989, students protested in
Beijing's Tiananmen Square against the communist
teachings of Chairman Mao and demanded freedom and
democracy until the order was given to the military to
end the student protest, as well as their lives. The
courageous students who dedicated their lives were not
able to witness the changes that have come about. But
if I were a student living in China today, then I
would have the freedom to apply to the job of my
choice, instead of being assigned to one by the state.
While in Haiti, Flynn developed a great respect and
love for the people as they warmly welcomed her into
their country, which soon no longer felt foreign to her.
She feels a strong sense of community, unlike America
which imposes the individualistic way of being
independent from your family and having your own
phone, car, and house. Haitian families and neighbors
depend upon each other with a sincere and genuine bond
of trust within the community.
I experienced this same sense of communal life when I
volunteered as an English teacher in China last
summer. I was concerned about my shy and quiet
personality that normally surfaces when meeting
unfamiliar faces. However, by the end of the summer
the students I taught were not only my close friends,
but now also a part of my family. My whole mind-set
and way of interacting with them was entirely
transformed into perceiving them as my own younger
brothers and sisters, even though I had just met them
a few weeks ago. The gifts that I received were
deeply treasured, knowing they were hand-crafted by
the students because they could not afford to spend
extra money.
Today, the people of Haiti have freedom under a
democratic government, but continue to struggle with
financial hardships. The United States has cut-off
crucial funding that was originally intended for
healthcare, education, and transportation services in
Haiti, claiming that this action was necessary because the
elections of 2000 held in Haiti were miscounted due to technical
processing problems. Coincedently, the U.S.
was not in favor of Aristide becoming president
because it was believed that he would gain control over the
parliament. Flynn also explains that the underlying
reason for this political controversy is racism because Haiti
inhabits the descendants ofthe many slaves that were in America.
But despite the inadequacies of Haiti, its people remain
optimistically strong in keeping hope alive through
their faith in God and unity within their communal
society and culture.
After talking to Laura Flynn I have gained a better
understanding of Haitians. Meanwhile, I was fortunate to experience
haitian food because I had the opportunity to eat at a Caribbean
restaurant that night for the first time with a couple of
friends. I tried the Chicken Roti, which is similar
to a burrito filled with rich and hearty curry
chicken. Every taste bud danced as they tasted the
flavorful spices that warmed my entire body. I also
realized that Haitian cuisine is truly a reflection of
the powerful flame of hope that continues to burn in
their hearts as they strive to improve the lives of
their future families.
Contact Information:
Haiti Action Committee
510-483-7481
haitiaction@yahoo.com
Donations:
Haiti Action Committee
P.O. Box 2218
Berkeley, CA 94701
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