I am haitian but i do not look haitian.When i tell people that i am haitian they get surprise and dont believe me. I love to tell people that i am Haitian and i luv my culture.I know this haitian boy and everyone knows he is haitian but he just won't admit it. He said that he is Jamacian and other race but never Haitian when he is. He knows how to speak and understand the language. Not only him but a lot of haitian I know feel so ashamed to say it.Why? i been hearing people and they always talk bad about haitian.Everytime you tell them that you haitian they show this face like they dont like you and like they dont like ur race? Why is That?
2007-02-08 11:54:15 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Other - Cultures & Groups
I am Haitian and I understand where you're coming from. I'm a rare person amongst people. I graduated high school at 16, college at 20, and I'll be done with my Master's by 22. I get the same reaction when I tell people Im Haitian too. I always get "Oh I thought you were Panamanian or Dominican or Guyanese because Im not dark skinned," or the response that is not a compliment, "Oh you dont look Haitain." Haitain people dont have many role models to look up toand because of that there is a lack of pride. Jamaicans have Sean Paul, Busta Rhymes, etc, Latinos have reggaeton, and other islands have soca and calypso which people are very fond of. We have konpa and some zouk and people dont know about it. We are made fun of because we're different. We have a unique language and unique customs that may look weird to other people. On top of that, Haiti is a poor country. Because there is chaos and turmoil there now, people dont want to go there and learn about us. Voodoo also is a huge stereotype which is not true because over 95% of Haitians are Roman Catholics.
How can we change this? By educating people. If you hear them saying something about Haitians that you know isnt true, correct it. Give examples. KNOW YOUR HISTORY. And let me tell you it works, because they're going to see you presenting yourself in a manner that doesn't fit the stereotype and they're perceptions of Haitians are going to change because they know you. Trust me, things are going to change because I know future singers that can blow and they're Haitian. I myself swear that I will make a change. In the future, believe me, people will be singing a different song- have faith and keep your pride.
Sorry for the essay lol.
2007-02-08 13:13:47 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
I am Haitian too, when I was a teen I was afraid to admit it, because of fear of getting teased. But pride starts from home. Haitian parents have to teach their children to love and appreciate our culture. we have a lot to be proud of. We were the first and only country that had a successful revolution in which we freed ourselves from Slavery. Half of New Orleans and other cities in Louisiana were built by free black Haitians in the early 19th century. The first immigrant to land in Chicago was Haitian.We also aided Americans in getting their freedom during the Revolutionary war and Battle of Savannah. We have beautiful people, beautiful music, our own distinct language, delicious food and beautiful scenery in our country. We have a lot to be proud of.
2007-02-08 12:04:37 · answer #2 · answered by Virgo27 6 · 12⤊ 2⤋
Where I live, people even Jamaicans make fun of Haitians, because of their deep broken French speaking and accents, and because they feel they are unattractive. This one girl who was in my Choir class my senior year got made fun of because she had really short hair, and because she sang funny. It's ashame. I felt bad, but she was kinda mean, so I didn't feel that bad. I most certainly don't make fun of anyone unless they deserve it.
Krazy Libra
2007-02-08 12:07:09 · answer #3 · answered by krazy_libra_from_ac 5 · 1⤊ 4⤋
There does seem to be a prejudice against Haitians, but I'm not sure exactly why. Perhaps it's because Haiti is a very poor country. Or because Haitians don't speak English.
2007-02-08 11:58:52 · answer #4 · answered by Nicole B 5 · 2⤊ 7⤋
Ignorance and stigma related to voudon, AIDS, poverty etc.
Haiti was the first Black country that won its independence from slavery!! 1804! !Viva Toussant L'oveture
2007-02-08 12:04:39 · answer #5 · answered by Ebony Goddess 5 · 2⤊ 2⤋
i think it has something to do with the stigma of voodoo
2007-02-08 12:02:31 · answer #6 · answered by ihateidiots 5 · 3⤊ 5⤋