OPINION: Haiti - The Aftermath

Danielle Jean-Guillaume "I'm sorry, but some people 'round the world are just going to have to die and the Haitians may sometimes be among them." Do you recognize the humor in this statement? Neither did we. Yet, in his article entitled "One Man's Vision of Haiti" published in The Red and Blue, Jeremy Hildreth suggests that his point of view is "actually pretty funny." However, while attempting to present an argument against U.S. intervention in Haiti, Hildreth clearly demonstrates the depth of his insensitivity and prejudice. Naturally angered and hurt by the author's offensive and unsubstantiated message, the executive board members of Dessalines Haitian Student Association responded. With the intention of providing a beneficial learning experience in light of the hatred expressed, Dessalines planned a meeting for the parties involved. Unfortunately, Hildreth, President Rodin and her administration did not share our enthusiasm. Despite the fact that we clearly expressed our acknowledgment of the author's right to freely express himself, we have been accused of advocating censorship. It must be acknowledged that our complaints are not due to our differing opinions, but rather to Hildreth's attempt to present his opinion as factually based. He abuses his First Amendment right, disregarding its value while using it as a tool for discrimination. When will our community take a stand against the obvious bigotry and hatred that permeates this campus and manifests itself in the form of "literature?" The overwhelming apathy that exists at Penn is so destructive that even those personally targeted, as well as other community members, do not see the absurdity of the attack. Peruvian sophomore Felix Estrada supports Hildreth's description of Haiti in his DP guest column of December 8, 1994. In addition, he disregards the value of his own nation, describing Peru as a "pathetic country." While Estrada agrees that the article insults Haitian people, he admits that his opinion would be different if he were Haitian. Is this acceptable? Communication between individuals of differing cultures and beliefs does not exist in the form of insult. Must every individual in the Penn community suffer a personal attack before we acknowledge this? It is obvious that there is a need for dispelling myths about Haiti as well as discussion about Haitian issues such as American intervention in Haiti. Effort towards dialogue between members of this community will be thwarted when bigotry is at the root of the discussion. Therefore, in the interest of avoiding such negativity, we are organizing a public forum to discuss relevant issues. We encourage all members of the Penn community to take an active role in this program. We also invite all to join us in our second annual celebration of Haitian Solidarity Week beginning February 6. The theme of our celebration is "Breaking Down the Barriers." Individuals who have devoted their lives to the study of Haiti and its culture have been invited to share their expertise. We are confident that they will help us to break down barriers at Penn. Colette Lamothe is a junior anthropology major from Newark, N.J. She is president of the Dessalines Haitian Student Association. Danielle Jean-Guillaume is a senior biology major from XXXXXX, Conn. She is corresponding secretary of the Dessalines Haitian Student Association.

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