12871: Re: 12817: Re: 12816: Re: Lavalas and corruption; Simidor responds to Pierre (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: Lois E Wilcken <makandal-ny@juno.com>

I'm troubled by the notion that corruption is a component of Haitian
"culture," and I'd like to respond to it.

"Culture" is an anthropological term for the particular knowledge and
world-view of a people that distinguishes them from others.  No one has
ever demonstrated a link between culture, on the one hand, and
intelligence, ethics, or morality on the other.   Would anyone dare to
say that Haitians have a culture of low intelligence?  I think not.
Corruption is a matter of morality, not culture.  To make a connection
between nationality (mostly determined biologically) and morality is
indeed troubling.

I am not Haitian, and I undoubtedly have much more to learn about Haiti.
But I do have twenty years' experience living with Haitian people in the
working-class neighborhoods of Central Brooklyn and the struggling
Portail Leogane zone of Port-au-Prince (specifically, behind the
cemetery).  During the Duvalier period, anyone could become a Macoute;
today, anyone can enter into the drug business.  But most Haitian
people--like most people anywhere--choose to carve out honest occupations
for themselves.  My Haitian friends are artists, healers, spritual
advisors, barbers, tailors, marketwomen, mechanics, cabbies, cooks, and
nurses.  As numerous as they are, they become invisible behind the drama
of corruption practiced by a minority.

The long line of Haitian people who have given their lives for high
principles demonstrates that Haitians are as diverse in their moral and
ethical principles as people anywhere in the world.

Lois

La Troupe Makandal - New York City's Center for Haitian Drum and Dance
621 Rutland Road, Brooklyn NY 11203
718-953-6638 / makandal-ny@juno.com
www.makandal.org