5925: Re: 5914: Re: 5911: 'Blan' Dorce to Racine (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: LAKAT47@aol.com

In a message dated 11/24/2000 6:38:13 AM Pacific Standard Time, 
Racine125@aol.com writes:

<< Earth to Vedrine come in please!  :-)  What country are you talking about? 
 
 This statement is so completely contrary to my experience and the experience 
 of other non-black non-Haitians I am astounded that you could even type it!  
>>
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
I had to chime (no pun intended!) in with my two cents here.  I have never 
had that experience (discrimination) in my time in Haiti, which, I admit was 
on a limited basis.  People responded to me very well, except for elites who 
thought I had "class" until they saw I kept company with people they 
considered beneath them.   My experience was that I was considered rich 
(lajan sans bout!) because I was American but my skin color was never an 
issue.  It is what cemented my love for Haiti.  I fear it is changing because 
of the US military's behavior when they were there and our government's 
treatment of Aristide.  I hope they can still distinguish the good guys from 
the bad, and I have faith that they can.  My husband, now nearly 14 years out 
of Haiti, had the same experience going back.  He is still well liked (so am 
I) but considered a foreigner, with unlimited access to funds.  

I am going to suggest something that might be a factor for you, Racine.  It 
is possible that you are looked at differently because you are a practicing 
Manbo in Haiti.  You as a non-Haitian,  are not an observer of Vodou or even 
a participant but in the business of Vodou.  I mean no disrespect to you, but 
looking at it from their perspective, some might consider you are making 
money off of Haitian culture, money that they incorrectly believe you don't 
need since you are from the land of milk and honey.  They could be reacting 
negatively to you as a "blan" because they see you as taking instead of 
giving or sharing.  I am not talking about the reality of the situation but 
what might be effecting your experience with Haitians.  Often it is the 
surreal that rules in Haiti rather than the real...;)

Dorce~