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5876: RE: 5850, et.al (fwd)
From: archim <archim@globelsud.net>
Dear Readers, especially Mambo Racine:
Please be aware of the fact that the Haitian/Kreyol use of the word
"blan" does not mean "white". Sure, the French translation for "white"
is "blanc", but the Haitian Kreyol use of "blan" actually means
"foreigner". When we read signs such as "an ba blan", that does not
mean down with the whites, it means down with the foreigners. And what
is a foreigner? A foreigner is one who is here, but not at one with
the Haitian population; not sympathetic to the people amongst whom he
or she is living; someone who is here making money or publicity at the
expense of our suffering and our culture.
Now, I was born in the USA and I am a white person who has lived
here for more than 14 years, but I am *not* a "blan", nor a foreigner.
In US understanding (understanding which normally does not take into
consideration Haitian understanding!) I would probably be considered a
"blan", but thanks to God, I am not. Why? Because I live with and work
with and suffer with the Haitian people. I have identified with them;
I am not a foreigner amongst them, nor is the color of my skin even
considered.
Let's try to understand Haitians and Haitian culture before we jump
to conclusions.
archim