Breaking strongholds

The Haitian culture is very, very traditional. The status quo is authoritative in the Haitian mind. However the parents did things is the way things must be done. Critical thinking is not taught in Haitian schools or society. The teaching method in the schools is rote: memorize answers for questions. Therefore, there is little or no ability to apply the answers to other situations.

What is amazing is how quickly they adapt to the American lifestyle when they come here. The human spirit is very adaptable when circumstances require change.

Peru asks Security Council to prolong UN Haiti force

Peru asks Security Council to prolong UN Haiti force

It is so very sad .. Haiti still needs outside help and supervision to keep the peace and stand on its feet at all. There are so many cultural/social issues which contribute to why Haiti cannot move ahead.

There is the social system .. class divisions between nouristas (blacks) and mulattoes; divisions by economic status; and a clan system. When you have a culture that is based in survival, then the focus is upon survival for yourself and your family .. it is an extended family system in Haiti .. it includes all the cousins too. And, it is worse to not share your food and wealth with your family than to have a mistress or an affair, in the Haitian culture. With this clan system, there is no real national identity. It is "every man for himself".

This is acted out by ever person who gets the power in Haiti .. every President of Haiti has used the office as a means of enriching himself and his family. And, so, the chaos continues.

Haitians RESENT outside interference .. one shouldn't have any problem understanding that. But, without a national identity, and a culture of survival, they cannot protect the poor and the weak .. or, will not because it isn't in their cultural psyche.

Ah, Haiti .. how we love it and how we hurt for their ongoing pain. Only God can bring true deliverance to them.

Cap Haitian - Cathedral

The domed cathedral in Cap Haitien.