Le Provocateur

Issue date: 11/11/09 Section: Campus Life

Haiti might be the poorest country in the western hemisphere, but it is a country rich in culture. Food, dance, music and Voodoo are all embedded in the history of Haiti. Haitian food is mildly spicy and cooked with Taino Arawak cooking styles, Spanish food influences, French names and tweaked recipes, while maintaining an African twist. Haitian dances either mix European ballroom dancing with Spanish musical influences to Konpa (a Haitian musical genre) or come straight from the Voodoo dances. Voodoo, which many people think is bad, is a religion deeply rooted in the Haitian culture. Voodoo has many Christian influences because Europeans associated it with the devil and refused to let the enslaved Africans practice their original Voodoo. The new religion brought a new form of dancing called Ra Ra to the culture. Food, dance, and music are found, and whether it is Ra Ra or Konpa, throughout Haiti and Haitian people always find the right way to celebrate with family and close friends.

Haitian people are very proud of their culture and they share it by celebrating. Whether they cook or dance, or do both, celebrating is the way the Haitian people share their hospitality. Sharing is caring in Haiti, and through food, dance and music Haitians not only share their hospitality, but they share their history. I learned quickly that when something happens, whether it is a first communion or birthday party, we must celebrate, but I never realized how rooted celebrating was to the beginning of Haiti's history. Many accomplishments live through the food, dance, and music of Haiti and the celebrating is much more than the occasion, but a gateway to the past and hope for the future of Haiti.

My parents are proud because their culture is rich, their history is grand and their lives would not have influenced me so much if they were not from Haiti. The truth behind my ethnicity is neither what is being taught in the history books nor what is said by many, but it is the unheard stories and unknown facts about Haiti. My parents have taught me to be proud of who I am and where they come from because without knowing your history you cannot know yourself. Haiti is much more than the poorest country in the western hemisphere. It is a place of love, rich culture and extensive history. Haiti has influenced the American culture and many other cultures across the world, but, most importantly, it has influenced me as an individual. I realize now that no matter what people may say about Haiti or the Haitian culture, unless they know the truth about our history, they know nothing at all.

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