So, this past week I have had the opportunity and sadness of seeing some of the bad side of the situation here. I have always known that there are tensions between the Haitians and Dominicans here in the DR, but I have not seen it openly.
I have been teaching English class 5 days a week to a group of Haitian youth. There are between 4 and 7 that come everyday. These guys are great and have such motivation. They work hard and want to learn. We have fun in class and are making progress. We have been meeting in the local school, which is pretty much the only place with space and a blackboard. The teacher had given us a hard time for "leaving a mess" etc. I had however made sure that we always leave the school in as good or better condition than we found it in. The teach never talked to me directly, only through kids or other members of the community. Well, 3 days ago now she said that we could no longer use the school because we were stealing the milk and juice that is for the school students. That of coarse was not true. I came to find out later that day that she came to that conclusion because a boy in her class made that accusation. This boy openly hates Haitians. There was a Haitian boy in the class that protested what was being said and the teacher told him that he was only protesting because he was a dirty Haitian too. Mind you, these kids are between 6 and 9 years old. I was soo angry when I found this out. Especially because the boy who accused us of stealing had asked if we could take the milk and juice and I said no.
I knew these things existed here but this is the first time I have really felt them. In a way I feel like I am experiencing what life was like in the US back in the 50's for the Blacks. The living conditions are poor and the diet basic, there is share cropping and a large house where between 20 and 100 men live. They come to pick coffee. There are many similarities. I know that I am not in the same position as the Haitians but the hatred is being directed at me too because I am helping them. It is interesting that the Dominicans feel so cheated or offended by the Haitians receiving education when I have offered many times to help Dominicans learn English as well. They all say that they want to learn but they never come.
The other thing is that Dominican culture is very machismo. Meaning that the men are very aggressive and vocal about their desires. They seem to think that they can and should have everything that they want, or try to get it at every opportunity. Which means that I rarely talk to any of the Dominican men here and when there are parties and dances I only stay for the first little bit. Things always get worked into a kind of frenzy. Granted this is coming from a girl that almost never got attention from men in the US. My perspective is a little different. Nonetheless, it is a difficult thing to deal with all of the time. I am learning more and more everyday how to approach this issue. On the other hand, the Haitians are not aggressive and seem to be much more friendly without have other motivations, at least openly. I feel much more relaxed when I am in the Haitian side of the community. That doesn't mean I am not cautious but they have smiles on their faces and talk to me like I am a person and not a piece of meat.
I am sure there will be more realizations and clarity to come on this issue and others. Feel free to comment. I welcome thoughts on this issue and others.
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