We choose what we see. Often, we don’t even need to see: our expectations act as a filter for our senses, and we fail to accept deviations from our idea of reality. I went to Haiti—where I’ve passionately wanted to go for the past year—and for the most part, I experienced what I thought I would. I had prepared by searching for photos and video clips online, reading articles upon articles. Without intending to, I had created my vision of Haiti before setting foot on the island.
Unsurprisingly, some of my preconceived notions did not hold. Underneath the excitement and fun of finally being in Haiti—and it was fun!!!—I was crushed. A slow crush. I just hadn’t expected the level of desperation, or the ways survival-mentality can direct people’s every action. Much more than in Phnom Penh, I sensed the hunger. Not that I know what hunger feels like in the least.
I left with a very different view of Haiti than what I expected to see. Not better, and not worse, just different. I’m still trying to understand. I wrestle with Haiti each day.
Many of my friends know how ANGRY I become when people view Haiti as “wild” “uncivilized” “violent” “lawless” “backward” and “forever dependent on our charity.” I get even ANGRIER when people look at Haitian poverty as a phenomenon of “Third Worldedness,” failing to recognize that it is OUR power that has oppressed and impoverished Haiti and so many other places. The public looks at Haiti’s “current situation” (long earning the country a U.S. State Department Travel Warning) in isolation. They don’t CHOOSE to see the uncomfortable reality of the relationships between Western powers and Haiti that have long blocked positive change.
However, realizing that I myself was not immune from faulty preconception, I don’t blame others for selectively seeing. Rather, I have a renewed desire to help educate, to offer up the understanding I continue to seek. I want to use my life to work toward justice, peace, equity, and brother and sisterhood. Impatience and anger won’t help. I need to bring people in, so more of us living in such wealth WANT to shatter our preconceived perceptions to finally see more truth about Haiti….and the world.
