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What Is a True Haitian?
By Guanahata Ben Emmanuel
Most people would say that it simply means to be born in Haiti. For some, it means to display haitian flags in front of their house, on their car, or to speak Haitian Creole (i.e show their pride) everywhere they go. For others, it means to go to Haitians parties, where Haitian bands like T-Vice, Djakout, Carimi, Sweet Mickey, etc. are playing, all the time (y'ale nan bal tout tan!). Having said that, we would like to pose the following question to all Haitians: Do these actions make you a true Haitian?
To answer this question, we found it wise to look to our founding fathers (Jean Jacques Dessalines, Toussaint Louverture, Capois La Mort, etc.) for a pattern of behavior that constitutes the essence of Haitian citizenship. After all, they founded the state of Haiti and it is through their virtues and character that they managed to acccomplish this historical feat.
Based on a close observation of the character of our forefathers, we have formed a list of criteria that define a true Haitian.
- A true Haitian puts his country first, and thinks of his country before thinking of himself.
- A true Haitian dedicates a portion of his time and resources for the cause of his land and people. He is always ready to help a fellow Haitian, whenever it is possible to do so, for the furtherance of the Haitian community or society.
- A true Haitian believes in the dream of the Cacique Caonabo and Dessalines (i.e., freedom for our people) and is willing, if necessary, to sacrifice his own life for the sake of his country.
- A true Haitian respects his history and honors his ancestors. He does not only say that he cares for Haiti but shows it through actions.
- A true Haitian is a person who is optimistic about the future economic, social, and political state of the country and sets the goal to see it prosper and develop.
So, the next time you say that you are a true Haitian, ask yourself: What have I done for my country? Then, you will know, for yourself, if indeed you are a true Haitian or not.
From: Civic Et Morales*?
Question: What constitutes the homeland?
Answer: The homeland is the land that my ancestors have left me as heritage. It is my duty to love it and work to its grandeur, and to its prosperity, and, if necessary, I must be ready to die for it.
.:|:.
* Civic Et Morales (Civic and Morals) is a textbook used by most elementary schools in Haiti that teaches altruism, patriotism, self-pride, ethics, etc. Hence, most Haitians educated in Haiti are familiar with this particular lesson in the book.
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