How do we try to make sense in our classrooms of the natural events that have befallen Haiti? The truth is, we can make no ethical or moral sense of it at all, because the events are simply "accidents of nature" -- uncontrollable planetary forces that obey no ethical or moral code.
Some may try to find an answer within the major religious traditions; those attempts are headed toward certain failure. In the current issue of Newsweek Magazine, referring to the story of suffering Job in the Jewish and Christian scriptures, Lisa Miller writes,
Haiti is surely a Job among nations. It is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere: half its population lives on less than a dollar a day. With 98% of its forests felled and burned for firewood, Haiti is uniquely vulnerable to flooding from hurricanes. In 2008 four storms in as many weeks left half a million homeless. Haiti has an infant mortality rate worse than that of many African nations, and its people are plagued by disease....
Now, with as many as 100,000 dead in last week's earthquake, a sensible person of faith has to grapple with the problem of what scholars call theodicy. If God is good and intervenes in the world, then why does he make innocents suffer? Why, as Job might have said, would God "crush an impoverished people with a tempest and multiply their wounds without cause?
The theodicy dilemma has been the most intractable issue for theologians of all faiths for two thousand years; it appears to not have a rational solution. An omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent and omni-benevolent God decrees or allows unspeakable misfortune to befall hundreds of thousands of innocent men, women and children. A rational explanation is not easy to come by. Like Voltaire's Candide trying to understand how the Lisbon earthquake of 1755 could occur in "the best of all possible worlds," reason forces us to question our cultural conditioning.
In the absence of rational explanations, others, like American TV-evangelist (and former Presidential candidate) Reverend Pat Robertson, will concoct weirdly fanciful stories that fit their theological schemas, such as a Godly punishment to Haitians for making a "pact with the devil" as part of their war of liberation against the French. In his surrealist version of reality, Reverend Robertson does not explain why his benevolent God would kill today's infants and children for what anyone did 200 years ago.
We are largely at the mercy of nature; let's just admit that. Human science has not advanced enough to provide a shield against these massive planetary forces.
Rather than attempting to explain the unexplainable by using failed and irrational means, let us try to concentrate in the global classroom on the causes of under-development, the disintegrating impact of national poverty, the role of national and international organizations in ameliorating disasters, and the prospects for a more rational and just future global society.
We should also take note of the unanticipated outcomes of technological development. While often these byproducts are negative, in this case they have a positive aspect. Note the tremendous ease with which anyone can donate to the Haiti relief efforts in a matter of seconds by simply "texting" his/her contribution. The inter-relationship among science, technology and society is most complex and often surprising!
We should further discuss in our classrooms that, in cases of obvious "natural malevolence," normally self-centered humans and the nations we inhabit are capable of cooperation and good will. The empathetic global response to Haiti's catastrophe shows the best of human nature at work. It gives us hope that, under the right circumstances and with inspired leadership, we may one day set aside our petty national, ethnic, or religious conflicts in order to survive and prosper as a human species.
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Let me start by saying that people who want to donate money to Haiti should take a look at these organizations: Doctors Without Borders, and Partners in Health. These two organizations have been rated very highly in terms of efficiency - more money goes towards helping the people rather than paying CEOs or getting lost in a bureacracy.
ReplyDeleteThe Haitian Earthquake has certainly unearthed some disturbing attitudes people hold towards Haitians, showing a flaysome intersection of classism and racism.
Pat Robertson's digusting attitude towards such a disaster has another side to it. When he says that the Haitians made a pact with a devil, he refers not only to the slave rebellion but to voodoo, an important part of life for many Hatians. He is literally demonizing their religion. The sad part is that there are people who will believe him and refuse to do anything about Haiti because "that's what God wanted". It's sad, to say the least.
Fox News pundit Bill O'Reilly said that we are already helping Haiti through our taxes, and therefore we don't need to help anymore. Aside from being an incredibly priveleged comment, it also shows Mr. O'Reilly's ignorance. Along with France, the USA was one of the reasons that Haiti fell into such a state of poverty. The USA helped France move armies into Haiti and it gave supplies to the French as well. US banks loaned money at a ridiculous rate to the Haitian government (Napoleon demanded the equivalent of $60 billion for 'recompensation' due to Haiti's independance. Haiti's government took to takin out loans to repay the ridiculous debt). 80% of Haiti's GDP goes to paying off debts. For Bill O'Reilly to say that tax dollars are enough to help Haiti is just stupid.
Finally, I would like to say that the global perspective on the Haitian earthquake is alarmingly ethnocentric. Many American news stations like to talk about how Americans are so great, helping out Hatians, or how a white girl was stuck in a building after it crashed (missing white woman syndrome), or how poor Haitian adoptees will have to wait more before they can get to *America*. There was even a French spin on the Haitian adoptee story, talking about how poor Haitians won't be able to live in *France*.
Such stories need to be viewed critically for what they are - national narcissism. The Haitian Earthquake should not be taken as an opportunity for any country to pat itself on the back. The temporary attention that it receives (I assure you, a few months from now nobody will care about Haiti anymore) will be about how anarchic Haiti is, or about how Haitians are looting stuff, or about how poor Haiti is (basically, making Haiti look worse than it is - and that's saying something). People will donate to random organizations, never wondering how much of their money goes to helping Haiti as opposed to lining wallets, and then act as if they were perfect angels.
What can be learned from this? We already have the perspective of the industrialized ("We gave some money to Haiti, so we should be cool now, eh?"). Perhaps we should take a look at Haiti's point of view. What are the Haitians saying about this? How is their government responding? These are things I have not seen any news station cover, but they are still important. The viewpoint of non-industrialized countries is far too often pushed aside. For a truly global perspective, we need to look at the perspectives of poorer countries.
The crisis occuring in Haiti is frightening and extremely devastating. Among all the desparity and depression, there is also something else. There is hope for rebuilding homes, lives, and a country. Still, in order to have and hold this bit of optimism above all the debris and rubble, there must be people still willing to be supporting and helpful. Otherwise, Haiti will have its downfall. That is where all the relief efforts come into play. If we all thought that God was playing the furious, revengeful role that some people have given him, we would just give up, throw up our hands, and let fate take care of the rest. But we don't. We, as a whole human race and family, pull together in these times of need to do everything we can for those only barely hanging on.
ReplyDeleteFurthermore, I agree that these natural forces cannot be stopped by a mere thought, or flick of a hand. These catastrophes are Mother Nature's little reminders of the world around us. Still, what happens during the storm is tragic and miserable, but what we do after is what counts. The important things that we do are after we have weathered the storm. So, instead of moping about the country that has been reduced to rubble due to something that we really could not have stopped, let's think about the ways that we could possible instill at least a seed of hope in every person that had to experience such a traumatic event. That's why I think hope is the key, and the only way to inspire and motivate people to rebuild something that otherwise would have been thought of as a lost cause.
Times like these really make us realize what we have to offer and what we could lose in the blink of an eye. This natural catastrophe was a wake-up call to think about all the blessing in life to be grateful for. To be grateful for neighbors who pull together to help, whether it is donating unperishable canned foods, or texting "HAITI" to a certain number and donating five or ten dollars. Whichever way, people are taking a stand and helping to rebuild Haiti one step at a time, to repair the heart of a country that has been broken. That, is truly the remedy to any disaster that the human race faces.
--Chrystie del Valle
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ReplyDeleteThe disaster that has transpired in Haiti is, without a doubt, an utterly tragic and extremely unfortunate one. Being the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere has truly led to Haiti being at the mercy of the powers of nature, and this was fully demonstrated with the earthquake that ensued in this poor nation. Issues like this one are those that should be taught and explained in a global perspectives or global studies class. It is one thing for students to learn about poverty and hear dreadful statistics but it is another thing for them to actually see this extreme poverty with their very eyes. This situation in Haiti, although very unfortunate, in the present day, is giving these students an opportunity to actually see the effects of poverty in a country and to understand how grave these effects could be, especially when unexpected events happen.
Speaking about unexpected events, something else that must be fully understood is that this was a completely and utterly uncontrollable occurrence. Why did it happen and why did it have to occur to Haiti? We shall never truly know. Mother Nature can be strong, violent, or peaceful, but it is definitely one thing, and that is unpredictable. This must be understood and acknowledged. Once this occurs, students may be able to view this issue with different eyes and think more about its effect on the people of Haiti than on why the earthquake, an unpredictable phenomenon, actually happened. Of course, it is human nature to concoct answers to unanswerable inquiries. This is exactly what numerous have done in this occasion, yet this is completely unimportant. Unfortunately, many people, especially those involved in certain religious traditions, take these stories as facts and do not focus on what is important. These people do not focus on assisting Haiti after this great calamity. This is what they should be focusing on. They should be thinking about, not only Haiti and what this earthquake did to them, but the poverty in Haiti and how a natural disaster could so gravely affect another under-developed nation in a similar fashion. However, it is a shame that some of these created stories have actually convinces people of a false reality. It is a shame because Haiti needs assistance right now.
In a global education classroom, it is important to acknowledge that the only way to really act upon an issue is to learn about it and contribution in any way possible. Speaking about all the disasters that occurred or the number of deaths is not going to help in resolving it. Of course, the history of any issue is important and must be known in order to find the best solution, but in an issue such as the earthquake in Haiti, the present action is much more valuable than any talking. It is interesting that after disasters such as these occur, human beings tend to gather around each other and become less selfish than other times. It is regrettable that it takes such a disastrous calamity in order for human beings to develop such empathy towards others, but this fact of human nature must be taught in a global studies classroom as well. This shows that there is optimism to resolve other issues because the “good” side of human nature does exist, even if it is sometimes hidden behind selfishness and utmost greed.
-Kevin Pardinas
Part 2 of 3:
ReplyDeleteMoreover, there are many ways to help in situations like these. Of course, some of these methods are more effective than others. It is true that not all of the money donated to some places will reach Haiti, but there are more benevolent organizations that will make sure that more donations arrive at this poor nation desperate for any help. This is why it is essential to allow students to know that having knowledge is important and, what is even more important, that there are various methods to help in which greediness will not interfere, at least not as much.
Furthermore, one thing I would like to mention is that I agree with Karen Burgos when she says that, “Perhaps we should take a look at Haiti's point of view.” This should definitely be accomplished. Throughout this situation, Haiti’s point of view has not truly been seen at all. Few Haitians have been able to recount what their point of view is regarding what is happening in their country. Of course, amidst all of the disaster, this is understandable, but it is also important to have this perspective. Not only does this globalize any education students can receive, but an even greater reality and truth may actually be seen if it is viewed from the perspective of the country that has actually received the damage and the suffering, like Haiti. Industrialized and developed countries can say a lot about the extent of the damage and about the help they are giving, but receiving this horrid information from a country like Haiti who has been devastated could lead to more credible information and could allow for a greater quantity of people to develop empathy for the devastated country.
One more thing mentioned in this blog post that is important, both in this situation and in the future, is the outcome of unexpected technological development. Despite how much of it is actually getting to Haiti, it is simply marvelous that anyone, from any part of the world, can send fiscal help to Haiti, to a country in desperate need of assistance, by simply “texting” a few words or a few numbers. Technological development has allowed for assistance to reach Haiti rapidly in this case, and this must be taught in the global perspectives classroom. Technology is a very important part of our life, and it could most definitely become even more vital in the future. Therefore, students must know that technological developments, which are sometimes surrounded by negative connotations, can actually be very beneficial in the future to help solve issues such as this one in Haiti. They must become aware that new ways of using this technology to help make a better world and to help resolve numerous issues should also be implemented in the future and that these technological developments (with some limits) will surely be extremely cardinal to a better future society.
-Kevin Pardinas
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ReplyDeleteAll in all, this unfortunate disaster that has transpired in Haiti should help us human beings learn a lesson. Among these human beings are the students of today, which are the future of tomorrow and of this world. We must all learn that there is optimism present and ways to help, even in the worst of situations. We must look at Haiti and understand the disaster that is happening there and what has aggravated it. We must see the poverty in Haiti and see how that has affected what is occurring right now. We human beings must learn that the only way to fight such issues is to forget our differences and act as one, all towards one cause. This must be learned not only for issues such as this one, but for other issues, some that may even have potential implications on the survival of the human species on this planet earth. Every situation like this one allows for us human beings to reflect on our own lives and see how grateful we are (at least some of us) for what we have. These people who are grateful must think of ways to help everyone who is facing such dire issues feel grateful for life as well by helping them to achieve a better life. We must help each other, no matter what. This issue, this earthquake in Haiti, has surely taught us one thing among its destruction. It has demonstrated that working together is the only method of resolving tremendous problems and that there is optimism, since under certain circumstances human beings have shown to have a benevolent, non-selfish side. This can demonstrate to the students of today, as well as to the whole planet, that, as long as humans work together, there is definitely hope for not only the future of Haiti, but also for the future of the entire world.
-Kevin Pardinas
After the devastating earthquake in Haiti I believe that we should all join as a nation and support the victims with everything that we can do to help. Many organizations have provided aid to the victims of Haiti, yet it is not enough due to the massive death toll of 100,000 or greater.
ReplyDeleteWhen we see these shocking numbers we realize of the striking power that nature has. However, when we face these disasters we tend to involve religion and that is something we ought to stay away from. Religion is a rather sensitive topic and we shouldn’t add more to the situation. There is nothing we can do to evade the incomprehensive forces of nature. Rather, we have all contributed to the damage of our environment by polluting it and increasing the intensity of nature’s phenomenons. If we look back at the accidents of nature we will notice that the strength of nature has been even more ruthless and devastating in the past recent years.
Regarding the theodicy dilemma, I think it rather irrational at this time of grief. The people in Haiti have been stuck by a catastrophe which has taken many lives and caused tremendous amount of damage. Thus, comments should be made more carefully when regarding the event. Explanations saying that the event was due to Godly punishment to Haitians for making a "pact with the devil" are out of the logic. I myself have heard these kinds of comments in addition to justifying that Haiti has sinned and as a result they are suffering the consequences. Not only are these comments immoral and irrational but also insensitive since there is no such thing as a nation been in “sin”. If we talk about sin then all nations are full of it.
Along with the many thoughts that run through our minds as we witness the tragedy in Haiti, we come to realize of how fortunate we are. While 80% of the people in Haiti live under poverty even worse than that of Africa most of us in the United States have basic access to resources. Consequently, we should all continue to make donations and help out as much as we can since most of us are in the position to. Even a single dollar can make a difference if we all contribute.
I would first like to state that I am heartbroken at the horrific events that have fallen upon Haiti. I hope for all the best to come in the restoration of the environment, economy, and many lives of the Haitian people. I believe that we should all take a moment in our lives to assist our brothers and sisters of the human race, as we are all able. It makes no difference whether the assistance is financial, medical, or material. We must always remember that we are not an indestructible nation, and that we may also very well be in a time of need someday. Our efforts to help others will not be forgotten when that time comes.
ReplyDeleteConsidering the events that have happened in Haiti, I find myself greatly agreeing with this post. I highly respect and try greatly to find an acceptance in myself for all religions and beliefs. Yet, I do believe that what is being said about the events in Haiti is just utterly and completely ridiculous. I do not know whether I am a very superstitious person, but it often seems to me that superstitions are just fun and games. To say that a curse will burden a people for generations to come seems not only superstitious, but rather fantastical.
From my own beliefs in my deity, and the beliefs of those around me, a god is an all powerful ruler, who treats his people with consequence for their wrongdoing, but in justice and fairness. It seems just utterly and completely unbelievable that “God” would punish unknowing young children, babies, and loving families for an alleged commitment to the devil two hundred years ago. It would destroy the image of the God that we have been presented. It would prove him to be unjust, uncaring, and apathetic to the current generations of people alive in Haiti. It is as if a child were being blamed by his parent for the actions of his grandfather. In a situation like this, all respect would be lost and anarchy would possibly result. I fear that if the Haitian people believe that a sort of curse is upon them as well, rebellion from faith and civility is not far away.
So, if it is not a punishment from God, why are the Haitian people suffering today? I could be wrong, but this is my belief. Sadly, sometimes, bad things happen to good people and it is inevitable. Some things are just out of our control. Nature is a perfect example. We may be able to have effects on nature in our way, but whether we like it or not, its processes will go on. What has happened in Haiti is a natural disaster. It could not have been imagined that death, famine, and destruction from this even would have happened two hundred years ago. In some way, I do believe that, after all of the pain and suffering, some goodness may come of this. Maybe this occurrence is an opportunity for the human race to step up their game, to unite, and to come together to love and help one another. Maybe it is a test of the morale of the human species. I have thought for some time on all of the topics discussed in the post, but it is time to stop thinking “how” or “why”, and to start thinking “What can I do to help my brothers and sisters of earth?” “What will WE do to restore peace and tranquility to the many broken hearts of our neighbors?”
First off, I just wanted to say that what happened in Haiti was truly devastating and I hope that Haiti will one day be the way that it was before the horrible earthquake struck. I also think that we should all donate what we can whether it be five dollars or a box of water bottles. Our brothers and sisters are in tremendous trouble and we as a nation have a responsibilty to help them out. After tragedies such as the earthquake in Haiti many people ask why god has done that to them? Or why has god punished us in such a horrible way and destroy our home? In my opinion I dont think that religion should be brought up because religion is a very tricky and sensitive topic to talk about. I just simply think that things happen for a reason and that earthquake that struck Haiti wasnt for gods pleasure, it simply happened because mother nature decided it to. One thing that amazes me that is in this post is the relationship we have with technolopgy. It amazes me that with a simple text message we can send aid to Haiti or with the telethon that George Clooney put together you could simply dial the number and donate whatever you could. Todays technology is truly great and makes the world seem like a smaller place because we can all connect so quickly and we can alos help eachother like we helped Haiti.
ReplyDeleteWhat a tragedy. I am still shocked at what happened. It is truly devastating to see a country go into a state like that. What happened was something that couldn't be controlled. So many lost their lives due to a natural cause. I really dont know how much help we can offer them. They have lost everything. What happens now? They were already the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. They lost the little that they had. This is right. We should stop trying to explain the unexplainable. No one expected the natural occurence to be such a disaster.We can definitely aid Haiti with money and supplies but no one or no certain amount of money can ever bring back the thousands of people whos lives were cut short. This earthquake definitely shocked the world.
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ReplyDeleteI can honestly say that when I first heard of the Haiti earthquake I was utterly shocked and saddened by the fact. Everyone should help out in one way or another because this is an unfortunate disaster that has immensely affected this under-developed country. Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere and half its population live on less than a dollar a day, and we should continuously make donations like books, clothe, money and any other type of basic resources they need to survive and live on. There is enough disparity and depression in Haiti for people not to give them relief and hope. There is still much hope in rebuilding their homes that has entirely destroyed their lives and their country in general. This will take a very long period of time but slowly will it makes its improvements if several nations come together and help. So in order to have this hope, there should be people willing to make the effort to make their donations and help.
ReplyDeleteMany of us take what we have for granted. Devastating catastrophes like these shows us how we can lose anything and everything in the blink of an eye. With these natural disasters we come to realize how fortunate we are to have basic resources such as a simple roof or even clean water. We should all join as a nation and support the victims with everything that we can help with. Many organizations have provided aid to the victims of Haiti, yet it is not enough due to the massive destruction of their country. I completely agree that these natural occurrences cannot be stopped by a mere thought. These tragedies are up to Mother’s Nature. Right now, hope is key and with out hope nothings possible. Many question why does this happen to Haiti? Well no one knows. Like said before, it’s up to Mother Nature and nature can be violent and unpredictable.
However, when we face these disasters people tend to involve religion and I believe is something we must not involve. Everyone has their own different point of view of religion and they all have their own believe. I believe that what is being said about Haiti and its events is totally ridiculous. Unfortunately, many people especially those involved in certain religious traditions take these stories as fact and are not focusing on the real issue which is too help the country in the need.
This was of course, an uncontrollable circumstance and it was indeed a very malicious act from nature. No one ever expected for mother nature to react to Haiti in such a way but she did. Although many may think that it is because of Haiti's voodoo principals does not mean that it is correct. They may be doing voodoo rituals but that should have nothing to do with what happened to them or anything related to Job as said on the post. I believe as a global citizen that no matter the reason why this malevolent incident occured, that we sympathetic and merciful people should offer all the help that is needed to provide the correct amount of nurishment, love, and provide happiness from the heart, to those Haitian families and orphaned children. I know that we can help Haitians be a better people, be more developed. All they need is a helping hand and we can make the difference. Many friends I know are going to Haiti as a group to provide all of their needs and help them to be better people; and you can too.
ReplyDelete-Stephanie Jiron
The events that struck Haiti by surprise these past years and recently are truly unfortunate. However, I’m glad that we are all doing what we can to help them out in every way we can. We have to give credit to the fact that hundreds of people are willing to help these poor people out by donating anything they can which is great since it shows we care. Now, concerning the unstoppable search for a valid and reasonable explanation for this catastrophe, I believe that we need none. Disasters such as these unfortunately do happen to innocent people. There does not have to be an explanation for this.
ReplyDeleteIt is absurd that others are making up stories such as the one Reverend Robertson brought up. Not only is Reverend Robertson a man of great importance to many, but people actually do believe in the things that he preaches and/or says. Now, he decided to come up with this insane idea that disaster upon disaster has struck Haiti due to their “pact with the devil” which they did to win their war of liberation against the French. Not only is this story incredibly fictional, but even if it were true it would still make no sense. If God was planning on punishing Haiti for this “pact with the devil” why would he do it now? Why not before? It makes absolutely no sense to punish a country after two hundred years of the supposed action. The worst part of it all is that people actually believe everything this man says. Many people have actually been influenced by this man and so they then absolutely refuse to give out any help to those in Haiti. To think that there are people that will first of all come up with such absurd stories as this and secondly that others will actually believe it is truly disappointing.
I agree that we should just realize that natural disasters and circumstances like these just happen and that there needs to be no reason for them. There is no way to stop or control these natural occurrings so we should just accept them for what they are and rationalize and think before adopting an idea that truly makes no sense at all. We should be more worried about teaching students the importance of global awareness. Apart from that, I agree that the global response given for the disaster in Haiti truly does show how we are improving in caring not only for ourselves, but for others too.
The earthquake in Haiti is indeed a sad event. Haiti is classified as the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, filled with violence and poverty issues. Now, on top of that, a major earthquake has struck this country with the loss of every single building that was present in their biggest city; Porte-Au-Prince. This city is the capital city, which means that the very small amount of funds this nation possesses is now lost due to a surprise from Mother Nature. The important question asked instead of being: ”Will we be able to recover our economy from this catastrophe?” is “Will we survive?”. This question is worrying all of these citizens. We can observe some extremists that take this phenomenon as a punishment by God due to the occultism that these people practice every day. Haiti is found in the boundary of two main tectonic plates, making the situation easier to understand and to find it as something usual, rather than just being an absurd person. It will take a long time to put all the pieces back to normal but meanwhile the world can help them. Fortunately, many countries are aiding the situation with money, food, medicines, military force, etc. If the USA keeps on helping Haiti the way it is doing it right now, then in no time the world would be looking at a peaceful equilibrium in this nation.
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