The Haitian Women’s Meeting Group, June 9

Tuesday night I participated in a meeting with a group of Haitian women in the community. They discussed many issues that affect them in the Dominican Republic as a group. After hearing their stories of struggle, disrespect, and violence, I became frustrated by the way racism shapes peoples’ ideologies. I am frustrated because I feel like the world is trapped. The powerful oppress the less powerful. While the Dominican people struggle with many difficult issues, such as poverty and corruption, many feel powerful enough to oppress others. The Haitian women told stories of Dominicans who still find ways to oppress them even if they are in equal levels of poverty.
Haitians are considered illegal even if they were born in the Dominican Republic. Haitians are at risk of deportation at any time, even if they don’t speak the language (Creole) or have never been to Haiti. They are never considered Dominicans. The cause of Haitian mistreatment and deportation is not only racism; it is also motivated by the capitalist system. If a Haitian is deported they can bribe an immigration officer and be allowed to stay in the country. Many Haitian women in the group didn’t have a visa or passport; it was just about the money. People of color undergo many hardships with immigration in many countries. In the United States the immigration process is difficult regardless of your race. However, for a person of color it is more difficult to gain an entry visa.
Racism never works for a person of color. Even though racial prejudice might work for Dominicans for the short term, in the long term another group is benefiting.

Contributed by Farah