14408: Nekita on the Haitian intellectuals' Role (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: Nlbo@aol.com

Dear Corbeteers,

As I am observing the  lack of professionalism and/or mediocrity that exists
in the Haitian society be it in the diaspora or in Haiti, I am wondering what
role the Haitian intellectual community should play or is playing  in this
lassitude?
Let's take the haitian radio or television programs in the diaspora for
instance. I believe the media should be able to inform their audience. But
what is happening those hosts don't know anything themselves .They don't read
the paper. I am wondering how many of the radio announcers have ever read an
article about journalism, not alone the dailys. I also notice that their main
topics are the unraveling of a 200 year potical story of Haiti while there
are many issues Haitians are facing in the U.S and Canada, among them the
number of incarcerated young men, teenage pregnancy, child rearing issues and
generational differences, domestic violence, housing, family break downs, etc.
In Boston I am seeing a lack of cohesiveness , organization, communication
among various fields or institutions in the community which I don't sense in
the Miami area. There are some anecdoctal and individual accomplishments or
events like the Unity Day on May 18 and a gathering that the Haitian State
rep organized two years ago.  People are buying homes. There are number of
Haitian professionals. There are haitian in the universities, but I question
whether 90% of college age Haitians are attending some higher institutions.
Any one has any studies on that?
I am also seeing a population who has no trust in the Haitian or feel
inferior to other groups be it black or white. As a parent , I would advice
my kids do something so the outside world would appreciate first, then your
own Haitian community will accept it. It's a shame, after close to 30 years
living in the Boston area,  I would tell any young person living in North
America, if you want to be an integral part of the 21rst century global
society, don't get too involved in your own Haitian community. An Asian, a
muslim, a jew, an Armenian, or Cuban would not think like this.
Does the intellectual have any " oral" voice or the Haitian visionary is
sitting in front of his/her computer reflecting on Haitian problems in
Corbett's line. Had the intellectuals, specially those in Boston given up in
the community or they let themselves been excluded or are they playing the "
elitist" game?
I believe a vibrant community needs the input of all its members. Who is
going to or is making sure that the Boston Haitian community is a strong one?

Nekita