The discussion panel “Contextualizing Crisis in Haiti: Resilience, Recovery and Rebuilding in the First Black Republic” convened in the Corcoran Commons’ Heights Room. The African and African Diasporas Program, the Center for Human Rights and International Justice at Boston College, the Volunteer and Service Learning Center at Boston College, and the Boston College Working Group on Haiti were all sponsors of the event. This discussion panel is the first in a series of on-campus conversations concerning Haiti and responding to the recent earthquake.
Even though news about the earthquake has been saturating the media for the past few weeks, the discussion was very well attended. However, Massachusetts House of Representative Linda Dorcena Forry had to cancel due to family matters to attend to, and Professor Marc Prou from the University of Massachusetts – Boston was an hour late. Dr. Erica James, Professor of Anthropology at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), was therefore the chief panelist.
One common theme to the discussion was the unintended effects of humanitarian aid relief efforts, shedding light on the possible challenges to the reconstruction process. Even though their purported efforts are always focused on promoting selfless gains, these charitable organizations do often obscure the truth and conceal certain information – the “grey side” of humanitarian assistance. “It must be acknowledged,” James said, “that these institutions, even if some are non-profits, are still businesses that need to produce tangible monetary gains and meet their bottom lines. Often, these organizations maintain secret solidarity with the very powers they ought to be fighting.” James stressed that although this is a cynical world-view, it is also a necessary one.
As a physical therapist, Dr. James’ specialty is in the study of how trauma manifests itself for both survivors of torture and survivors of crisis – the latter being the current dilemma for survivors of the earthquake in Haiti. Of course, the earthquake has proven itself to be quite devastating for that country in terms of political and economic infrastructure. However, the social repercussions might be the most pronounced, at least according to James. “The loss of social role and the inability to meet expectations,” James explained, “has resulted in tremendous levels of stress and anxiety for the Haitian people.”
James concluded that the major lesson to be learned is that the victims of the earthquake should not be viewed as passive objects on which to impose our own agenda, but as active participants in the solution. “As Haiti attempts to move forward from this catastrophe,” James said, “one hopes that international interveners will hold themselves to high standards.”
Related Articles:
- Haiti Relief Since the earthquake in Haiti, an increasing number...
- Haiti Relief in Our Own Backyard Three weeks after the tragic earthquake rocked Haiti...
- BC Celebrates Special Mass to Pray for Haiti Boston College faculty, staff, and students convened in...
