Cruel World
During the twentieth century, many Haitians lived a life full of poverty and terror;
do to the many wars and epidemics that were established in the country. Throughout her
novel Krik? Krak!, Edwidge Danticat depicts the violence, brutality and cruelty her
people suffered during that time. In her first two stories, we get a glimpse of the horror in
which the Haitian culture had to endure. Whether it was a group of protesting students
getting gunned down, a young women being gang raped, or an innocent women being
sentenced to life in prison because she was believed to be a witch, the terror and horror
seemed endless. How could a human being treat another in such a manner? How could a
Haitian treat another Haitian with so much cruelty and have that kind of malice for his
own people? Danticat shows us the pain of her people through her words and
demonstrates their healing power through her various short stories.
In her first short story, "Children of the Sea" we are introduced to two young
adults who are in love with one another but who are separated because of the terror which
existed in their Haitian society. Because they feared for their lives, they had to part in
hopes that they would stay alive to see each other once again. The society in which they
lived was became incredibly violent due to the Haitian army trying to rid the country of
anyone who was against the government or who they thought was a traitor. The army or
macoutes, as they were referred to, were cruel and ruthless. One of the young narrators
in the story wrote in her journal "a group of students got shot in front of fort dimanche
prison today…. our neighbor madan roger came home with her son's head…. the
macoutes by the house were laughing at her. they asked her if it was her dinner" (p.7).
The mascoutes mocked and laughed at helpless women carrying around the head of her
dead son, who they had previously shot. They shot him because he didn't agree with the
government and its policies.
But the mascoutes did not stop at just taunting Madan Roger, they also severely
beat her. "the soldiers came looking for her son. madan roger was screaming, you killed
him already …. he hated you like I hate you criminals. you killed him.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the country suffered from many wars and epidemics.
- Analyzes how macoutes by the house were laughing at her. they asked her if it was her dinner.
- Narrates how they shot their dead son because he didn't agree with them.
- Explains that the country suffered from many wars and epidemics.
- Analyzes how macoutes by the house were laughing at her. they asked her if it was her dinner.
- Narrates how they shot their dead son because he didn't agree with them.
- Explains that the country suffered from many wars and epidemics.
- Analyzes how macoutes by the house were laughing at her. they asked her if it was her dinner.
- Narrates how they shot their dead son because he didn't agree with them.
- Analyzes how the haitian culture suffered during that time. in her first two stories, we get a glimpse of the horror in which the culture had to endure
- Asks how a human being could treat another haitian with such cruelty and malice.
- Introduces two young adults who are in love with one another but are separated because of the terror which existed in their haitian society. the army was cruel and ruthless.
- Analyzes how the mascoutes used cruel and unusual punishment on the haitian people.
- Explains that soldiers would hold a gun to the head of man and make him sleep with his daughter or young man. if they resisted they would shoot them.
- Narrates how the soldiers tied up lionel and his mother, then took turns raping celianne, who was only fifteen years old when the callous group of men raped her.
- Describes the impact of imprisonment on an innocent woman. she was accused of being a witch and was beaten by an angry mob.
- Narrates how she looked gray, her teeth were dark red with blood, and her skin looked as if it were going to fall off because it was so loose.
- Explains that the guards would shave her head and make other inmates throw cold water on her so that her body would not be able to muster up enough heat to grow wings.
- Opines that life in haiti during this time was not easy.
- Analyzes how danticat shows us how unfair life can be and how cowardly and heartless some people are. it is hard to believe humans can treat each other the way they do.
- Analyzes how the haitian culture suffered during that time. in her first two stories, we get a glimpse of the horror in which the culture had to endure
- Asks how a human being could treat another haitian with such cruelty and malice.
- Introduces two young adults who are in love with one another but are separated because of the terror which existed in their haitian society. the army was cruel and ruthless.
- Analyzes how the mascoutes used cruel and unusual punishment on the haitian people.
- Explains that soldiers would hold a gun to the head of man and make him sleep with his daughter or young man. if they resisted they would shoot them.
- Narrates how the soldiers tied up lionel and his mother, then took turns raping celianne, who was only fifteen years old when the callous group of men raped her.
- Describes the impact of imprisonment on an innocent woman. she was accused of being a witch and was beaten by an angry mob.
- Narrates how she looked gray, her teeth were dark red with blood, and her skin looked as if it were going to fall off because it was so loose.
- Explains that the guards would shave her head and make other inmates throw cold water on her so that her body would not be able to muster up enough heat to grow wings.
- Opines that life in haiti during this time was not easy.
- Analyzes how danticat shows us how unfair life can be and how cowardly and heartless some people are. it is hard to believe humans can treat each other the way they do.
- Analyzes how the haitian culture suffered during that time. in her first two stories, we get a glimpse of the horror in which the culture had to endure
- Asks how a human being could treat another haitian with such cruelty and malice.
- Introduces two young adults who are in love with one another but are separated because of the terror which existed in their haitian society. the army was cruel and ruthless.
- Analyzes how the mascoutes used cruel and unusual punishment on the haitian people.
- Explains that soldiers would hold a gun to the head of man and make him sleep with his daughter or young man. if they resisted they would shoot them.
- Narrates how the soldiers tied up lionel and his mother, then took turns raping celianne, who was only fifteen years old when the callous group of men raped her.
- Describes the impact of imprisonment on an innocent woman. she was accused of being a witch and was beaten by an angry mob.
- Narrates how she looked gray, her teeth were dark red with blood, and her skin looked as if it were going to fall off because it was so loose.
- Explains that the guards would shave her head and make other inmates throw cold water on her so that her body would not be able to muster up enough heat to grow wings.
- Opines that life in haiti during this time was not easy.
- Analyzes how danticat shows us how unfair life can be and how cowardly and heartless some people are. it is hard to believe humans can treat each other the way they do.
Related
- opinionated
- explanatory
- analytical
- The Haitian Revolution was the outcome of a tedious battle on the behalf of the slaves in the French colony of St. Domingue, but was also pushed forward by the free half-bred residents who had looked down upon the trials of being represented as semi-citizens.There were three discrete social classifications in St. Domingue. First, there were the Whites, who had an immense amount of power over the three social classes. Next were the free Mulattoes, who was in a very unstable and insecure position in the Haitian society. Even though they enjoyed a considerate amount of freedom, they were suppressed by the conservative White reign of structure that only acknowledged the Mulattoes as being people of color. Then there was the slaves who, endured some of the most unpleasant treatments that was in the Caribbean. Slaves in Haiti were authorized by law to be considered to be owned by the public and with little to no choice, complie...
In this essay, the author
- Opines that it is ethical to give thanks to philanthropists such as william wilberforce and additional people who were persistent to end the repugnant act. the haitian revolution was important in american and british colonies.
- Explains that the haitian revolution was the result of a tedious battle on behalf of the slaves in the french colony of st. domingue, but was also pushed forward by the free half-bred residents who had looked down upon the trials of being represented as semi-citizens.
- Opines that the haitian revolution was the most successful of the revolts against plantation slavery in the caribbean.
- Explains that haiti gained its freedom by persistence, perspiration, and those who were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice.
- Concludes that the conditions that haiti was in prior to the french revolution were prime for an revolt to take place. their shameful behavior toward the blacks and mulattoes expedited the reason for the haitian revolution.
700 wordsRead More - Haiti Essayopinionated essayRacial caste systems in Haiti prior to the Revolution were used to classify where everyone fit within their society. Originally there were three classes—the blancs, who were the whites that owned land and slaves; the affranchise, who were freedmen of color who were descendants of slaves and slave owners; and the noir, who were the slaves. This system was a way to keep people in their place, limiting opportunities such as jobs and areas of residence (Smucker, 1989). Before the Revolution, the elite whites—or grands blancs—oversaw the governing of Haiti, the importation of slaves, and the exportation of crops to Europe. The affranchise, otherwise known as gens de couleur, were typically craftsmen or domestic servants due to laws prohibiting this group of people from working in public offices. These laws were placed by the grands blancs because of an increase in populati...
In this essay, the author
- Opines that haiti's rich history, filled with many peoples' blood and countless hopes of freedom, has yet to become financially stable because of their past.
- Explains that racial caste systems in haiti prior to the revolution were used to classify where everyone fit within their society.
- Explains how french settlers ventured to saint-domingue, where they established one of the busiest ports in the caribbean under the rule of king louis xiv.
- Explains that the united states did not want slaves in the us to be influenced by haiti's revolution and independence from france in 1804.
- Explains how francois duvalier was elected as the 40th president of haiti in 1957. he exiled many of his competitors' supporters and had a new constitution adopted.
- Concludes that the racial caste systems put in place in the 18th century have effects on the world. many political leaders in haiti are black because of the oppression white leaders have imposed.
1231 wordsRead More - Louverture's Efforts as Leader of the Haitian Revolutionexplanatory essayThe Haitian Revolution was time of hectic blood shed war. Toussaint Louverture was the leader of the Haitians out of slavery and free from the Spanish. The colony of St. Domingue was a slave island, where slaves would work to make goods to be sent to Spain in return for nothing. The people were treated harsh and done wrong but by the efforts of Louverture they will become free. Louverture was the leader of the revolution but failed to complete his duties because of capture Jean- Jacques Dessalines took over in 1802. He was captured before the war before the end of the war. The Revolution lasted from 1789-1803 until everything was settled and St. Domingue was a free land called Haiti.
In this essay, the author
- Describes how toussaint louverture led the haitian revolution out of slavery and free from the spanish. the colony of st. domingue was a slave island where slaves would work to make goods to be sent to spain in return for nothing.
- Explains that toussaint louverture was a free man of color in the colony of st. domingue. he wanted to end slavery in his home island.
- Explains that toussaint and his army got off to a fast start and never slowed down defeating the french when they sent military to control the rebellion.
- Explains that toussaint was captured by napoleon bonaparte's brother-in-law charles le clerc (katz). he was tricked into thinking he was going to talk about freedom for his people.
- Explains that louverture died in fort de joux on april 7, 1803, unaware that his army would rally behind the leadership of his former general jean jacques dessalines to win the colony's independence for good.
- Describes toussaint as a smart military leader and one of the best strategizes of all time.
- Explains that the haitian revolution was a risky one, as no one had ever done anything like it in the world. st. domingue was trying to end slavery but became its own country.
- Describes the haitian revolution as a time of hope for the slaves of st. domingue. toussaint louverture was their ticket to success.
761 wordsRead More - Haiti's Contribution To The Colonial History Of Haiti Todayanalytical essaySeveral of the problems that Haiti faces today have their genesis in the country’s colonial history. The country was like a toy being fought over by spoiled children. The first of these children arrived in the early sixteenth century in the form of Spanish settlers in search of gold. They enslaved the native Taino population and, poisoned by avarice, nearly eradicated the indigenous work force. Thousands of African slaves were brought in to take their place. Eventually, the Spanish left the island to grab their share of newly discovered treasure in other lands. Tiring of their toy, the Spanish
In this essay, the author
- Describes how the colonial history of haiti contributed to the social, political, economic, and environmental problems facing haiti today.
- Explains that haiti's colonial history began with spanish settlers enslaving the native taino population and poisoning them with avarice. french colonists renamed the island saint-domingue and abolished slavery.
- Analyzes how haiti's militaristic birth produced a hunger for dominance and control. corruption and abuse have been cancerous hallmarks of the political system and leaders.
- Opines that the united states has come a long way in the fight against racism, but there is still an undercurrent of prejudice that flows through the nation.
- Explains that the 2010 earthquake in haiti was one of the most devastating natural disasters in history. the us is a nation of immigrants, but it seems not all immigrants are welcomed with the same enthusiasm.
1122 wordsRead More - Trends Uniting the French, Mexican and American Revolutionanalytical essayDubois, Laurent. "Two Revolutions in the Atlantic World: Connections between the American Revolution and the Haitian Revolution." The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. N.p., 2009. Web. 14 Mar. 2014.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the american, french, and mexican revolutions have many things in common. they are either failures or successes, influential or non-influential and impact our way of living in this day in age.
- Explains that the french revolution was crucial in dispersing unequal wealth distribution, the lack of freedom in a political standpoint, and the divisions of classes.
- Opines that minster, christopher, "the mexican revolution." about.com latin american history.
- Explains that goyau, georges, "french revolution." the catholic encyclopedia. vol. 13. new york: robert appleton company, 1912.
- Analyzes the similarities between the three revolutions, including the declaration of rights and the constitutional monarchy.
- Explains dubois, laurent, "two revolutions in the atlantic world: connections between the american revolution and the haitian revolution." gilder lehrman institute of american history.
630 wordsRead More - Haiti: Direct and Indirect Suffering of Silenced Voicesanalytical essayHaiti is described as the poorest country in the western hemisphere. Most people are not aware of Haiti's long history nor do they know the reasoning behind Haiti’s current state, when in fact, Haiti was once one of the richest countries in the western hemisphere. However, the international community has played a key role in continuously ensuring the destruction of Haiti's colonial wealth and creation and continuance of their suffering. “French colonialists brought hundreds of thousands of slaves from Africa, many of whom were literally worked to death. But in 1789, word of revolution in France made its way to the Caribbean colony” (Clemens, 2010). This encouraged the slaves to revolt, and the French could not put that rebellion down. Slaves outnumbered the colonists 10 to 1(Mason, 2010). Since then the Island has fought off slavery during the rebellion war against the French in 1791–1804 to eliminate slavery and became the first republic ruled by African Ancestry (Mason, 2010). Haiti endowed itself with a symbolic power that far exceeded its actual strength.This power was one of hope for many people who were enslaved by their colonisers, the possibility to be free. Haiti’s remarkable victory against France was the first of its kind. However, Haiti’s success led to more disadvantages that would later affect the country’s state and people. They gained independence only to suffer debt from France that affected the country’s economic stability for centuries.Throughout the nineteenth century many countries including the United States failed to recognize Haiti as a country until 1862, after the secession of the south; this is because of the da...
In this essay, the author
- Argues that haiti needs humanitarian intervention from elites in the international community.
- Argues that the notion of intervention being used to make destructive decisions reaffirms the idea that political leaders have to help those in need but there is a huge disparity in the interest of those that are being intervened.
- Analyzes how haiti has had many interferences since it gained independence in 1804 with the united states, including the u.s. invasion and occupation of the country from 1915 to 1934.
- Analyzes how the u.s. and ifis repackaged the reconstruction plan to build haiti's economy, but the plan failed miserably.
- Explains how false clarifications have affected many haitians in the united states such as miriam neptune who grew up in los angeles.
- Argues that haitians should not have to deal with humanitarian approaches that have failed repeatedly by the united states.
- Explains that haiti experienced an earthquake on january 12, 2010 that left the people in a dire need of humanitarian intervention.
- Analyzes how the u.s. government's negligence led to haiti becoming a supplier of cheap labor in the western hemisphere through exploitation.
- Analyzes how president bill clinton made a remarkable statement about the haitian trade liberalization policies he pushed in the 1990s, which made haiti remove its tariffs on imported rice.
- Argues that the united states is taking so many actions for haiti and the haitian population's voices are silenced. humanitarian intervention is driven by self-interested means that do not promise development.
3035 wordsRead More - Katz, William L. Toussaint L’Ouverture and the Haitian Revolution by William Loren Katz. HOFSTRA UNIVERSITY, n.d. Web. 26 Mar. 2014. .
In this essay, the author
- Explains that françois dominique toussaint l'ouverture was an educated former slave and soldier of the king that would eventually lead the revolution against french rule in saint-domingue.
- Explains that the caribbean islands of guadeloupe, martinique and saint domingue were important to the french economy due to its high sugar trade and increasing its profits through slavery.
- Explains that oge's execution created an outrage resulting in the largest slave rebellion in history. the french government was at the verge of collapse due to the french revolution, initiated in 1789.
- Explains that toussaint was born a slave in 1743, on the breda plantation, where he was educated by his godfather pierre baptiste.
- Explains that the 1794 french emancipation of slaves to join the war gave rise to former slave leaders like chief toussaint. he led the french military troops to victory with a successful campaign against the planters.
- Explains that toussaint set up a constitution swearing allegiance to france but denying them any right to interfere with saint domingue affairs. he abolished slavery, reorganized its military, institutionalized christianity as its main religion and made himself governor for life.
- Analyzes how toussaint's accomplishments were short-lived since he denied france the right to interfere with saint domingue affairs in his letter to the directory.
- Analyzes how toussaint's letter to the directory outlived him and led to saint domingue’s (haiti) independence.
- Analyzes how napoleon's attempt to reinstate slavery fueled 500,000 free slaves and turned the war into hell for the french until their demise in 1803 claiming the life of his brother in law charles leclerc.
- Explains that toussaint's education was fundamental to his brave career as a chief and leader of the rebellion.
- Cites bulliet | the earth and its peoples, second edition.
- Explains katz, william l. toussaint l’ouverture and the haitian revolution.
- Describes the historical text archive: electronic history resources, online since 1990. donald j. mabry / the historical text archive.
1234 wordsRead More - Enlightenment in Latin Americaexplanatory essayHaiti had over a half million enslaved Africans working on sugar plantations owned by the French. The sugar was hugely profitable, but conditions for enslaved worker were horrendous. Many were cruelly over worked and under fed. Haiti also had a population of both free and enslaved mulattoes. Free mulattoes, however, had few right and were badly treated by the French. In 1791, a slave revolt exploded in northern Haiti. Under the able leadership of Toussaint L'Ouverture, Haitians would fight for freedom and pave the way for throwing off French rule.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that enlightenment ideas in latin america were important especially in countries where slavery existed and countries under the control of foreign powers. napoleon's invasion of spain ignited wide spread revolt.
- Explains haiti had over a half million enslaved africans working on sugar plantations owned by the french. the slave revolt exploded in 1791 in northern haiti.
- Explains that native americans rebelled against spanish rule in south america in the 1700s, but it wasn't until the 1800s that discontent among the creoles sparked a widespread drive for independence.
- Explains that toussaint l'ouverture was born into slavery and learned to speak both french and his native african language.
- Explains that enlightenment ideas in latin america led to a need for equal rights throughout the area, leading to many revolutions and the death of many, although they eventually gained their freedom.
533 wordsRead More - The sociopolitical history, cultural struggles and educational experience of Haitian Americansanalytical essayZéphir (2004) “Haitian immigrants came to America and brought things of the past with them including their values, culture, aspirations, conceptions and where they are going as a people.” (p.20); This can be traced back to the historical events that led to the start of their countries independence in 1804 which have had an profound impact on its development from that time on. The rich history of the Haitian people had modeled the characterization of the creole speaking people, land, and civilization.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how the haitian people provided for themselves finically after they settled in america and their struggles of living in the new world from the late 1700’s to present times of today.
- Explains that an american living in the united states differs in heritage, beliefs, and attitudes. citizens of the country are given unalienable rights govern by the constitution.
- Explains that music in america expresses freedom of speech and evokes emotions that bring many americans from all walks of life together regardless of ethnicity, gender, and economic status.
- Explains that religion offers hope and sense of purpose to many americans. religion is another way that brings americans together to worship a supernatural power.
- Explains that americans are free to choose their leaders by voting who they believe will best lead the communities, state, and countries. they can freely decide and voice their views and opinions on certain laws and issues that affect the nation.
- Concludes that being an american means being free. americans in today's society have the opportunity to worship freely and openly, express and evoke emotions through music, and ultimately decide how their country should be run.
- Analyzes the haitian american culture as stern, poverty-stricken, and religious. haitians tend to dress poorly in mix-match, thrift store clothing due to their lack of finances.
- Explains that haitian american culture practices voodoo, black magic, catholicism, and christianity. church services can last up to two days.
- Explains that haitian americans are stern and strict when it comes to parenting their children. they set high standards based on social, economic, and political status as well as religion views.
- Concludes that the haitian american culture is mostly looked down upon in today’s society. this is based on negative stereotypes and preconceived notions.
- Explains that haiti was considered the most affluent of the french colonies. the black population rebelled against slavery and caused an uproar throughout the country.
- Analyzes how the rich history of the haitian people had modeled the characterization of creole speaking people, land, and civilization.
931 wordsRead More - Human Rights Violations in Haitiexplanatory essayHaiti was once an economic power when France held claim to the Eastern Part of Hispaniola, then named St. Domingue. It was a French colony flourishing with coffee and sugar. Eventually the ideals of the French Revolution - Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity - made its way to the colonies resulting in a revolution. Haiti was the first slave-led revolution and declared its independence as a republic on January 1, 1804. After their declaration of independence, things started to make a turn for the worst. In 1934 the U.S. forces occupied Haiti to establish stability. The U.S. appointed heads of state but the real power was present in the U.S. occupiers, whereas the heads of state are just figureheads. Haiti’s economy dwindled further down when France demanded reparations of 150 million francs, which wasn’t paid off until 1947. In 65 years, Haiti had 22 heads of state.” In 1957 Francois Duvalier is elected president. He later “creates a totalitarian dictatorship and in 1964 declares himself president-for-life.” This is where Haiti’s political instability really begins.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that haiti was once an economic power when france held claim to the eastern part of hispaniola, then named st. domingue.
- Explains that haiti was struck by a 7.0 magnitude earthquake two years ago, which sparked an international urge to help and relieve haiti of its catastrophe.
- Explains haiti is drenched in poverty, corruption, and lack of education. with only one-third of suitable land for farming, haiti suffers from miniscule production.
- Explains that human rights problems included allegations of extrajudicial killings by haitian national police (hnp) officers, findings of excessive use of force against prisoners, overcrowding and poor sanitation in prisons, prolonged pretrial detention, an inefficient judiciary subject to significant influence by the executive and legislative branches.
- Explains that in 2006 haiti was ranked the most corrupt country in the world by transparency international.
- Explains how extrajudicial killings were committed by the haitian national police after the earthquake, but there was failure to charges of homicide going on trial.
- Explains that penitentiaries were reported as being in an insufficient state. police officers physically abuse prisoners, facilities are overcrowded, and there is a lack of hygienic prevention.
- Explains that even though haitian law prohibits arbitray arrest, civilians have been areested without complying with the provisions of seeing a judge within 48 hours of the arrest.
- Opines that the hnp's law provides freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, religion, and movement, but journalist orpha dessources was beaten for attending a conference on the arrest of gangsters.
- Explains that haitian officials are subject to criminal law, yet the hnp is constantly involved in gang related crimes. the director of social security tapped into funds of the social security budget and was arrested, but his case was never followed.
- Explains that haiti's laws are less stringent compared to other countries' laws, and rape within a marriage is not persecuted.
- Explains that parents can transmit citizenship to their children, otherwise citizenship must be requested from the ministry of interior. however, many birth documents sren't recorded at birth.
- Explains that the minimum employment age for employment in industrial, agricultural, or commercial companies is 15 and that there is no minimum age restriction for work in domestic service.
1073 wordsRead More