In his Transnational in the Aftermath of the Haitian Earthquake: Reinforcing Ties and Second-Generation Identity Garvey Lundy displays how transnationalism supports the effectiveness of a disaporic group creating change. In order to recover from much of the physical, social, economical, and political damage from the devastating earthquake, Haiti depended a great deal on transnational ties. Lundy mentions that Haiti’s situation after the earthquake followed along typical transnational lines. He deemed the multileveled social, political and economical interactions as the “transnational social field.”
In terms of providing direct aid, the bulk of the responsibility fell onto families, either through the household or through social organizations such as churches. Providing relief, many would take in injured or earthquake refugees into their own homes. Haiti also called upon many professionals and professional organizations from the US. US companies and institutions would also be lenient towards people trying to send aid back to Haiti (i.e. free money transfers, new sim cards, reduced phone bills). This was especially important, as those within the Haitian community within America, “scrambled to communicate” with loved ones back home. Political events after the earthquake also relied heavily on transnational networks. Politicians on the presidential race would advocate and make campaign visits to Haitian communities within America, displaying their support of “nationalist sentiments,” an ideal that unites Haitians within and without the motherland.
Lundy finally dives into second-generation Haitians and the effects of the earthquake on their identity. At first, he discusses similar topics to other articles we’ve read, and even quotes Nancy Foner. Many young second-generation Haitian Americans would identify either ethnically or racially, depending on the situations that they have experienced. After the events of the earthquake, however, Lundy displayed the shift from the latter to the former that occurred, as many young Haitian-Americans (especially those in college) began to react adversely to media portrayal of Haiti. Which may or may not be more unique to second-generation Haitian-Americans, is that they develop an interesting connection with their homeland, historically and politically. Many are vexed with the current political state of their homeland, and further annoyed as they focus on the political turmoil that fills their history. They grasp on to their Haitian roots, as they organize and call for change.
We also finished Danticat’s The Dew Breaker this week. Her serious and gloomy style of writing was clearly evident in this novel. Although the novel may not be a happy one, filled with moments of hope and joy, and clearly displays the different lives and situations of Haitians who experienced the Duvalier regime. The one theme that constantly stood out to me was introduced by Danticat’s character Beatrice, who said, “Everything happens when it’s meant to happen.” This idea of fate, and a hint of some divine plan, exists throughout her entire novel. It can be seen in the chapter where Dany returns to Haiti, in order to reveal his discovery of the Dew Breaker that killed his parents. It was on the night of a vivid dream, recalling the night his parents were killed, that his Aunty died in her sleep one night. It can also be seen in the final chapter, where the Dew Breaker runs into Anne only moments after killing her brother, the Pastor.
