Power Struggle

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The peaceful protests in Egypt have now become violent due to Pro-Government supporters of President Hosni Mubarak.  My heart is heavy when thinking about how many people have no true understanding of this historic moment. But even if you don’t understand the importance of this moment, we all understand the significance of Power.  Some utilize their power wisely and some abuse it.  Many Egyptians feel as if Mubarak abused his power and the citizens of this country want to regain not only power, but their basic human right to choose who should lead their country.

What occurs in Egypt is an international concern due to the fact that whomever controls Egypt, also controls the Suez Canal.  An important fact when considering foreign trade.  Therefore, political occurrences in Egypt, does have an international impact.  Historically, however, Egypt has always been and will always be considered one of the most important countries in the world.  Some of the world’s most ancient and important monuments and artifacts are housed there.  The destruction of these things will be a devastation to all future generations.  The Egyptian people are a beautiful people, with a beautiful history and I hope that we will all do our part in helping them during this tragedy.

Every nation has dealt with power struggle between the leaders and the citizens.  However, having the right to choose who you would like to lead and govern your country should be a basic human right.  We will have to wait and see what the outcome will be, but I hope that the great country of Egypt will be able to unite as one, not only for the betterment of all its citizens, but for the betterment of the world.

Published in: on February 3, 2011 at 11:50 am  Leave a Comment  

The Return of Duvalier

In 1971 at the young age of 19, Jean-Claude ‘Baby Doc’ Duvalier became the new ruler of Haiti, following the death of his father, Francois ‘Papa Doc’ Duvalier.  Jean-Claude Duvalier initially resisted being the ruler and wanted the presidency to go to his older sister, Marie-Denise Duvalier, but Haiti’s dynastic arrangement prevented this from happening.  From 1971-1986, Duvalier’s corruption dramatically destabilized the country of Haiti.  In 1986, Duvalier sought exile in France and applied for political asylum, which was denied by French authorities.

 

Jean-Claude Duvalier at the Karibe Hotel in Port-au-Prince/Photo: Allison Shelly-Getty Images

 

 

Fast-forward 24 years later and Jean-Claude Duvalier returns to Haiti.  Why?  What is the real reason of his return and furthermore, who let him back in the country?  In a brief radio interview, Mr. Duvalier stated that his return is only about helping his country, not politics.  But for those who lived in Haiti under Duvalier’s rule, they are not only displeased, but unnerved about his return.  Evidently, his returned is also unnerving to both France and the United States.  According to the New York Times: ‘Neither France, which had granted Mr. Duvalier asylum, nor the United States, Haiti’s largest benefactor, said they had anything to do with his return. In fact, both governments said they had been unaware that Mr. Duvalier had left Paris until his flight was close to landing in Port-au-Prince.’ Duvalier was last seen being escorted out of his hotel by Haitian police, whether or not he is being arrested is unclear at this time.

What does all of this mean for Haiti?  This is a country that has suffered tremendously and it is going to take a lot to not only rebuild this country, but to also rebuild the trust of its citizens.  The history of the Haitian government has led to many rebellions and not enough rebuilding.  Maybe the return of Duvalier can lead to the necessary dialogue of this country being lead in the direction needed for the people of Haiti to prosper.

Published in: on January 18, 2011 at 1:54 pm  Comments (1)  

The Power of Words

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

As a person who loves literature, I was very surprised to hear that there will be editing to a book written by one of the America’s most beloved authors, Mark Twain.  His book ‘The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn’ is not only a classic literary read, but a very prolific piece of literature for American culture.  However, a new edition of this classic book will now be published without the word ‘nigger‘.

Allan Gribben, who happens to be a Twain scholar at Auburn University, is the person who is responsible for this new edition.  Gribben explains, “Seems to me I’m doing something constructive by simply eliminating a word that’s a clear barrier for many people.”  The  word nigger is used 219 times throughout the entire novel, to intentionally shed light on 19th century racism in America.

But my real question however is, who are the “many people” Gribben speak of  when stating that this word is such a barrier, that it should be eliminated?  Who is he doing this “constructive” act for?  Personally, as an African-American who was educated in the South, I  find Gribben actions to be for the benefit of White Americans who don’t want to discuss American history in its true form.  Which is exactly what this novel does.   And I’m not the only person of color who thinks the word ‘nigger’ should remain as is, in this classic novel.   Morehouse College’s David Wall Rice believes that the word actually help Americans look racism in the face, “We have to have the discussion about it, we can’t skate over it.” I am in total agreement!

Dialogue is the key to growth, and uncomfortable subject matter will initiate dialogue.  That is the beauty of literature.  To edit a word can sometimes edit the tone of a story, which then edits the subject matter.  Growth and change are never easy (hint the phrase ‘growing pains’), but it is necessary.  We as an American culture can never be afraid to discuss our history. It is our history, both good and bad, that makes us such a wonderful nation.  To try to erase history with word editing is wrong and to edit a word to eliminate necessary discussion for a particular race of people, is just plain cowardly.

This novel was published in 1885 and from the first printing, the controversy is still ongoing, with recent attempts to ban the book.  But what amazes me is that the controversy always center around the use of one word, but the book is mostly about a friendship between two people who are of a different race, background, and generation gap, yet they work together and put their differences aside, in the face of adversity and for the betterment of one another.

And isn’t that what America should be about?

Published in: on January 6, 2011 at 2:09 pm  Comments (1)  
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