Tuesday, February 23, 2010
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Letters | Opinion | Editorial | Weekend Report |
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Let's be merciful By Barrington Brennen: We are all saddened by the great tragedy in Haiti, but I am not certain how merciful we will all be as the world moves together to help the millions who were devastated from the giant earthquake. Matthew 5:7 says "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy." Dr. Jack Blanco in his book "The Clear Word" comments on the verse this way: "Happiness comes from being kind, considerate and forgiving. People will remember your mercy and they will return the same to you." My concern here is not about the Government of The Bahamas or other charitable organizations who are helping the people of Haiti. My concern is about the countless Bahamians who have never been able to find a kind word to say or who have never shown kindness towards the beautiful Haitians living among us. For too long we have treated Haitians badly. Too long have we been unkind and inconsiderate to the Haitians. Too long have we looked at them as "sub-human beings." Too long have we laughed and made fun of their accent or inability to speak like us. Must I remind you that Haitians are also humans. For years I have noticed that many Bahamians treat the Haitian worse than they treat their dogs. For too long have we displayed a deep-seated prejudice and dislike for the Haitians. Yes, many of us do love them and treat them equally, however, far too many have not been taught to be merciful to everyone. The Bible text ends with the words "for they shall obtain mercy." This means that our day is coming when we will be treated the way we have treated others. PREJUDICE: Racial and national prejudices are alive and well in The Bahamas. We do boast of being kind, courteous, and friendly. However, these qualities fade away when the tourists (Haitian, Jamaican, Americans, British, etc) decide to stay and live with us. It is embarrassing and shameful how many, since the earthquake, have been talking about the Haitians among us. Need I remind all of us that Haitians have red blood cells and brains just like The Bahamians. Need I remind everyone that many Haitians living in Port-au-Prince are multi-lingual. Many of them can speak Haitian Creole, French, English and Spanish. How many Bahamians can speak proper English, more so another language? Have you noticed how quickly Haitians (many of whom cannot read and write) learn how to speak English? I believe that the earthquake in Haiti may be a blessing in disguise for The Bahamas. It is going to force us to evaluate our own prejudices, attitudes, and treatment of all people who are citizens or residents of our country — The Jamaicans, Barbadians, Trinidadians, etc. The downfall of "Bahamianization" is when it ignores and disrespects the many foreigners (Blacks and Whites) who have helped build the country. Some Bahamians have difficulty accepting that someone with a foreign accent can be more of a Bahamian than someone who speaks the Bahamian broken English. Let's wake up fellow Bahamians. The Haitians are our brothers and sisters. Let's be merciful as we help the millions who are in need in Haiti. One day we will need their help.
Barrington Brennen is a marriage and family therapist. Send your questions or comments to question@soencouragement.org or call 1-305-767-4976 or 1-242 323 8722, or snail mail: P.O. Box N-896, Nassau, The Bahamas.
Monday January 25, 2010 |
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