Are you Haitian or are you American? Ever been asked a question where the answer seems so simple at first but when you try to justify your answer with logic, all you get is…Confusion! The first thoughts that come to mind you’ve been hearing your entire life. “Girl, you are Haitian because your mother and father are from Haiti!” Simple...Right? I mean it does make sense! But what if you were born in or grew up in the US? Isn't that a factor? I am fluent in both Haitian Kreyol & American English? I could be Haitian-American? I guess the real question is, Does your patriotic loyalty belong to the country you are born in, the birthplace of your parents or the culture you most identify with?
If it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck and looks like a duck…then it must be a duck. Well lets see. Preferred Dish? Griot, Banan & Pikliz, sorry Popeye’s! Kreyol or English? English, forgive me mother. Konpa or Hip Hop? Both! Ok, what about dancing? Konpa, you still hot Jay-z. History? Can’t deny what L’Ouverture and Dessalines did. Church, Haitian or American? American, sorry Pastor Nelle but even the lord should understand! Lets skip business practices & fashion, no need to go there. So...where do you fall?
I know what you’re thinking. And no this is not about an identity crisis. It’s about raising a topic that isn’t so clear cut to answer. At least I don’t think so anyway. Some identify themselves as just being Haitian, others claim to be Haitian American or just American. Whatever you decide, whether its birthright, culture or both…you have the right to decide. So….Choose Freely!
