By Ty Sanges
As a Haitian herself, Springfield College Vice President for Campus Life and Inclusion, Slandie Dieujuste can connect with Haitian immigrants from all around the country. In a presentation for the SEAT (Social justice, Equity, Accountability, Transformation) at the Table conference titled, “Beyond Cats and Dogs: The Experiences of Haitians in America,” Dieujuste discussed both the recent and historical racism and xenophobic language directed towards Haitians in America.
Dieujuste said that the idea for the event came following the presidential debate on Sept. 10, in which former president Donald Trump said, “In Springfield (Ohio), they’re eating the dogs… they’re eating the cats.” Since he repeated the false claim that immigrants from Haiti have been eating domestic pets in the Ohio city, Haitians have been the target of hate speech and discrimination. Dieujuste decided to highlight the history of Haiti, Haitians in America and their contributions.
“It’s good for [the audience] to hear about the history of the contributions of Haitians, and for them to understand this sort of old playbook demonizing communities,” Dieujuste said. “And that’s what we’re seeing now. It’s not just Haitian, but also other immigrants. Italian immigrants, Asian immigrants and others have gone through the same thing.”
Dieujuste, who was born in Haiti and grew up in Boston, began her presentation by giving an overview of Haiti and sharing a brief history of the country. She highlighted the main historical circumstances that led to Haitians migrating in masses to America. Despite the current comments thrown into the national spotlight, Dieujuste wanted to ensure the audience knew that the dehumanizing of Haitians in America has been ongoing for years, and is not a sudden issue to resolve.
Dieujuste then discussed the backstory of the comment Trump made on national television with millions watching, specifying that it all stemmed from one Facebook post. Erica Lee, a resident of Springfield, Ohio, posted on Facebook that she had heard her neighbor’s daughter’s friend’s cat had disappeared and that one of their Haitian neighbors might have taken the animal. The rumor was later debunked, but by then the stereotype of all Haitians in Springfield eating cats and dogs had spread. This was then picked up by JD Vance, Trump’s running mate in the election, and then publicized by Trump’s comments during the debate.
Dieujuste said that it had a strong impact on Haitian hate in America, becoming a real issue. She had to have a difficult talk with her sons regarding the negativity that they could see first-hand in school. Dieujuste noted that she believes there are simple ways to combat the spread of misinformation in America to avoid these talks that no parent ever wants to have.
“People have to do the work,” Dieujuste said. “Students have to do the work. Your news shouldn’t just come from Twitter and from Instagram and from social media. You need to be able to get reputable sources and do hard work yourself.”
Dieujuste finished her presentation by explaining how this prejudiced behavior towards Haitians has gone on for years and isn’t limited to only Haitians immigrants, as many other minority groups are the target of hate. However, with pride in her voice, Dieujuste wrapped up the powerful and engaging event with one simple reminder for all those listening in the audience.
“Haitians aren’t going anywhere,” Dieujuste said.
Photo courtesy of Springfield College Flickr
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Publish date : 2024-11-06 07:57:00
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