During
our small group discussion we came across the question are we helping or
hurting when it comes to the situation in Haiti. It’s no secret that many times
the Haitians have declined our help but have we ever stepped back to understand
why? Often times when people build houses for the Hatians who inexperienced,
they later have to come back and redo the entire house all over. Of course,
giving medical treatment and necessities is a big help for them but what about
the emotional support behind all of it. Don’t get me wrong I think experienced
doctors dedicating their time to help the cause is a great thing but, what happens
after the surgical procedures leaving some residents to figure out what to do
next. I recalled looking on instagram during Spring break and saw a group of
college kids going on a mission trip. However, the only pictures they posted
were selfies of them on the beach and hanging out in bars. I think we all need
to focus on the big picture, which is the well being of Haiti instead of “doing
it for the likes” as many people call it.
It is upsetting that people will do something "for the likes" when people's lives are the ones being affected. Mission and aid trips should not be flaunted as highlighting what someone doing and the "impact" they are making in the lives of others. We aren't supposed to seek recognition for those who we help...it is not the point of mission work.
ReplyDeleteIt is upsetting that people will do something "for the likes" when people's lives are the ones being affected. Mission and aid trips should not be flaunted as highlighting what someone doing and the "impact" they are making in the lives of others. We aren't supposed to seek recognition for those who we help...it is not the point of mission work.
ReplyDeleteThis reminds me of something that happened in one of my social work classes the other day. We were watching videos on white privilege and this group of people in the class room started saying very racist, prejudice and negative things fueled by privilege. I tried discussing with one of the people about why what they were saying was wrong - I wish I had of said more, but I started to be incredibly uncomfortable they started saying a lot of stuff about Latinos. But that is neither here nor there. I almost laughed when I saw my fellow classmate who had made it very clear to me that she was racist had a screen saver of her with a lot of black babies and I had remembered hearing her talk about how she had been to Africa and how life changing that experience was. The hypocrisy is too apparent.
ReplyDeleteHere is a link to "White Savior Barbie":
http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/shortcuts/2016/apr/24/white-saviour-barbies-world-of-orphanage-selfies-and-charity-startups
I FREAKIN DIED AT THE WHITE SAVIOR BARBIE LINK WHEN I SAW IT A WHILE BACK. I am so glad you posted that oh my god.
ReplyDeleteI go back and forth at this issue a lot, because I am really not sure if we are helping or hurting. I think if we listened to the communities and what they needed, instead of taking a paternal stance on how to "fix" what was wrong, we would be a lot more helpful.