American friends - Page 2

Rachou · #11 (**permalink**) 05-21-02, 03:06 AM

Wow, this thread is really on the mark. I grew up just like Suki ? my parents strongly discouraged me from associating with Americans. This was very hard for me even though I now see why they did it. I?m about to offend some people, but I have to say this anyway. A lot of Haitians are really arrogant. I?ve met too many of us who believe Haitians are better than everybody. This attitude seems to have been around forever and it probably will never disappear. Some say we?ve adopted a snobbish mindset from the French, but I don?t know. It?s unfortunate though. We should teach our children to choose their friends wisely but still let them associate with whom ever they choose. Teach them to be proud of their Haitian heritage without hating others.

Oh, and as for Americans looking down upon me because I?m Haitian?. that has not happened since elementary school. I think as maturity increases, so does tolerance, acceptance and appreciation.

Peace

amwe88 · #12 (**permalink**) 05-29-02, 06:08 PM

Haitians are allot more opinionated than Americans, which might seem arrogant to the more politically correct Anglos. Americans on the other hand, are very competitive and will try to "get the best of you" no matter what . No matter what your expertise is, there is allways seems to be an American waiting in the shadows who is hoping to out-do-you. In my opinion ,arrogance can be attributed to both groups.

Maggie76 · #13 (**permalink**) 06-02-02, 05:32 PM

I can appreciate what amwee is saying. I was born in this country and experience racism from both sides. Either I was not American enough or Haitian enough. I feel I have taken the best from both cultures and it has made me the person I am today.

draleigh53 · #14 (**permalink**) 11-09-02, 01:05 AM

HI SUKI

I think growing up any where can be difficult. but i think we all need to work a little closer at being good people first and all us need to help all people no matter where they come from or what race they are. I know i'm american raised in the south and my parents didn't want us to play with anyone that wasn't born in the town we were from and they had to be white. i have learn a lot in my years and i hope i'm a better person because of it.

our daughter just married a wonderful man from haiti and his race is not a issue, his heart , his values, his love for my daughter and his and our respect for each other is what counts. sorry i didn't mean to get on a soap box . please forgive me may God bless and keep you and your family.