tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4536157195893661148.post5214678218107088330..comments2023-11-18T08:48:47.220-05:00Comments on Tande: Haiti Classes ConclusionTandehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07567933123749950247noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4536157195893661148.post-63161677566683322572010-12-21T17:12:11.240-05:002010-12-21T17:12:11.240-05:00Regine,
Fair warning: This comment could be length...Regine,<br />Fair warning: This comment could be lengthy, run for your lives. LOL!<br /><br />this is an outstanding post both substantively and in its effectiveness. There is so much to decipher here I can hardly contain my thoughts. :)<br /><br />On the Substance:<br />This discussion about the media and its framing mechanisms deserves a closer look. It's important to differentiate between those who write about Haiti and those who write for Haiti. It's a very important distinction to make because of the media's ability to set the agenda by telling people what to think about. The media often use episodic frames to tell or write the news, That is, they frame is in terms of good vs. evil or villain/victim to dramatize the news in order to keep their keep their audiences' interests. Africa has been victim of these very framing strategies.<br /><br />It turns out that, media coverage is not at all objective even when the story itself is covered fairly. Writing about Haiti does not require the reporter to tell the story in the shoes of the Haiti. Writing for Haiti, on the other hand, does keep the reporters' values attached to the subjects they cover. Hence, Told sons and daughters of Haiti, the coverage would look nothing like it does in the media. Pheww! ok!<br /><br />You're absolutely right. The interdisciplinary, intercultural approach to teaching in the age of globalization is daunting task. However, you seem to do it with such grace and passion it looks exciting to the untrained eyes. Judging by the amount of material you have listed here, I don't know what your youngsters don't elude your classes. :) This speaks to your ability to capture and keep their interests.<br />May I suggest and eventual study abroad program built into your curriculum for the future? One, two weeks or maybe even more going around the country learning about the people and culture could prove to be and extraordinary adventure. Perhaps some independent research and expert analysis could convince your communications department to adopt such an initiative. You could perhaps seek independent funding through NGOs, corporations aching to work with local universities, the US government or Haitian organizations. Would be nice.<br /><br />Merits:<br />Your unique position is commendable and even enviable. Wrapped in your Blue & Red, you get to help build the bridge between second and third generations and their ancestry, an alienation created by first generation immigrants. <br />This is story the media should be covering but it's not dramatic and who cares about the good being done by Haitian nationals on behalf of Haiti. I'm sure a quick little research would reveal many scholars such as yourself bridging that gap. Alas, that doesn't drive ratings.<br /><br />Lastly, Yay!<br />I commend you for your efforts and this post. Your frustration with the media is familiar. Once I open my mouth my accent give me away. then comes the inevitable question "where are you from?" followed by the inevitable answer: Haiti. That open a floodgate of pity and irrelevant questions. I have come to accept that reality.<br />Thank you for this post, I did warn you about the length. lol!<br />Chris.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00710790789183922782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4536157195893661148.post-74673083073333569832010-12-20T17:55:44.949-05:002010-12-20T17:55:44.949-05:00Thanks for sharing these tidbits from your experie...Thanks for sharing these tidbits from your experience of teaching and also the list of books you used in your interdisciplinary class! Always great to discover something new on a topic I'm passionate about. Just wanted to take this opportunity to say I love your writing and please keep it up!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com