“Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
You may wander why I titled this post as such and started it off using a quote on ignorance. So read on…
Before I headed off to Haiti last month, I made it a point to wish a Merry Christmas to those I knew I wouldn’t see since I’d be out of the country for the holidays. As I headed off to work on an early morning, I stopped to converse with the crossing guard with whom I had become acquainted since she complimented me on many of my looks throughout the year. At any rate, I proceeded to mention my destination of choice for this year’s vacation and she was in utter shock at the fact that I was Haitian. The next thing she said completely blew my mind: “Wow, I never knew you were Haitian; you’re like the second Haitian girl I’ve met who’s so gorgeous. Usually Haitian people aren’t that pretty, you know what I mean?” I am a quiet person by nature but I am not usually rendered speechless; however, the level of ignorance that was spoken by this woman left me with no words and completely aghast for lack of a better word. I could have easily showcased the anger that boiled inside of me but I simply bid her farewell and went on about my day. I am smart enough to know not to come out of character because of someone else’s ignorance.
Haitians are a resilient bunch, intelligent and filled with dreams – so much that we proudly celebrated our 210th independence anniversary on new year’s day. Yes, Haiti was the first independent nation in the Caribbean, the only nation whose independence was gained as part of a successful slave rebellion. I’m not going to elaborate anymore on this topic but I just had to mention this so that we can all do better. Let us not judge people by their appearance and let us think before we speak. Far too many people speak first without ever realizing that their words may cut deep and leave scars that can’t be easily erased. As we all know, once spoken, words can only be forgiven, not forgotten.
With the graduate 🙂 My brother is now a doctor. Soooo proud of him 🙂
On a brighter note, these photos were taken by my dear sister during my trip to Haiti at my brother’s graduation from medical school. I wanted to wear something festive yet light enough to face the heat considering the fact that it was over 80 degrees almost everyday in December. Gotta love tropical weather!
I saw this skirt on fellow blogger Mattie of Mattieologie (Click to see how she styled it) and had to have it. Thank goodness it was delivered right on time, the day before my trip and fit perfectly on my body and for the occasion.
Outfit details:
TOPSHOP skirt via Nordstrom – available in white here 50% off & in peach here 60% off) // Blouse: LOVE CULTURE // Heels: MICHAEL ANTONIO via heels.com // Purse: Michael Kors // PrimaDonna necklace
Thank you all for reading and have a splendid week!
Sak Pase,
Wow…..it saddens me that mainly our own can be so ignorant. Being from the Caribbean myself, the unfortunate comment uttered by that woman is all to real. Sad but real. You handled it with class and all we can do for people like this women is try to educate then when we have the opportunity. Keep your head up and always know that you are beautiful and so are the beautiful and resilient people of Haiti. You look fabulous hun.
xoxo.
Natasha B of Fashionably Fabulous
http://www.fashionablyfab.com
Author
Sad but true girl!
Thank you so much for commenting with encouraging words! Appreciate ya! 🙂
I’m impressed by your writing. Are you a professional or just very kneldewgoable?
I am happy that you kept ur cool after that comment. You are a better person that me.
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Lol I’m sure I wouldn’t have had the same reaction a few years ago. But when you grow up, you just do more mature things. Thank you dear 🙂
Glad that you have taken in consideration to ignore her stupid comment. Some people seem to forget everybody is Beautiful, it does not matter where you from. We all were created by the image of God. Thanks for sharing. Ps. I love this outfit.
Author
Thanks so much girl. But not everyone has left the primitive mindset so we can only pray for them to see the light… Appreciate it 🙂
Dear African, If it was just a photo of a feeding camp, I’d have less of a plreobm with it, but it’s been chosen because of the way the subject is portrayed: helpless and needy.ince when is the above the `true state of affairs in the third world’ Most `Africans’ (this is Haiti, by the way) I’ve met aren’t helpless and needy, and I’d hope you agree with me.
Even the Canadians? You have to draw the line somewhere… 😉 While you’re inoprtimg people from other countries to make us like China, make sure to eliminate all social welfare law and regulation, the better to keep all those immigrants desperately poor and willing to work for pennies per day in factories. No environmental regulation, no property rights for average citizens, no forty hour week, no OSHA, no nuttin.’
Love this look.
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Thanks so much sweetie 🙂
Beautiful girl, lovely outfit, excellent post. Keep them coming 🙂
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Awwww you’re too kind. Thanks for reading sweetie!
Wow… Let me guess. She was White? Anyway, Black women are THE MOST Beautiful women on the planet with so many different nationalities and are the most diverse (learning that in Anthropology). Hatian, South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya. All these places have the best fashion bloggers hands down. I would be mad too. But I would have lectured her real good!
Author
No she was actually black just like me… Women of all color, shapes and sizes are all beautiful. We seriously need to do better as a society because a petty mindset and close-mindedness will take us nowhere.
Thanks for stopping by Todd 😉 happy new year!