KidSpirit

Matches and Oil

Strength and InfluenceGlobal Beat

The idea of conflict always seems to excite the Haitian community. Whenever political corruption makes itself known, hell breaks loose in the country, and uprisings are everywhere. It’s traditionally known to those who have been living in the city for several years that there is no negotiating when it comes to these types of disputes- you just have to wait until the storm has passed. Of course, there are those who still try to be civil about these issues, but they are always overpowered by the angry mobs roaming the empty streets.

For many years, burning tires as a way of protesting has always been the “Haitian-Solution” to any type of disruption in the nation. Manifestations are but ordinary day-to-day catastrophic events that involve long-term violence and the massive destruction of important businesses or schools in the country. Several previous lockdowns have occurred because of said manifestations, and many policemen have been killed when trying to stop the riots. Probably more than 50% of the dangerous action that exists in Haiti comes from these protestors. Apart from destroying things, there are often loud non-violent marches on the streets, where hundreds of civilians roam about, talking on the live Haitian television news while chanting about their list of demands. When it comes to dealing with conflict, Haiti takes it to a whole new level and fuels the fire with more oil. It’s safe to say that causing trouble is the number one priority when it comes to solving our problems. After all, isn’t it better to keep causing inconveniences in order to find the perfect solution?

Keesha Joseph is a junior in high school and hails from Port-au-Prince, Haiti. She loves reading and writing both stories and poetry, and considers music her second life. She watches anime whenever she gets the chance, and dreams of traveling to exotic places.

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Art by Jaden Flach, Brooklyn

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Art by Jaden Flach, Brooklyn