Antihaitianismo

Antihaitianismo

Antihaitianismo refers to a form of xenophobia and racism directed against Haitians and people of Haitian descent, particularly prevalent in the Dominican Republic. This sentiment has historical roots and is influenced by cultural, political, and economic factors.

Historical Background

Antihaitianismo has its origins in the complex history between Haiti and the Dominican Republic, two nations that share the island of Hispaniola. The island was divided into a French-speaking western part, Haiti, and a Spanish-speaking eastern part, the Dominican Republic.

In 1822, Haitian President Jean-Pierre Boyer unified the island under Haitian rule, which lasted until 1844 when the Dominican Republic gained independence. This period of unification is often cited as a source of tension and resentment, contributing to the development of antihaitianismo.

Cultural and Social Factors

Cultural differences between the two nations have also fueled antihaitianismo. The Dominican Republic has historically emphasized its Hispanic and Catholic heritage, contrasting it with Haiti's African and Vodou influences. This cultural distinction has been used to justify discriminatory attitudes and policies.

Political and Economic Factors

Politically, antihaitianismo has been used as a tool by Dominican leaders to unify the population against a common "other." The regime of Rafael Trujillo (1930-1961) is notorious for its promotion of antihaitianismo, culminating in the 1937 Parsley Massacre, where thousands of Haitians and dark-skinned Dominicans were killed.

Economically, Haitians have often been scapegoated for economic problems in the Dominican Republic. Haitian migrants, who often work in low-wage jobs, are sometimes blamed for taking jobs from Dominicans, despite their contributions to sectors like agriculture and construction.

Contemporary Issues

Today, antihaitianismo manifests in various forms, including discrimination in employment, education, and access to services. The 2013 ruling by the Dominican Constitutional Court, which retroactively stripped citizenship from thousands of Dominicans of Haitian descent, is a recent example of institutionalized antihaitianismo.

Efforts to combat antihaitianismo include advocacy by human rights organizations and initiatives to promote cultural understanding and integration.

Also see

• Hispaniola
• Rafael Trujillo
• Parsley Massacre
• Dominican Republic
• Haiti