Dominicans genereally dislike Haitians for a number of reasons. I was born in Valverde, Mao. This is in the Cibao region , the Northwestern province of the DR. We are farmers in the coffee, plantain and rice products. My grandfather has a number of Haitians working for him. To put it bluntly he treats them like cattle. Yet most farmers in this area do the same thing. Yes it is about color, race, religion and any idea your mind can conjure up.
You're a smart guy and want to know WHY. Well when dealing with these highly emotional issues there are no answers. Yeah you can state the 1822-1844 occupation, the incendiary speeches of Duvalier,Aristide,Namphy and all Haitian leaders since Toussaint L'overture. Yet these have been the catalyst thru the centuries that cemented this fervor of hatred and bigotry. People hate for so long that it becomes an automatic response in their minds. TW, AZB and most Dominicans feel this way. Then you the moderate Dominicans like myself that follow the majority cuz well they are also Dominicans.
In Spanish ,"we say pa mejorar la raza". Everyone wants to be lighter , more European looking ad infinitum. Another reason why the DR hates Haiti.
So what is my point. In the DR they hate first and find any excuse to support their ideas. When Pena Gomez came to Haiti people where chanting Go to Haiti and No monkeys for Pres..
That is the DR reality.
You're a smart guy and want to know WHY. Well when dealing with these highly emotional issues there are no answers. Yeah you can state the 1822-1844 occupation, the incendiary speeches of Duvalier,Aristide,Namphy and all Haitian leaders since Toussaint L'overture. Yet these have been the catalyst thru the centuries that cemented this fervor of hatred and bigotry. People hate for so long that it becomes an automatic response in their minds. TW, AZB and most Dominicans feel this way. Then you the moderate Dominicans like myself that follow the majority cuz well they are also Dominicans.
In Spanish ,"we say pa mejorar la raza". Everyone wants to be lighter , more European looking ad infinitum. Another reason why the DR hates Haiti.
So what is my point. In the DR they hate first and find any excuse to support their ideas. When Pena Gomez came to Haiti people where chanting Go to Haiti and No monkeys for Pres..
That is the DR reality.