Perspectives

Current issues

Haiti is one of the poorest countries in the world. One of the main causes for Haiti’s problems is the country’s political instability and corruption. Throughout Haiti's history, there have been many regime changes and internal conflicts. “Aline’s Journey” hints at these issues, for example, when it mentions the police officer who had to go into hiding for reporting his colleagues’ corruption. In 2018, several civil protests broke out on a large scale around the country, demanding the resignation of the president, the punishment of corrupt officials, and the implementation of social programs. As the protesters’ demands have not been met, the protests are still ongoing and have resulted in violence and loss of life.

Lack of sanitation and natural disasters are cause major issues in Haiti. In the story, Aline and her family have to abandon their house regularly during flood season. Since the time the story was written, in 2003, there have been two major earthquakes, in 2010 and 2018, causing loss of life and property damage.

Works with the same theme 

The story “The Path to Heaven” by Mary O’Donnell also touches on immigration. While Aline’s family leaves Haiti for the United States of America in fear of their lives, the family in “The Path to Heaven” leaves Poland for economic reasons, hoping to live in better conditions in Ireland. In both stories, the immigrants end up disappointed, and their hopes and dreams are crushed. 

“Say You” by Sara Collins also mentions the status of political immigrants. “Say You” presents the relationship of an American woman with a Cuban from a refugee camp. Just like “Aline’s Journey”, “Say You” touches upon political unrest and the need to leave one’s country to find safety....