Dear M. Or Mme., I agree and disagree. It's not fair to say

Bringing attention to NGO Jobs In Haiti for Whites/Foreigners Only; Haitians need not Apply, Dear M. Or Mme.,

I agree and disagree.

It's not fair to say "white" in this case. I don't even know what white is or what it's supposed to mean. For starters, there are many Asians, Arabs, Sub-Saharan Africans and others in the NGO community.

On a personal level, though you may consider me "white", I don't feel "white".

However, I know many people will look at my face and pass judgment because I am a "white man".

It, to me, is racism, just the same, that the "content of my character" will be judged solely on my skin color.

I cannot speak for any NGO out there, but as I try to apply to several, I saw this article and decided to read it.

I was just thinking about this same subject: is there a strong role for Haitians in the rebuilding/charitable process?

Having grown up in south Florida, I have had the opportunity to learn to speak Creole with friends and co-workers.

I feel, aside from language ability, pretty much under-qualified for most of these NGO positions.

Like you said, the qualifications are pretty stringent.

Many require fluent (or native) French, and my "regular" French is rusty and many seem to require a francophone extraordinaire.

So, barring a degree from La Sorbonne, what is one to do with an understanding of Haitian Creole, the culture of Haiti, and a background in education who happens to be "white" (whatever that even means)?

Mwen ta vle fè kek bagay pou ede moun ki te pedi tout apwe tremble-tè, men kisa mwen kap fè si m' pa gen eksperyens nan ONGs...si selmann ka pale kweyol.

Tout moun blan-yo pa se enemi, tout moun blan pa gen rol nan yon konspirasyon kontra moun "nwa"/Ayisyen-yo.

Je vous remercies pour vos temps et consideration.