The Uses of Haiti

I really don't think the 2 zillion afterwords were necessary. Especially since they were not as well researched and compelling as the bulk of the book. What to make of the massive anti-Aristide demonstrations in late 2003, early 2004 for example? But the overall argument is sound and compelling.

Originally released in the early 1990s after the first coup again Jean-Bertrand Aristide, The Uses of Haiti gives an overview of the country's history and how it has been systematically denied status and any true democracy. It explains eloquently why the country has often been ruled by dictators, the simple answer being that they were funded and trained by countries like the United States. Farmer, a doctor who has treated Haiti's poorest people since the early 1980s, then tells three stories of patients and relatives of patients and how they have each suffered from the way Haiti has been abused. Whether through health (hint, Haiti didn't spawn AIDS, it came to the country from the north), torture, or death. it's something of a miracle show more that Haiti still exists as a country and speaks to the enduring spirit of her people.
Updated in the early 2000s, we learn not that much had changed. Since the book was published, Aristide was again elected president, and again removed under questionable circumstances.
If you want to get a sense of what the country has endured, read this book. Especially now after the earthquake, I can only imagine things are still at least like this. show less

The first part of the book could be called 'A People's History of Haiti' since it so resembles the intent and style of Howard Zinn's wonderful classic 'People's History of the United States.' The second part of the book tells personal stories that raise further debate questions about what exactly is the truth, what should US policy be towards Haiti. I found this part not quite so illuminating as the history chapters. The overall effect is part much needed alternative perspective on Haiti, and part polemic. An introduction by Howard Zinn (rest in peace) would have been so much more meaningful and hard hitting than Chomsky could ever be.