A Few Notes from “Understanding the Haiti Crisis” (1/26/10)
February 2, 2010 by admin
On January 26th, the panel discussion “Understanding the Haiti Crisis,” helped a roomful of Vassar community members to grapple with the implications of the Haitian earthquake, and to think more critically about the disaster. Vassar professors Brian McAdoo and Lizabeth Paravisini-Gebert, organized the program, bringing in Haitian community member Marc Coq and student panelists Nicole Krenitsky ’11 and Jared Augenstein ’10, both of whom were in the country during the quake.
The program’s overall tone was hopeful yet honest. A cleverly titled Powerpoint presentation, “Not the Earthquake’s Fault: Understanding the Haitian Earthquake,” explained the deceptiveness of the term “natural disaster,” and discussed why a 7.0 quake killed a staggering 200,000 + individuals in Haiti, but just 63 Californians when an earthquake of the same magnitude hit them a few years earlier. “Earthquakes don’t kill people,” said McAdoo, “Buildings falling on people kill people.” Therefore, Haiti’s disaster is a lesson in recognizing natural hazards where they exist and being prepared for them.
Overall, the panel discussion was a call to action, but also an optimistic look at an overwhelming tragedy. Speakers put forth examples of joy found in such a dire, upsetting situation: the sense of community fostered, and the great spirit and solidarity of survivors.
