Recently on campus there’s been a lot of discussion of Spike Lee and different conceptions of racism. While this kind of kind of discussion is good, the focus of the complaints raised about Spike Lee seem particularly trivial and self-absorbed when compared to the condition to the situation Haiti is in. As a student body, we should be wary of appearing ungrateful or disappointed with Spike Lee’s visit. Not agreeing with what he said is different than not appreciating his visit. Ruminating about the issues raised in his speech is positive and constructive. Nevertheless, there is a distinction between complaining about something and discussing it constructively. The issues in Haiti should remind us of the privileges and opportunities we have here at PA, including but not limited to visits from people such as Spike Lee. We live in, globally speaking, one the most privileged and safest communities in the world. Student can often be found complaining about privileges. For example, students can always be found complaining about Isham, particularly in winter term when it can become congested and inefficient. In reality, however, we are incredibly lucky to have a health center on campus. Just look back on the opening of Commons last year. Commentary was flooded with articles criticizing and complaining about the new facility. As with Spike Lee’s visit, there was a place for constructive discussion. All too often, however, that discussion disintegrated into complaints. No one ever stopped to appreciate the fact we could spend 35 million dollars on a food serving facility, when many people live in constant state of hunger. The events in Haiti should both inspire us to humanitarian actions and remind us of how lucky we are here at Andover. So for a few weeks at least, let the complaints about Isham, Commons, parietals and Spike Lee cease, and let us appreciate our truly privileged position. Let us focus on what we can do, as individuals and as a community, to help truly needy people such as those in Haiti. Some organizations suggested by Chad Green include: Kledev (http://www.kledev.org/): Empowering Economic Development in Haiti Fonkoze (http://www.fonkoze.org/): Fonkoze is Haiti’s Alternative Bank for the Organized Poor. They are the largest micro-finance institution in Haiti and offer a full range of financial services to the rural-based poor. The Lambi Fund of Haiti (http://www.lambifund.org/): The Oxfam of Haiti, Supporting economic justice, democracy and sustainable development in Haiti. Partners In Health (http://www.standwithhaiti.org/haiti): The organization of Dr. Paul Farmer, PIH has had established roots in Haiti for over twenty years. The mission of the organization is to provide a preferential option for the poor in health care. Doctors Without Borders (http://doctorswithoutborders.org/): An international medical humanitarian organization working in more than 60 countries to assist people whose survival is threatened by violence, neglect, or catastrophe. This editorial represtents the views of The Phillipian Editorial Board CXXXII.
