Army Quote by Edwidge Danticat
“The whole military structure in Haiti that existed until the early 1990s was put in place by the American occupation. At the top there were Southern white officers, who led an army that crushed the indigenous resistance - the cacos. A high-ranking U.S. officer said when he arrived, "To think these niggers speak French!" Later, Haitian officers attended the notorious School of the Americas at Fort Benning. The threat from the U.S. is something that is always hanging over people's heads: If we don't behave, we'll have occupation again.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Discussing Haitian history, date unknown
The passage describes how U.S. military influence shaped Haiti's armed forces, embedding racial hierarchies and a lingering threat of re‑occupation.
In simple terms: U.S. control left lasting racial and political scars in Haiti.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and address foreign‑imposed power dynamics.
Themes
colonialism
military
racial oppression
Mood
critical
historical
Type
analytical
educational
When to use this quote
- policy analysis
- human rights advocacy
- education
- community organizing
Key Concepts
post‑colonial studies
history
political science
Questions to Reflect On
- How does foreign military legacy affect Haitian sovereignty today?
- What steps can dismantle lingering occupation mindsets?
A Different Perspective
It may simplify complex Haitian agency and resistance narratives.
![“I can't imagine that I would be asked that by the president-elect [Donald Trump], or then-president [Barack Obama]. But it's - I'm very clear. I voted for the change that put the Army Field Manual in place as a member of Congress. I understand that law very, very quickly and am also deeply aware…” quote by James Mattis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/761/james-mattis-9515_army_i-can-t-imagine-that-i-would-be-asked-th_3990.jpg)
