As an American living in Haiti, I constantly navigate cultural and social matters: when do I argue? why was an agreement disregarded? whom do I trust? how can people have such good spirits in tough times?
Recently in our mentoring session at the Depot, however, I bumped smack into another sort of divide. This time it was between the proteges and Guylaud Brioche, the Animator who is head of the program. Here’s what happened.
The group was working outside on their nursery. After a few hours we all assembled inside the Depot for some administrivia. Yes, it happens in Haiti, too. What time do we start? Who has the list for that? What is the plan for Friday?
Before we could get to it, however, Guylaud was upset. “Take off your hats,” he growled at the proteges. “Don’t be rude!” They had all been wearing hats, of course, because the sun is so bright and hot during the day.
I was startled. “Why should they do that?” I asked.
“You take off your hat in church, don’t you? It’s a sign of respect,” he replied.
“But this isn’t church. It’s a working group.”
“They are disrespecting me, as an elder.” Guylaud was clearly offended. His voice was rising and he was getting more annoyed.
I turned to the nine young people and asked what they thought. To a one they didn’t see the problem. Wearing hats inside was a matter of personal preference.
It was a fine fettle. What would you do if you were in my position? And think about this: I am here to help people plant trees… yet, I find that my expertise in psychology is often the most important support I can offer. It can boggle the mind!