Chistela Jacques, Miss Haiti. To Vote, or not to vote…

Chistela Jacques, Miss Haiti 

To Vote, or not to vote…Is that really the question? 

I recently came across a video on line, urging all Haitians to vote for the Miss Universe contestant; Miss Haiti Christela Jacques, the main reason, “because this is what WE wanted”.  I keep watching and got to understand the “WE” was a specific group, the “99%”; as so labeled by the narrator.  Why the separation and a distinction made of this one particular group of Haitians?  Aren't WE Haitians all in this together?  You then go on to understand that the vote, it seems, should be given not on merit per say, but out of some patriot obligation.  Again, this is what “WE” want.  This video got under my skin, and did little to move me from my already mixed feelings about the Miss Universe Pageant.  Don’t get me wrong, I am Haitian and proud that we have a candidate for Miss Universe, but I just wasn't feeling it. This is the Miss Universe pageant for heaven's sake!!  For someone in the fashion world, this is like the Super Bowl!  Then why am I not more excited than if it were a scrimmage game between two high school teams? 

I guess what really bugged me about the video, and so many other media portrayals of Haiti, is that I’m tired of Haiti and all things Haitian being treated as some kind of charity case.  I mean is the Heisman trophy given out because a player is black, or because his family was trapped during the earthquake (an event that I am also tired of seeing played up in the Media…almost 3 years later)?  Isn't it time that we step up our game?!  In the U.S we have a black man in the oval office, who has just been re-elected for a second term, not because he is black but despite of it!  So why can’t “WE”, get our act together?

Now who is Christela Jacques?   Where did she come from?  And for heaven’s sake, “Sa lap regle lot bo a” what is she doing over there?  I googled Christela Jacques to try to get to know who Miss Haiti is.  I didn't want to write anything before I had all the facts.  So after my search, I saw that other than a few post on the “official” Miss Haiti page, and some questionable pictures, there was nothing of any real substance.  Yes, you find the generic info (parents/siblings/school) which are often times inconsistent, but nothing that made me connect with her or more importantly made me want to vote for her.  I even came across a duplicate Miss Haiti page done in Spanish.  The official page is mostly in English.  What about those little girls in Haiti that she said she wanted to inspire?  Could they even understand or relate to the messages, though positive, that Miss Haiti (or her PR team) are saying.  Heck, I'm confused.  Apparently, former Miss Haiti, Anadie Azael has similar feelings, “Even with the lack of organization of Miss Haiti Universe organization, I will support the new Miss Haiti Universe 2012”. 

Why, because it’s the right thing to do as Haitians? 

I need more, and the Haitian community deserves more.  This is not just about getting a Miss Universe, because what if this doesn't happen?  This is about the image of Haiti and every opportunity should be seen as a way to promote it.  Who is Miss Haiti?  She is not a color; she is not a political pawn, or simply a sex symbol.  She is Haiti, she is me, she is that little urban girl, and she is anyone who never had the chance to leave Haiti, any child who grew up without a movie theater or anything else to show them how to imagine or where they can go.   A great model is the work being done by the Haiti Tourism board.  This is the first time I have seen a strong, sound campaign to show the beauty that is Haiti and its people. Haiti is too often times portrayed in the media as, “the poorest country in the Western hemisphere”.  I think if I read that one more time, I will surely drop dead.   It’s time to show the world what Haiti really is.  All sources lead me to the understanding that people are talking, and that there is a definite divide in the Haitian community.  The work ahead takes us all; Haiti born, New Yorkers, Floridian, Bostonians… It takes Haiti.  Let us not lose sight of what this opportunity means. 

A friend reminded me that if I were willing 

to voice my opinion then I better be willing to answer, “Where were you when….”  So Christela, I would like to take this opportunity to say, I am here and it would be an honor to offer you my services or if nothing else, some sisterly advice.  You’re a beautiful young lady, who has received an amazing opportunity, and I want you to “ride it till the wheels fall off”.  Have fun, learn, grow and most of all remember who you are and be true to yourself. 

I can imagine running a campaign during such an important pageant is very difficult, but it’s a big job that must be done and must be done right.

This is our moment Haiti, let us rise… together! 

                                                     L'Union Fait La Force 

HM

References :

Miss Haiti 2012; Christela Jacques- 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FB2CwICvZBc&feature=youtu.be

Miss Universe 1975 Finalist- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmMIPJQ-tcQ

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