Article Title: Recognition of Vodou, a Major Milestone for Haiti
Author: Gina Athena Ulysse Published: May 7th, 2013 Click Here to Read!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
"Recognition of Vodou, a Major Milestone for Haiti" discusses many of the implications of the U.S. Library of Congress' decision to rename the Haitian religion from "Voodoo" to "Vodou." This decision was made after years of petitioning by anthropologists from around the world. The decision was much to the excitement of these groups as well as Haitians alike. University professors in particular support the decision even despite global opposition from the mass media and the Haitian government's refusal to allow religious freedom.
This recognition seems to have gained great legitimacy to Vodou as a religion as the negative connotation of voodoo no longer holds it back. I do hold concern as to whether the renaming shall take hold outside the Library of Congress. If it fails to, any acceptance of Haitian culture may lose strength while the world views it as a strange practice that really holds only to be joke and nothing more. No culture deserves such disappointing treatment. The change to Vodou does demonstrate a growing acceptance of their culture in the U. S. Given that the U. S. often holds as the forerunner in many changes to global society, the Haitian cultural belief may rise in acceptance around the world and lose its view crazy witch doctors to gain strength as the tradition of an often overlooked country. Haiti has reached an important point culturally that may lead to their global acceptance and a hopeful instead of mocking view. |