by Janet Anchondo, Nonfiction editor
In this Throwback Thursday, series we will be rediscovering Julie Harris’ “Hope for Haiti” prose narrative. “Hope for Haiti” surges from Din Magazine’s 2013 Issue #2, reminding us about a time in history that is relevant to our present. This is a story that encapsulates threads of juxtaposition. Through the feeling of agitation, the narrator encounters thoughts of death which immediately make her regret not spending more time with friends and family. The narrator’s death paranoia stands retrospectively unparalleled to Haiti’s earthquake casualties.
The story undertakes a transfiguration after the narrator imagines the worst case scenarios about a truck driver that continues to tailgate her on the way home. With images of being abducted and murdered, the narrator is left feeling agitated as the tailgater drives past her. Still having agitated emotions, we are set to think about the artificiality of what we read on clothing ads and magazines. In the face of danger, the normality of caring for materialistic things becomes absurd and meaningless. As readers we are aware of the cynicism that is played as an act of caring. It becomes clear that the narrator criticizes herself for being part of the cynical environment that lurks in the corners of an Albertson's grocery store and a Starbucks. Even when a tragic event like the Haiti earthquake takes place, there is an honest conversation about the artificial interventions that people judged as true ethical acts.
We are currently living in unprecedented times. A crucial time where we should look out for one another. So, let’s delve into a story that exposes the contrary of what it means to care for one another. Julie Harris’ prose gives perspective on things that are honestly important. Together let’s remember the things that give meaning and purpose to life.
Julie Harris dedicates “Hope for Haiti” to her grandmother.
Click the link down below to read "Hope for Haiti": https://web.archive.org/web/20131205185821/http://dinmagazine.nmsu.edu/Issue2/HopeForHaiti.html
Janet Anchondo is one of DiN's nonfiction editors. She is a full-time student at New Mexico State University (NMSU), who is majoring in General English.
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