Haiti

Gilberto Gil's song 'Haiti' is a powerful commentary on social and racial inequalities in Brazil, using the metaphor of Haiti to draw parallels between the two countries' struggles. The song opens with a vivid scene at the Fundação Casa de Jorge Amado, where black soldiers are seen brutalizing black, mulatto, and poor individuals. This imagery highlights the systemic racism and classism that permeate Brazilian society, where people of color and the impoverished are treated with disdain and violence, regardless of their actual skin color.

The song continues to critique the superficiality of societal progress, pointing out that despite the appearance of cultural richness and unity, deep-seated issues of inequality remain. Gil references various cultural symbols, such as the 'batuque' (a traditional Afro-Brazilian dance) and the 'lente do Fantástico' (a popular Brazilian TV show), to illustrate how these elements are often used to mask the harsh realities faced by marginalized communities. The mention of Paul Simon's music further underscores the global indifference to these issues, suggesting that even international attention fails to bring about meaningful change.

In the latter part of the song, Gil shifts his focus to political and social hypocrisy. He criticizes politicians who oppose educational reforms and support capital punishment, as well as religious leaders who show more concern for fetuses than for marginalized individuals. The reference to the Carandiru massacre, where 111 prisoners (mostly black or poor) were killed, serves as a stark reminder of the brutal treatment of the underprivileged. By urging listeners to 'think of Haiti' and 'pray for Haiti,' Gil emphasizes that the struggles of the Haitian people are not isolated but are mirrored in the injustices faced by Brazilians. The repeated refrain 'O Haiti é aqui' (Haiti is here) and 'O Haiti não é aqui' (Haiti is not here) encapsulates the duality of recognizing these issues while also feeling a sense of detachment from them.