Memory ⇌ Misc

Class Writing Assignment

So for my Design Class, we had a competition where we had to create some sort of connection between a border, typically between 2 countries. This also had to take place during the year 2074, so much of this is based on our creation. My group decided to create something for the Haiti-Dominican Republic border. We had to create a narrative to go along with it, to basically walk someone through our project. We created a bridge that also acts as a market, as we chose 2 towns that have an existing trade. 

I would also like to put a disclaimer that none of my group, neither me, are from these countries. One person has family in the DR, but we do not have any personal experience. That being said, we all put in a lot of research to make sure this was authentic and true to the 2 countries. I know there is major unrest between the two at the current time and in history, so remember that this is a work of fiction, of something we created for design class. 

If anything we have created offends anyone, I am deeply sorry. It was not anyone's intention to hurt or offend. This was literally the only non-stressful part of this assignment, so it was for fun. 

🔲🔳🔲🔳🔲🔳🔲🔳🔲🔳🔲🔳🔲🔳🔲

Merging Markets

Globally, climate change is occurring, posing serious problems for the present and future. Internationally, sea levels are rising, droughts, hurricanes, and deforestation are occurring all due to the use of fossil fuels.

Haiti, a nation defined by poverty and its barren landscape. Poverty has led the country to deplete the natural resources on their side of the island. On the other side, the Dominican Republic is surrounded by lush forests. The Dominican Republic has access to fossil fuels allowing for natural life to be left untouched. The two nations inhabiting the island share similarities but are divided by access to resources. As time passes climate change takes over. In 2060 all fossil fuels have been depleted and the Dominican Republic has had to lift its felling restrictions and begin using their forests to maintain their lifestyles.

By 2074, both nations look the same but are feeling the effects of climate change badly. An agreement between the two countries is created to try and maximize their efforts to renew and recover from climate change. A pilot program crossing is planned, using the idea of markets, like the ones they used to have, as well as art and performance to bring the two nations together.

Sitting at the edge of Haiti is the town of Ouanaminthe. In Ouanaminthe lives Mirlande, a struggling yet wise woman who is saddened by the effects of climate change on her town. Across town, her husband is working on one of the few sweet potato farms left in the area. She approaches her small home with her family after trading at the local marketplace down the street. Her kids, having just arrived home from school, welcome her home and take the items from the market. Before going in, she briefly looks out in the direction of the old bridge that used to stretch over the Massacre River. In its place was the new crossing, a bridge with multiple spaces for markets, dances, community gatherings. Mirlande just looks at it, waiting for the day she can travel to it and experience the crossing for herself. Little does she know, that time is coming much sooner that she ever thought.

In Dajabón, Brigham, a prideful family man looks out on the barren landscape that was once plentiful with trees. He stands in his fields tending to his cocoa trees after briefly returning home to greet his family, his wife, a stay-at-home mom, is cooking with her in-laws, who live with them. The kids are running about the house helping out with daily chores after arriving home from school.

After eating, he returns to his farmland to prepare for the market. He begins cutting down the cocoa pods and loading them into a wooden crate. After filling the crate he decides to carry the crate to his stand at the marketplace to begin his preparations for trading. He journeys down the dirt-covered path running along the Massacre River. Arriving at the market, he locates his stand and sets the crate down under his tent. As he turns to return home, he notices the new crossing both Haiti and the Dominican Republic have created. Remembering that tomorrow is the day he can go to the markets to sell his crops, he continues on his way, looking forward to his trip.