Ch 7&8

Chapter 7
1) Define "blan." What did Farmer think about being called a blan? What did Ophelia think about Farmer being called a blan?
"blan" is anyone or anything that is unusual to the Haitians. I think what got a reaction out of Ophelia wasn't that he was a "blan" but that she was no longer the only "blan" and that he was adapting to the culture faster than she was.

2) What did Farmer believe to be the primary cause of poverty in Haiti?
A poor distribution of wealth, controled in a mophiatic fashion, and the use of religion that says "the poor will have riches in heaven" are major factors in his beliefes as to why Haitians are plaged with poverty.

Chapter 8
1) After reading pages 78-81, present 3 of the key elements that influenced Dr. Farmer's choice of oeuvre (or his "life's proper work).
For me the three things that stand out as very influencial for Dr. Farmer are:
The use of religion to hold these people down in poverty. He rebuked this with the "liberation theology"
While talking to another young man, the other said that he just wanted to go home and forget all that he had seen, he said "I'm an American." as if that was all he cared about.
The last thing that truly pushed Paul over the edge was that he collected the money to provide a blood bank to help the poor, and the hospital still insited on charging the patients for its use.

2) What was the first thing Farmer did before he established a clinic in Cange? Why was this activity so important?
He went out and talked to the natives and asked the Voodoo priests and others that helped the ill what their believes were and what they used to treat illness. He did this so that he would be able to understand and better treat the Haitians.

3) Explain how being an anthropologist helped Farmer in his medical work.
He was intrested in the Haitians as much for their culture as he was for them being people. The fact that he delved into their culture meant that he could better relate and there for treat them for various illnesses as well as educate them for the futur.

4) At what age was Farmer fully formed? What do you think most directly formed his world view & philosophy? What was his nickname at Cambridge?
23. Paul Foreigner. I think that watching the inequalities and inhumane treatment of the poor in Haiti and the fact that no one seemed to be making an effort to right the wrong helped to for his views and what he thought ought to be done about it.