Haiti and Vivian from the iconic movie “Pretty Woman” share the same exploitation and redeeming narratives.

In the 1990 classic film “Pretty Woman,” Vivian, a young prostitute, is trapped in a cycle of exploitation. She is used, undervalued, and treated as disposable by society. But then Edward, a wealthy businessman, sees something in her beyond her circumstances. Although his initial intentions are transactional, he soon falls in love with her and helps transform her life. Their story is of redemption, love, and the power of seeing potential where others only saw a commodity.

Haiti’s journey is strikingly similar. This small Caribbean nation has been exploited and mistreated by external forces for centuries. From colonialism and slavery to foreign interventions and economic interference, Haiti has often been at the mercy of those seeking to extract its resources or political influence. Like Vivian in “Pretty Woman,” the country has been taken advantage of and cast aside when it no longer served others’ interests.

After the Haitian Revolution, which led to Haiti becoming the first Black republic and the first country to abolish slavery, the nation faced ongoing economic and political punishment. France, for instance, demanded crippling reparations for the loss of its « property »—a debt that plunged Haiti into financial ruin for generations. But Haiti’s exploitation didn’t stop with foreign powers. Its government and elected officials have also extorted the country, enriching themselves at the expense of their people. Corruption, mismanagement, and broken promises have repeatedly stunted Haiti’s growth, further compounding the damage done by outside forces. This internal betrayal has left the Haitian people feeling exploited by the leaders they trusted to steer the nation toward prosperity.

Yet, the story of Haiti, like Vivian’s, also carries the possibility of redemption. Just as Edward eventually saw Vivian’s true worth beyond her role as a prostitute, there is hope that one day, Haiti will be valued for its rich culture, history, and resilience rather than as a place to be exploited. Edward’s love for Vivian grew from his recognition of her untapped potential. Similarly, Haiti’s transformation will come when external powers and its leaders recognize the nation’s true worth and invest in its people, infrastructure, and future.

The comparison may seem unusual, but at its core, it’s about exploitation, extortion, and the possibility of renewal through recognizing value. In “Pretty Woman,” love and respect changed Vivian’s life. For Haiti, the path forward will require a similar change—one where both the world and its own leaders see the country not as a resource to be plundered but as a nation deserving of dignity, support, and the chance to thrive.

Haiti has long been treated like a « prostitute » in the global arena, used for the convenience of others, and then discarded. But, like Vivian, it deserves better. It deserves leaders who uplift rather than extort and international partners who respect its sovereignty rather than exploit it. The transformation that happened for Vivian in “Pretty Woman” can happen for Haiti—but it requires a collective shift, both domestically and internationally, to recognize the nation’s inherent value and potential.

Haiti’s story, like Vivian’s, is not over. With exemplary leadership and a global shift in mindset, Haiti will rise from the shadows of its past exploitation and extortion to a future defined by self-determination and success. The country’s true potential, long overshadowed, is waiting to be unlocked.

Bobb Rousseau, PhD

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