GENERAL AUTHORITY (PIERRE, LAHINY)

This book illustrates themes of the struggle of migration, loss, and coming to terms with one's history, which the author believes, affects one's present life; exile by choice because of economic circumstances; assimilation and cause and effect; the myth of the American dream held by people worldwide; cultural alienation; socialization of the immigrant; leaving home; learning new experiences; adapting to a new life; speaking a new language; the reuniting of old friends; friendship; male bonding; spirituality; African Deities; Haitian Culture; Voodoo; facing the past; nationalism; community building; cultural awareness; music and dance in the Haitian culture; political unrest; murder; vengeance; civic duties; and citizen responsibilities. General Authority stems from personal accounts of many violent political coups in the author's native land. She was the oppressed hiding under a bed to keep away from deluge of gun bullets only to later confront the more oppressing without even a bed to hide under. Migrating to the U.S. meant new struggles: cultural alienation, immigration, and police brutality. General