Personal question

[opihikao]

quote:

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Originally posted by Punatic007

@ophikao,
From your last post it appears you will respond differently to a polynesian decent individual who tells you what to do with the aina vs. a caucasian if both came to the island at the same time. With which one would you be more patient and understanding? All a part of the slow healing of racism. It's important for everyone to look within occasionally and make sure we don't generalize due to race. Aloha.

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To answer your question, no one from here (born and raised, or any Polynesian individual that moved here) has ever told me what to do with our aina. Ever. See, Polynesians, as a whole, in my opinion, follow the same basic rule regarding land:

If you have no standing in the ahupua'a, you have no say. Period. Done. No discussion.

Further, no true Hawaiian, born here or moved here, would ever be so callous to "tell you what to do" on your own land in a manner that is basically dictating their wishes. We (my ohana) learned how to speak to each other with respect, and suggestions seem to go much further than demands. It's not what you say, it is how you say it.

The only reason I may respond differently as you perceive, is the manner in which one speaks to me. You get what you give most of the time. Not to be misunderstood, I have lots of patience because I'm old, and have learned that valuable quality. It does wane on occasion, being human.

We (our ohana) have been taught to be "ha'aha'a" (respectful, non-confrontational, etc.). There is also the lesson from kupuna of the "other side of the coin" being "ha'ahe'o" (firm, and steadfast in opinion, respectfully).

Just sharing my mana'o, without meaning any disrespect. We all do bleed red, indeed. Mahalo, Mimosa.

ironyak, Merry Christmas! Mahalo for your diligence in getting information disseminated, and your participation. We all have good intentions, and discussion is always worthwhile.

JMO.

ETA: typo, darn lighting! []