06-26-2006, 02:56 AM
Hi all!
I agree with Pam's guidelines - this can be applied to other areas that have local, indigenous populations. Having lived in two areas that have long-standing local populations, I can attest to it.
Here, in New Mexico, a person can have lived here for 30 years or more, and still be considered a newcomer by the traditional Hispanic community. Instead of the term "haoles", it's "Anglos" here, who of course are blamed for ruining everything here! That's always there, even if you make friends with some of the traditional folks, which we have - that's just the way it is. But despite that social backdrop, there are many good, unpretentious people here who don't have an attitude. But once even the Spanish here were newcomers - they've "only" been in the state for 400-500 years - the real locals are the Native tribes, which are now surely in the minority as far as population goes, and with many of the same problems that indigenous peoples are facing worldwide. Human habitation of this state goes back about 12,000 years.
Where I grew up on an island off the coast of New England, the island community was very taciturn and begrudging of most "outsiders"(even though they made most if not all of their living off of them).
Personally, I believe in respect for all peoples as we're on the same planet, and one tends to get what one gives. Being natural, true to oneself and not having an "attitude" are good too.
I must say, during our trip to the Big Island last January one thing that stuck with us was the friendliness and "good heart" of various people we encountered - it made us feel very comfortable! And of course being in the Hilo-to-Puna district for most of that time was really like that in spades!
We are surely looking forward to returning, whether its for another long visit, or to move to the Puna area! We are currently processing our different choices, so it is still in flux.
health-conscious visionary artist in transition
I agree with Pam's guidelines - this can be applied to other areas that have local, indigenous populations. Having lived in two areas that have long-standing local populations, I can attest to it.
Here, in New Mexico, a person can have lived here for 30 years or more, and still be considered a newcomer by the traditional Hispanic community. Instead of the term "haoles", it's "Anglos" here, who of course are blamed for ruining everything here! That's always there, even if you make friends with some of the traditional folks, which we have - that's just the way it is. But despite that social backdrop, there are many good, unpretentious people here who don't have an attitude. But once even the Spanish here were newcomers - they've "only" been in the state for 400-500 years - the real locals are the Native tribes, which are now surely in the minority as far as population goes, and with many of the same problems that indigenous peoples are facing worldwide. Human habitation of this state goes back about 12,000 years.
Where I grew up on an island off the coast of New England, the island community was very taciturn and begrudging of most "outsiders"(even though they made most if not all of their living off of them).
Personally, I believe in respect for all peoples as we're on the same planet, and one tends to get what one gives. Being natural, true to oneself and not having an "attitude" are good too.
I must say, during our trip to the Big Island last January one thing that stuck with us was the friendliness and "good heart" of various people we encountered - it made us feel very comfortable! And of course being in the Hilo-to-Puna district for most of that time was really like that in spades!
We are surely looking forward to returning, whether its for another long visit, or to move to the Puna area! We are currently processing our different choices, so it is still in flux.
health-conscious visionary artist in transition
health-conscious visionary artist in transition