11-05-2017, 07:22 PM
quote:
Originally posted by rainyjim
Interesting perspective.
My anecdotal experiences have led me to notice most transplants tend to be extra kind and polite. In stark contrast I observe much bigotry, arrogance, hatred and racism from locals.
I've noticed the above comments seem to hold regardless of the race / color / etc of the transplants or locals.
Just my experience of course I'm sure your mileage may vary depending on your ethnocultural background and social status.
As an eight year transplant from CA I hear this opinion a lot yet haven't experienced much of it. I could probably count on one hand the number of racist experiences I've had here and only a couple overt--and probably alcohol driven.
As most can observe, there is self-segregation between locals and transplants, less so between locals and kamaaina haoles. (If you're local, how many of your friends/acquaintances are local; if you're transplant, how many of them are transplants? Point made?) I think most of this stems from discomfort with socially awkward circumstances, which everyone is prone to, but in particular local culture places a premium on easy social interaction. If you have one uneasy/nervous interaction with a local, that person will avoid you. I've experienced it personally.
Nobody makes the effort because nobody needs to, so cross-cultural interaction remains a little "on edge".
But looks what happens when local and transplant are forced into proximity, through marriage or whatever. They realize people are people. Most racial and cultural xenophobia is driven by laziness, our unwillingness to make the effort.