03-09-2007, 04:27 AM
One thing that I think has always seemed missing from serious discussion of Hawaiian history is the simple inevitability of contact and culture clash.
The Hawaiian people enjoyed approx. 1,600 years of unmolested history during which they developed a lifestyle, culture and relationship with their land which was unique on Earth.
It was inevitable that someday a sail would appear on the horizon and everything would change. Most unfortunately that sail would bring disease and death for a majority of the population. It is arguable whether it was better or worst if that sail had been English, Spanish or Chinese.
Were the surviving Hawaiians taken advantage of? Of course they were. Were organized efforts made to crush and defeat their language and culture? Yes. Does all of western society share some historic blame for this? Yes. Does that mean people have no basis on which to relate, accept each other and work together for a better life? No.
There are historic burdens everywhere you go in this life. They are not to be minimized but they should not be permitted to dominate our future either. Society is now a woven fabric of ethnicity's and cultures. Each of us gets to make daily choices on whether to create ties that bind or ties that unravel.
This topic has potential to go either way. It is really up to each of you. It is very rare for anyone to be completely right or completely wrong. Look for common ground. It’s there.
Punaweb moderator
The Hawaiian people enjoyed approx. 1,600 years of unmolested history during which they developed a lifestyle, culture and relationship with their land which was unique on Earth.
It was inevitable that someday a sail would appear on the horizon and everything would change. Most unfortunately that sail would bring disease and death for a majority of the population. It is arguable whether it was better or worst if that sail had been English, Spanish or Chinese.
Were the surviving Hawaiians taken advantage of? Of course they were. Were organized efforts made to crush and defeat their language and culture? Yes. Does all of western society share some historic blame for this? Yes. Does that mean people have no basis on which to relate, accept each other and work together for a better life? No.
There are historic burdens everywhere you go in this life. They are not to be minimized but they should not be permitted to dominate our future either. Society is now a woven fabric of ethnicity's and cultures. Each of us gets to make daily choices on whether to create ties that bind or ties that unravel.
This topic has potential to go either way. It is really up to each of you. It is very rare for anyone to be completely right or completely wrong. Look for common ground. It’s there.
Punaweb moderator
Assume the best and ask questions.
Punaweb moderator
Punaweb moderator