The Mainland Exodus

[Bob Orts]

The majority of native Hawaiians I've come to know on the mainland say they left because of limited opportunities. But they don't blame anyone except the island itself for being so removed from the mainland. One left because there just isn't a call for pharmaceutical chemist on Hawaii. Another because his financial skills were based on mergers and acquisitions, which Hawaii had a small need. Another wanted to drive long=-haul trucks. They really didn't want to do something local. To be quite frank, they all gave me the distinct impression they were tired of their Hawaiian heritage being seen as a negative because they moved around like other American citizens. To them the worst type of discrimination they face is that people think they should not enjoy the same freedom of movement (as if they owed the state their life) and moving from Hawaii was disrespectful to their heritage.

The Native American situation is radically different even though there are similarities. Now, would you consider it a negative if a Native American left the reservation to attend law school in NYC, and ultimately become a respected person who defends the rights of ALL citizens, but hasn't return to live on the reservation, but is a member of his tribes Council?

People need to STOP trying to help the indigenous populations with their americanized “I understand and stand with you brother” mentality. It’s actually harmful, not helpful! You provide the crutch many races have finally thrown away to advance themselves. Don’t be the missionary who's now handing out small-pox blankets to the new in-fashion charity case.

Nough said by me on this!