racism in Kea`au and Pahoa schools

[Devany]

I concur, it sounds like the kid has an axe to grind, though it may be based on his personal experiences, I don't think it is fair to say that anyone who is having positive experiences at those schools is in denial. Everyone has their own perspective.

I went to a high school in 1969-72 in S. CA that had regular race riots, bombings and visits from the Black Panthers. BFD. It was part of growing up in turbulent times for our whole country. It made me who I am today. I think it taught me tolerance and acceptance more than anything else. We had 5 armed cops and 10 proctors on campus by my Sr. Year. I graduated mid term because I could. I just got to go to college a semester early and went on with my life.

I think racism exists in many places and some kids are just targets for any kind of bullies. What you really have to look at is the parents and families that feed into those two high schools. A kid does not grow up as a racist on his own. Nor does a Bully just come out of the womb that way. They are trained by their parents and the surrounding communities. If the families that feed into those schools are raising racist bullies, they are probably the same. The neighborhoods reflect that kind of attitude and it is evidenced in the schools.

I have long felt that high school is a microcosm of life in that community and much like what you will face in the future as an adult in the same location. It is how you learn to deal with all kinds of situations. People who get along with others in high school, generally do the same in life. Trouble makers usually remain the same. Good students and those involved in positive programs usually rise to the top like cream in life.

I know lots of kids from Hilo High and they seem to be very happy, well adjusted, achieving, literate kids and many have "local" friends of multiple races.

Aloha au i Hawai`i,
devany

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