Unbelieveable...
For the past couple of weeks, I've been tempted to open a new thread - tentatively titled: "Cultural Safehaven", on the basis of wow, we have some new members that can provide some enlightenment from a local, perhaps even Hawaiian perspective. Many of us here are familiar with a local (Hawaiian) poster on another forum who never fails to provide valuable information and even correction but in a manner that makes the questioner feel good they asked, even if seemingly silly or embarassing. Never, an "in your face" response. So why didn't I open the thread? I didn't want to subject myself (or others) to the onslaught of abuse we've seen on other threads of late. I ask to learn, not to invite rebuke.
So, imagine my delight, when yesterday I log onto Punaweb and find my very good friend Punagirl, a person I have known face to face since before Punaweb, has done just that - opened a thread to seek cultural info. While a bit envious she had beaten me to the punch (due to my self imposed delay of course), I was still thrilled she had done so.
Now imagine my disappointment, my dismay at the replies - and lack thereof.
Not even a simple answer to the questions that might have elicted a yes or no.
We also learn her questions were not answerable on this form of media. Also that we are not ready for it. And to give us all this information on this form of media is not applicable.
I've met in person, face to face, many Punawebbers. I also believe that much of the negative being posted here is coming from members that have not - I know they have never met me, but still they can make a judgement?????
The term "rascism" has been bantered about here more in the past couple of weeks then in the whole history of Punaweb. Again, I've not met any in person I'd so label. In fact the only possible candidate was someone who was a very infrequent poster here and the postings where I sensed race was a factor was again on another forum. Even then, that wasn't the racism of hate, more the racism of "I'm entitled because of my birth" (nope, poster wasn't local).
I've often believed in the adage - "when the student is ready, the teacher will come". Sometimes I'm the student, sometimes I'm the teacher. I think many on this forum are ready - is there a teacher in our midst? Someone who can answer a question in such a way, that the questioners feels good for having asked and the teacher feels good someone may have advanced their knowledge? A win-win. I surely hope so.
I still have hope.
David
Ninole Resident
)