Posted by kameananiokalani on April 20, 2000 at 00:10:51:
In Reply to: Re: Most Hawaiians are like Luahiwa posted by Jesse on November 16, 1999 at 02:34:31:
Hello. I am part Hawaiian, and although I have moved around my whole life, and when I was 3yrs. old, my family moved to the mainland, where I now reside in Florida, I know what I am and I am proud. I have also learned about and from other cultures and have gained the wonderful feeling of knowing that I am myself, no matter what race I am. I have been reading your postings, and I understand for the most part, how you feel. Yet, I would have to disagree with you when you say that people should stick with their own culture and way of life. I have learned that the way of life is doing what feels right to you as long as you do not set out to hurt anyone. If everyone stuck with their "own" culture and race, then no one would be here. Everyone on this planet is an extension of everyone else. I wonder if I were to come back home, (and I call it home because it is in my heart), that if a haolefied person such as myself wanted to dig up my roots, would it offend anyone? Would it be offensive if I educated those near and dear to me, that of which is part of my heritage, that of which has "made" me? And would it be so bad if, in return I learned from them their culture, and all that was gained was a greater understanding of why we are the way we are? A greater understanding of who we are without losing anything, but gaining knowledge and more of an appreciation for humankind? Being proud of who you are and your people should not mean having to conceal your culture, but educate others about it so that in time people will know the true meaning of what it is to be Hawaiian or whatever they are.