Recently my kumu said that a friend of his, another Hawaiian activist, had a suggestion on how to educate all the visitors to Hawaii on the basics of Hawaiian culture, history and protocol.Not only that, but it would also offer a way to educate them on the overthrow, the illegal annexation, AND offer them a way to help right these wrongs. And it would be mandatory!How could this be accomplished?It started as a joke, he said.It wouldn't work, my kumu said.But I think it might.His suggestion was to create an educational video, to be shown on all incoming flights to Hawaii, a video that would not only inform the minds but also touch the hearts of those who saw it, inspiring them, maybe, to take action in support of the Hawaiian people. To teach, to inspire, to motivate people into action. Our video would end with the websites and phone numbers that people can contact to give donations, volunteer time through activism, whatever is needed.After all, every airline passenger has to watch that safety video on life jackets and oxygen masks, usually along with a short promo film put out by the airline showing hula girls, surfer boys, and sunsets on the beach. Our video would need to be finely made, to make it onto the airline screen---but it could be done. And it could be very worth it, if it succeded.A video? Some might say, shaking their heads. It's too....trendy. Too superficial. This kind of education carries a message of great depth and weight, a responsibility.That is surely true. Yet the more people we educate, whether it be our keiki, residents, or visitors, every person that can be educated can also be transformed by the truth.Yes, some viewers wouldn't get it, and some wouldn't care. But I believe that many would. And perhaps Akua would bring them a spark to get into action...and each person so transformed, has the potential to teach their own families and friends, and so on....If you teach them, they will learn....It's worth a try.
Aloha Michelle,
Your idea is sound and shared by others. Working with Catherine Bauknight on her film, "Hawaii A Voice For Sovereignty", one of our hopes to have it included on incoming flights.
Film is an excellent medium for education and its use to enlighten the world about the beauty and manao of the Kanaka Maoli is rapidly spreading.
Keep the energy flowing into this concept. Support educating the world about the truth of Hawaii Nei, whether it be in film, song, talk story, or whatever. Even in a minority of one, the truth is still the truth!
Malama pono,
Aloha Ke Akua,
j.
Comments
Your idea is sound and shared by others. Working with Catherine Bauknight on her film, "Hawaii A Voice For Sovereignty", one of our hopes to have it included on incoming flights.
Film is an excellent medium for education and its use to enlighten the world about the beauty and manao of the Kanaka Maoli is rapidly spreading.
Keep the energy flowing into this concept. Support educating the world about the truth of Hawaii Nei, whether it be in film, song, talk story, or whatever. Even in a minority of one, the truth is still the truth!
Malama pono,
Aloha Ke Akua,
j.