Aloha kakou,
One interesting (and I'm sure unintended) result of the Maoli diaspora is that it gives advocates for Hawaiian independence and culture a much wider, broader and deeper access to countless communities of potential friends and allies. Yes, I know the activist community has the internet, and it's being used increasingly successfully, but there is no substitute for people to people communication, face to face in real time.
Also, the potential effectiveness of letters to the editor of local papers throughout the continental U.S. should not be overlooked. I was cheered to find a great op ed piece on the demise of the "superferry" and a discussion of its true origins as military transport in the San Francisco Chronicle this morning, written by Gar Smith, of Earth Island News. This was great, and yet I couldn't help thinking that we need hundreds of such letters and op ed pieces, on a variety of subjects, printed in papers all over the U.S. Local readers will read the letters by the local writers, and this will prompt personal conversations in the supermarkets and school yards, bus stops and workplaces... There is no substitute for up close and personal persuasive conversation.
I think too of the continental halau. Most do not want to have political involvement, it seems, and yet isn't there room for cultural exchanges and kokua on a broader scale? For every threatened heiau or cultural site, or every burial ground, where people in Hawai'i are overworked and trying their best to maintain and protect it, couldn't there be a "sister" relationship with a halau over here? A continental halau could contribute much needed fundraising for materials, through events, for example, and occasional help on site in the form of visiting haumana, in exchange for connection and learning.
More of us over here could be joining Ka Lei Maile Ali'i for example, too, and lending our support to the great work being done by members of that organization (and others!). For example, a few years ago, I threw a fundraiser in Berkeley for KAHEA and a Bay Area organization, the Environmental Health Network. We raised $800 for each organization. It wasn't riches, but every little bit helps! Things like this can happen all over the U.S., to support what's going on over there!
It seems to me that the diaspora, sad as it is, does provide opportunities that could be immensely beneficial in gaining public awareness and support, that could ultimately have an impact on making positive change over there. What stops us from being as "opportunistic" as our opponents? They surely don't scruple to make use of every single opportunity and person that might serve their cause. We don't have to be similarly cynical and exploitive, but we CAN be even more strategic. There's a lot of room for a lot more. Comments? Thoughts?
Warmly,
Amy
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Aloha e Anakele,
You've got a good point. I've been concentrating on KPFA type progressive journalists and not even thinking of the Larry King/Oprah Winfrey folks (that's because I don't watch or listen to them myself) - but this is a serious oversight on my part!
With regard to unity, I think you've got another good idea there -- in a way, the very diversity of the Maoli movement speaks to its health and vibrant discourse -- so your idea of getting representatives of various views and organizations to go on different shows (Stephen Colbert maybe?) for some intelligent exchange of views would be really good.
Yes, all is well with the People's Republic of Berkeley - the city wants to make all public parks into bee-friendly areas. Not a bad idea, unless you get stung!
Mahalo!
Replies
You've got a good point. I've been concentrating on KPFA type progressive journalists and not even thinking of the Larry King/Oprah Winfrey folks (that's because I don't watch or listen to them myself) - but this is a serious oversight on my part!
With regard to unity, I think you've got another good idea there -- in a way, the very diversity of the Maoli movement speaks to its health and vibrant discourse -- so your idea of getting representatives of various views and organizations to go on different shows (Stephen Colbert maybe?) for some intelligent exchange of views would be really good.
Yes, all is well with the People's Republic of Berkeley - the city wants to make all public parks into bee-friendly areas. Not a bad idea, unless you get stung!
Mahalo!