Let’s Talk…
“So’o le fau i le fau.”
Translation: “Join the hibiscus fibre to hibiscus fibre.”
Now, I don’t speak fluent Samoan, but according to the website I went to, that’s a Samoan proverb that means “Unity is strength.” This is something that I think can perfectly describe the Polynesian community physically and metaphorically. We are a people that when we come together there is great strength.
The question I pose is – are we that way now? Are we working together as a community to stand up and stand together? Yes, we come from different islands. We are from Samoa, from Tonga, from Fiji, and so many more islands, but are we supporting each other? Can we support each other? I believe we can. On social media, I’m witnessing it right now with Polynesians around the globe supporting the protest in Hawaii and New Zealand. We aren’t looking at each other saying, “Oh, my island is better than yours.” It’s a beautiful thing, and I believe it is time that we stand up and stand together.
The divide between our islands need to come to an end. Let’s help each other keep our cultures alive. I see it in New Zealand when each language week happens. Before I go any further, I must let you know that I’m speaking from the perspective of someone who lives in the middle of the United States. I grew up knowing little about my Samoan culture. It wasn’t till I was about 14 years old that I started to experience more of my Samoan culture. Heck, I don’t even speak the language. However, for over a year, I’ve made a conscience effort to learn more about my culture. To try to bring awareness the struggles and triumphs we go through. My experience is definitely different. I grew up in a very Caucasian town, I’m afakasi, and I don’t live around many Polynesians. I normally have to travel to be around more Polynesians.
I’m constantly searching for ways to be more involved and keep the conversation going about our Pacific people. There’s a movement happening. There’s more exposure for our people to be in the limelight. For our stories to be told. It’s time to say no more to the colonizer way of thinking. It’s time to show them that we are more. For goodness sakes, our ancestors traveled the world way before the vikings did. They were smart. They had dreams. They had intriguing ideas. We have the now. We have always had it. When I read or hear about how Pacific Islanders are limited to the hospitality, entertainment, or sports industries it’s sad to me. Don’t get me wrong, if that is your talent DO IT. Absolutely do it because that’s the gift God gave you, but don’t think that’s all Pacific Islanders can do. We are smart. We can be teachers, scientists, business people, doctors, etc.
I just watched a documentary and a Pacific Islander rugby player was talking about the opportunities that are afforded to an Islander who is good at rugby. While one of them was money, he also said it doesn’t take much thinking, and it just settled wrong with me. Even if you’re playing rugby, you still have to think strategically. You still have to have a plan and plays. It’s not just hard hitting.
I say all this because it’s our time. It’s our time to share our stories from our people. I’ve created this blog so that we can start a conversation. So, we can talk about the different topics that are happening in our community. Everything from what challenges are we facing from the outside world to challenges we are facing within our community. Let’s start talking, helping each other understand, and work towards a solution. Divided we will fall and be history, but together we will rise and make history.
Sipping Koko 