Post #183558 by Thomas on Wed, Aug 31, 2005 10:41 PM

Christiki, first of all let me say that I'm reminded of why we aren't supposed to discuss politics on TC -- because even gentle, civil disagreements like this can get testy. (Thank goodness we seem to be classy enough to avoid this, but we can all feel that potential I think.) Who needs it?

Anyway, I think that in order to sustain a sense of historical grievance on the part of an ethnic group, one has to fight some strong headwinds, such as the explosion of "intermarriage" in modern societies, as well as social mobility (for example, "Hawaiians" are everywhere, and people from "everywhere" now reside in Hawaii), and modern thinking in general which eschews tribalism and regards the future as intrinsically more interesting than the past. I think these are all good things; others don't. To those that choose to fight them, I say, good luck -- you'll need it.

The desire among many, though certainly not all, "ethnic Hawaiians" to retain the use of traditional lifeways, language, etc., is interesting. But it is rightly a matter for voluntary initiative on the part of persons and groups, in the realm of "civil society," not government.

I could go on, but I see that Geeky Tiki has (again) expressed my approximate viewpoint better than I could anyway. Instead, I'll say that I'm ready to give this a rest (though gladly cede you the last word). Hope to meet you some day (and discuss anything but politics!). Best wishes.