Times
change for Hawaiian islander turned stressed
Southern Californian
Micah
Layne
The
Hawaiian Islands are one of the most
popular vacation spots in the world,
but they are also the most misunderstood
in terms of their people, customs and
basic way of life. For average Americans,
Hawaii is nothing more than a trip to
brag about as they come back to the mainland
with an orange glow that looks like they
got into a fight with a tanning bed.
Too often I hear people talk about their
trip to Hawaii and how they snorkeled,
sailed, surfed and engaged in other stereotypical
activities associated with the islands.
As a native Hawaiian, I sometimes feel like they wasted their entire trip.
There is much more to Hawaii than the beaches, hotels and golf courses. I can
tell you what growing up in Hawaii is really like and what the islands have
to offer.
I was born in Wailuku, on the island of Maui, as one of the many children of
Hawaii who are proud of their culture. It is a culture rich in family ties,
food, a unique linguistic blend of Hawaiian and Pidgin English, a relaxed work
ethic and more food. The most amazing thing about the Hawaiian Islands, and
probably the most overlooked detail, is the loving nature of the people. We
are all family under the sun.
I can remember strolling from house to house, freely moving without any sense
of intrusion, personal boundary or offense. It was an amazing thing for me
to be welcome in so many places as a brother, cousin and friend without having
to share the same last name. We all lived happily knowing we all cared about
each other and if any trouble came into our lives, we were supported by the
people we loved.
We were all children regardless of age. Hawaii is one of the few places on
earth where an 80-year-old man can be just as playful and active as the children
around him. I can say with confidence that Hawaii has the power to rejuvenate
the soul. The islands are a great source of peace and home to a great people.
Living in Hawaii in the early part of my life greatly influenced my way of
thinking and relating to the world. I can remember that all of my teachers
were of Japanese descent. It was my principal, Mr. Kobayashi, who had the power
to hush one thousand children when he raised his right hand.
It was Mrs. Fugimoto who taught us to sit at our school desks with our hands
folded. It was the “Mean Auntie” (pronounced AN-TEE) who scared
the living hell out of us in the cafeteria by slamming a steel chair on the
ground or table whenever we got too loud. I can still remember how dead the
room would get.
As a result of my school teachings and experiences in Hawaii, I had a very
tough time adjusting to attending a school in the Los Angeles School District.
I moved to Southern California to get a better education. It is common knowledge
that Hawaii is a great place to surf, but little attention is given to our
destitute education system.
To give you some idea, the kids who spoke Ebonics made fun of my English. I
can’t remember too much about what I said, but I do remember all the
laughs every time I opened my mouth.
I was barred from basketball, kickball and everything that involved playing
with other kids. I could have taken the low road and kicked everyone’s
ass, considering the fact that my father also happens to be a grandmaster in
the martial arts, but I decided to do something that would guarantee success
and, ultimately, bragging rights.
I studied harder than anyone. I participated more than everyone, and I rose
to the top of the class wherever I went to school.
Some children assimilate into the culture. I started a war against it, picking
up the flute and the world of classical music. My initial goal was to be strong
in the face of rejection, but I soon found that my ability to learn quickly
and adjust to my surroundings gave me an advantage that nobody else could fight
against.
It is funny how the carefree Hawaiian boy turned into a stressed-out Californian.
I often think about going back, but realize the Hawaii I knew is lost in time.
More and more mainlanders who vacation there take what they want out of the
islands without respect or knowledge of the people who actually live there.
All I ask is that instead of going through the motions when visiting Hawaii,
take time to explore the areas that aren’t on the tourist maps. Talk
to the elderly about what they remember about the old days. Most importantly,
have fun knowing that you are respecting the islands that give so much to its
visitors.
Micah Layne is a sophomore music major.
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