Ke Alahou, Volume I, Number 2, 1 December 1979 — Editorial for our English readers [ARTICLE]

Editorial

for our English readers

What doesit trūly mean to be a"Hawaiian?" Is it ethnicity? Is it complexion? Is it status? According to long held stereotypes, it cannot be status. Who has befriended the Hawaiian? No one completely. The children of a family today have not learned from their parents our native language. They have to go through the school systems to leam it and later to obtain a degree. The University of Hawaii has made a firm commitment now to help. One ean now obtain a degree in "Hawaiian Studies." We have the distinct pleasure of knowing Mr. Abraham Piianaia, a gentleman and educator. It certainly appears as if he is attempting a forth--right endeavor. For all intents, being Hawaiian does not seem to be the only life skill of this man. He is an accofnplished scholar respected by non-Hawai-ians and Hawaiians alike. Why therefore must the repulsive stereotype of the Hawaiian people go on?

We believe that the attitudes of Hawaiians toward themselves been meritorious. We believe that despite stereotypes all the peoples here ean live in reasonable harmony. We also believe that there is no correlation between ethnicity and being Hawaiian. Being Hawaiian goes deeper as some have termed to be a "spirit," and others eall it "aloha." Being Hawaiian should not be the conditions or attitudes fojced upoii you by others. Human beings are a complex, pitious and wonderful creature. We may have scoffed at the animals when compared to us today, but our ancestors were at one point in evolution like them. It was only through man's determination and ability that we have progressed so far. Hawaiians are no different. Let us now begin to consider the kfnd of human we are and not always or exclusively the kind of Hawaiian others say we should be. Aloha me ka mele Kalikimaka!