Culture evolves
Culture evolves
Culture is an inclusive term to describe the beliefs and activities of a group of people.
There is a misguided belief that culture should not change or that it should regress to an earlier state of presumed bliss.
In truth, culture should be under constant review and improvement by all intelligent citizens. Without this, Americans would still be burning witches, dueling in the streets, using slave labor and child labor, denying equal rights to women, providing schooling only for the wealthy, living only half as long, etc.
And, yes, we still have a way to go. It is indeed a long way to Tipperary — many people aren’t even on the road.
Gene Barber
Hilo
Lack of respect
The standard way of thinking about the Thirty Meter Telescope is that it’s just an ongoing debate against Hawaiians and the university. A majority of those who hear about it just think about the overall controversy that has been occurring. By focusing on the negatives, the public overlooks the deeper problem: our culture. It’s more than just a lack of agreement — it’s the lack of respect.
The conflict is most definitely no secret, but what I believe the public fails to see is that as the natives of this land, it is our kuleana to take care of it. Like a mother to a child, we will always take care of our land, just as our land will take care of us. What the protesters want is more than just for the TMT to shut down, but to recognize the importance of our actions and to have respect for our ways.
What will become of our culture if we sit by idly, as our most valued land was misused? Without this protest, will our people still continue to remember our culture?
It turns out that (many people are) … unaware of who Poli‘ahu or Pele even are. It’s just too easy to dismiss such legends and myths that were once deeply profound. Protesting has helped us communicate our culture and mind. But by building this TMT, it could block out a majority of what is left of our culture. With many other places to build this telescope, they decide upon our ‘aina, our wahi pana, without considering what will be lost.
Therefore, those who believe we are childish or stubborn for not wanting this huge telescope on our mauna: Ask yourself, what if you’re most-favored and significant place was being abused right in front of your eyes? What would you do?
Megan K. Kauhi
Paauilo