This is Micronesian Culture 101 for Westerners.(In the picture, Happiness, with white short sleeve shirt, is sharing the snake he captured with some of the other PIBC students. As far as I know they don't have snakes in Chuuk, from where most of these students hail. The Brown Tree Snake, an invasive species on Guam, is only mildly venomous and really poses very little risk to humans.)
Read his post before you read my comments below.
MY RESPONSE TO HAPPINESS
You've listed what many of us, even Westerners, see as the strengths of Micronesian cultures. And I'm sure that you better than we could identify the weaknesses of your own culture.
However, as I see it, the challenges facing Micronesians don't necessarily have to do with individual cultural characteristics but in how to maintain the best of being Micronesian while you relate to other cultures. And it's not just a matter of relating to Western culture anymore (or should I say Western cultures -- for not all Western cultures and sub-cultures share the same time, work, and family orientation). The lines between East and West are blurring in the globalized context.
In the ancient world Greek was the trade language of the Roman Empire. People still maintained their own languages but they figured out how to switch between their native language and the koine Greek according to context.
In the 21st century we have a situation where it's not just a common trade language but a common global trade culture which is emerging. And it is not 100% native to any of us -- but it is a fluid fusion. Any group which does not learn how to relate to that constantly changing koine cultural wave will eventually be swallowed by it. This will be equally true of Americans, Chinese, Dutch, Mexicans, and Chuukese.
We're all trying to figure out how to surf the wave without letting it swamp us.
2 comments:
I agree and....disagree somewhat.
First of all, it is true that what you have describe is the context in which we now live in. There can be no arguments to that.
Secondly, as you have aptly stated if we are not careful to preserve what is ours, we will be in danger of being swallowed up. Again, no arguments here.
The only thing is, you have taken what would have been my next entry. Exactly in the way I was going to present it. I guess great minds think alike!
Happiness, the only thing is that it has taken me 30 years longer to figure things out than it is taking you. Some great minds are greater than others.
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