I moved to HAWAII in 2015 permanently, after vacationing here for 8 years and I can HONESTLY SAY AS A BLACK MAN, THIS IS THE MOST FREE I HAVE EVER FELT IN THE UNITED STATES IN MY 57 YEARS ON EARTH !!!!! While I know that racism exists here but it is not CRUSHING RACISM unlike living on the Mainland, I feel like I can breathe here and relax here !!!!
Which island? This is key to how race is perceived. I am here too. I find the natives are very proud, not racist. They too were a stolen nation...Oahu may be the melting pot as described. I am on the oldest, Kaua’i. Not so much diversity
I love this. This is my dad's experience too. He's a black man from Gary,IN & moved to O'ahu with my mom some 40 years back, and he's always said it's a complete paradise for the same reason you say.
Nom Anor I’ve been here for a year now and it’s fantastic. I’m not followed in stores, I never feel threatened by the cops, no ones ever called me the n word. At this point I don’t think I even want to go back to the mainland.
@Nom Anor Well I was born in DC but I grew up in Virginia. My parents live in Charlottesville and its Klan City out there. As soon as I was old enough I joined the military and was fortunate enough to be able to travel the world and really see things for what they are. The US isn't all bad as long as you avoid certain areas. The cities tend to be okay but stray to far out into the countryside and things start getting a little iffy. I know many Native Hawaiians look to leave due to the high cost of living here, but if you or any others decide to go to the mainland you might find it difficult if you don't know where to go. The SoCal area is pretty decent as is Vegas but Hawaiians may get weird looks anywhere else.
As 29yr black man, I love living in Hawaii (Maui) I'm originally born & raised in New York (Queens) but I'm not the stereotype. I had a rough upbringing in the hood & it taught me how much I valued peace. My family is from Haiti 🇭🇹 so I was raised to have integrity, most of my friends are from the Caribbean, so the island vibes was second nature. I'm a Chef, I also have a passion for photography, Tech, science, philosophy, spirituality, nature, etc... I like to vibrate on high frequencies, don't smoke & have nothing against it, I've been sober for three years & I'll never drink again, also on a plant based but I digress. I've had my experiences, I'm very observant, my dad raised me with self-discipline & it made me stoic, so I don't take anything personal. I'm more on the introverted side, so I stay to myself for the most part, but I'm always open to friends, locals, International, etc.. I meet cool people all the time, every once in awhile there is that how can a certain look or followed in the store but very minimal at least my experience. I don't judge people based on race, color, nationality or creed, I respect the soul of an individual, great topic 💯🏝️🤙🏾
I dont believe that you dont judge others. All it takes is someone to set you off and your colors reveal. This place has been the most prejudice for color folks or you dont get out much. I guess you havent heard the word popolo that much?
I’m Black and spent a few years in Hawaii as a kid when my dad was stationed there. The only thing we experienced was this Asian family wanted to take pictures of us and touch our hair. I think they were visiting and had never seen Black people before. Otherwise, had no issues. Everyone was really sweet. The older ladies in the neighborhood doted on me and my sister.
I have an African friend whose mother came to Montana to go to graduate school. She said a boy saw her and ran away because he had never seen a Black person before. See how what they were taught influenced how they reacted, one is of curiosity and one is of fear.
I'm not from Hawaii I'm from Europe but ethnically I'm middle eastern and I have a thick beard, when I met Chinese tourists in Thailand they took selfies with me and asked to touch my beard It's weird but I think they just think people who aren't white are like myth since we never seen them
I see a lot of people chiming in on how if you're haole and you respect the people you'll get along fine. This is true...as an adult. Let's just say that as a kid it is a very different experience. I remember the first time I ever went to the mainland at 16 I felt super weird about how everyone seemed to treat me differently. As in, nobody gave me humbug for anything, I didn't have to act so I could be one of the good haoles or whatever. I grew up on Kauai so I may be biased. Now I live in Honolulu as an adult and I can say that nobody gives me trouble. I think most people can tell where I'm actually from because of my accent and mannerisms anyways, but all those rough moments growing up really teach you how to be humble and read the atmosphere.
I went to college in Hawaii for five wonderful years. As a haole from the mainland, it was a bit of a shock at first to hear the jokes (FOB talk, race humor), however, after a while I found it.... refreshing. I could see that they could freely laugh at each other, yet there was still a foundational respect for each other’s cultures, backgrounds, etc. It was a lesson I wish every mainlander could witness. Although I did experience some judgement as a haole/palangi, it didn’t bother me much. I firmly believe my experience living there has played a major role in who I am today, and the love I have for people and culture. Mahalo!
When l was in the military in Massachusetts l overheard a White man returning from Hawaii. He told another man he was glad to be out of the "land of paradise". I remember him saying he could now relate to the experience of Blacks.
Experiencing prejudice (white people being called names, receiving bad service somewhere, not feeling "welcome") and systematic/institutional racism (over-policing of neighborhoods, mass incarceration, redlining, etc) are not the same...
@@Remaagen The man l was referring to was either in the Navy or the Marines. For l was a petty officer at the time, and it was a on a military installation l heard it.
"Experience of blacks" a black kid doesn't get beat up everyday in a white school, a white kid does in Hawaii. I can't imagine being the only white kid in an all black school. Racism is all over the world, people are afraid of what is different. I'm so tired of hearing about how black people experience racism. A black kid living in a black neighborhood doesn't experience racism, even Lil Jon said he's never experienced racism and doesn't understand how hyped up it is.
It's a mixed bag with the branches. There's a lot of Polynesians that join and get stationed in Hawaii too. What I have seen is a group of rowdy service men will go out- drink and party. There's usually always group of locals doing the same. The locals will see the service men doing something they consider to be disrespectful and things pop off. Usually locals win. I'm Samoan so I didn't catch the heat that my white sister in-law did. Shes tiny. One time, some big auntie surprise clotheslined her as she was walking home and minding her own business.
For what it's worth, here's my experience... My family came to Hawaii in the late 1880's, yet I was still not accepted by some locals because I was a white Portuguese with blond hair. Had to fight my way through school with those calling me haole, with that tone of voice you know that was degrading. Had a hard time when I went to college in SF as the pidgin followed me. It wasn't till my Soph year that I began to drop the pidgin. When at home on vacation, I got the "hey, you effing haole..." and got choked one day for dancing with a local gal...my brother-in-law to be intervened... You are what you have survived!!
I grew up white in Hawaii going through public schools and I was bullied frequently for being white or pale. I was called ugly. I was told I was a stupid haole even when i didn't do anything maybe i just said something dumb (but why should my race be brought up?) I was told no one would date me. oh and i was told to go back to where i came from even though.....this IS where i was born. I've had people come across the street, total fucking strangers, just to comment on my skin color. Wtf? I haven't encountered too much since i got older and left high school but to be quite honest, I stopped hanging out with people who are your standard born-and-raised pidgen speaking locals. I was so thoroughly rejected when I was younger I kind of had an attitude when i came back that was more like "fuck you i reject you too". But some of that anger subsided during my early 20s and i began to become more relaxed and noticed many people grew out of that kind of racism. Adults are more chill. Workplaces are pretty chill. Still though, my fiance is a transplant, many of my friends are sort of transplants. Only a handful are born and raised like me, and they're typically white too.
This is what I saw when I was there . I am Mexican so I was ok. But I was shocked at how mean and ignorant alot of locals were toward whites. I had to explain to supervisors at work 2 times that 2 different white ppl did nothing wrong, locals were purposly trying to get them fired I was like what the actual fk? locals, not Hawaiiians BTW..
@@Lopezflies888 Well hey thanks for stepping up for a fellow human thats very nice of you :) but yeah you know what most people that were shitty to me actually weren't Hawaiian. Which seems backwards, considering the commercialization of their culture and the slow erosion of their authentic culture and way of life, they're the ones that have cause to be grieved. (I cringe even as an outsider witnessing all of that). I've encountered two Hawaiian ethnonationalists, but beyond that, the vast majority of those who picked on me.....not Hawaiian.
@@LipSyncLover I honestly felt like I had to choose between the way I was raised and my humanity or being accepted by locals and having to live with myself I chose for the first. I could feel disapproval when I reached out and invited the new girl to lunch when nobody would, or when I would help her when she was confused and nobody would. I had it when I walked in and they were openly joking about how mean they were to one in particular. I saw this girl actually go to the bathroom and cry. Nobody talks about this very dark side of HI.
@@LipSyncLover By the way I grew up in a black/hispanic part of southside Chicago. I went to school and worked with whites, blacks, hispanics, Asians. I have never, ever ever ever seen whites treat minorities this way, not even close.
@@Lopezflies888 its refreshing just to see a person choose kindness and humanity over tribalism. And well, I do have to say I've seen a bit of both sides of the coin. I happen to know someone who was actually called a sand n****r by a few white people before, in one instance by someone who didn't want this person serving them....even though that was their job. I'm astonished this kind of stuff still exists. And some of the things I've heard real white nationalists say about nonwhite people online, its gross. So I think it really truly depends on where you live and what you're surrounded by....but that's exactly why discussion about privilege tends to piss me off because it lacks this nuance. Like yeah maybe if I grew up in a rich white suburb, I'd have the benefit of being more socially accepted than the new kid who's guatemalan or black. But that wasn't my life. But the minute I try and state that simple fact, theres often several "anti racists" ready to jump down my throat about how I'm being oppressive and just blind to my privilege. It reminds me of the gaslighting abusers use. "Oh you weren't really * abused, you're just being dramatic ". Makes my blood boil, frankly
I got called a very ugly racial stereotype only after being there for 2 days but a complete stranger. It was horrible. I get it on the mainland as well, but there it was really harsh. The dehumanization of people is just too much. Get to know people first, not make snap judgements full of hate.
My three and a half years of living on Oahu, as a Caucasian I found it as long I respected the land and the culture as in the native Hawaiians I got along fine. I did see some people that I knew who wouldn't respect the land and the culture and they had a hard time.
I generally find the same thing but I definitely get snubbed and treated rudely by some people. Case in point, went to an ice cream shop in Waimanalo. Asked if I could try a sample (pretty common) rudely she said no as I stared at the cup of sample size spoons behind her. Was like ok and just ordered anyway. Seriously wtf. Bottom line, if you “look” local you will be treated like one. Unless you talk like a mainlander but even still. I know this to be fact because my Filipino friend who’s from California originally, and I exchange notes in this subject regularly. There are rude people everywhere but if you go the local spots you will get sneered at.
@@JohannGambolputty22 ITS A SIMPLE CASE OF ATTITUDE! Waimanalo has experienced disrespect and unruly acts mainly from military that creates the atmosphere. If you walk in with the attitude of one who thinks he/she is special (being nice) a display no respect for the people...you WILL get what you give!
Variety is the spice of life. Grew up a Chinese Aussie at the end of WW11.As a minority and Asian, prejudices was experienced at school to a degree. Thankfully it didn’t affect me adversely. My parents taught us to respect different cultures and to embrace all people. We may look different outwardly and have different cultures but the truth is, our blood all runs the same red. And we are all children of the Creator! Love and understanding are keys to living peacefully with others.
I'm a black person who moved here from the mainland on a job transfer, living a peaceful, law abiding, productive life. But has had it expressed to to me I can't be a "local" because I'm not Phillipino, Japanese, Chinese, or Korean. Funny that the person did not list Native Hawaiian, Tongan, Fijian, Samoan, or from the Federation of Marshsle Islands in that list of who is "local". So in that person's reasoning if you're not Asian/Pacific Asian who are the majority in Hawaii, you have no right to be local. And no right to be in Hawaii, as the person said I should stay in the mainland; "because too many dark people make Hawaii not nice"! Funny that the person I had the conversation with had just been allowed into Hawaii only 2 years prior from a Pacific Asian country, and I'm a born and bred US citizen who had lived in Hawaii for over 20 years. But this person felt I, (and obviously any other non Asian) had not right to live in Hawaii. So racism is alive and well in the state of Hawaii; it's just wrapped in pretty scenery. So sad its true😔
I have lived here in Hawaii for the past 11 years and have experienced racism from just about every race here unfortunately but I still feel safer here than I do on the mainland. 🤷🏽♀️
But is it mainland bad or is it laughable like I've experienced worse, try harder? I've read a few different comments from African Americans and they seem to all say it's not as bad like the mainland. I'm AA and would love to live in Hawaii. Even if there is racism the beach isn't far away, that's a perk unlike here. You have to deal with the racism with no way to forget about it.
Maybe it's just because I'm white, but the real hatred of white people in Hawaii gets to me. It's taught from one generation to the next, so local kids come up hating white kids just because their parents hate white people. It's not just friendly taunting, it's the idea that white people stole the islands and are untrustworthy thieves and trespassers. There's truth in it, but it seems to be a regressive attitude because many if not most of the white people who end up moving to Hawaii aren't the uber rich people who actually overthrew Hawaii. They're just normal people with good hearts trying to live a good life.
Well, it's hard to completely disagree with what you said, but I do know that not all local families are taught that. But it's something that does run in certain families.
I lived there 12 years, a Caucasian single lady. I experienced some discrimination and saw discrimination to others of different races. I felt I would never belong there not being born, raised, and with a large family surrounding me. Family is very close knit there. I received more Aloha than discrimination though, and love Hawaii and have so many good memories of my time there, but it is not paradise for everyone and discrimination does exist.
There is a strong isolation mentality there in the rock. this isn't inherently discrimination, people tends to associate with people who they know each other (Highschool friends are big one, college mate). Most people already formed a strong tied to friends groups and won't let other join unless the others from the group vouche for you. I can understand the frustration, most state have this flexible relationship system (Bar culture is something missing on the island). but most people there live in the island forever. It's their isolation is what breeds this culture. And you can change the culture in a day. I am sorry to hear about your difficulty, I imagine that coming from the mainland can be a culture shock. I hope that you have better time next time.
@@gamemaster1324 also, when someone leaves they go thousands of miles away over the ocean and may not come back. So there's this whole population of folks, like at the university who don't stay long. If you make friends only from that group, you keep running out of them. So maintaining a local family and friends is essential. Not like on the Mainland where someone might move, but you can drive over once in a while to visit.
Oahu 1957-59, Ben Parker school in Kane'ohe, lived by the bay. As a 2nd grader was beat unconcious by 3 man sized kanaka , put in the street and run over with bicycles. spent days in Tripler Med ical Center. Skull Fracture. Wikipedia says "kill a haouli day is a myth with no proven cases" I know different.
In middle school they had beat up white boy wednesday where a group of Hawaiians would get together and beat the crap out of me every wednesday. Some people aren't ready for the conversation of legitimate discrimination against whites in Hawaii.
808 was not as touristy as displayed on t.v....lived there for years of education (in the late 80'@)....friday was always fight day...the locals would always try to jump is...I learned fight back or get ran over
I was in the navy there,1973-77,the cops kick a white guy on my ship one night over sixty times, we counted the marks,and one guy from los Angeles got beat up so bad,he is in a wheelchair to this day by five guys for taking a local girl to a restaurant,guys from my ship would get beat up from time to time
I’m white blonde hair/ fair skin/ green eyes and was treated like complete disregard by all the islanders I encountered, every time I have visited any island there. I will never go back, ever. If the islanders don’t want whites there, I’m not gonna push it.
Back when I was growing up, it wasn't that odd to ask someone "what are you?" of course it wasn't so uncommon to hear "quarter Chinese, quarter Filipino, half Japanese." It wasn't considered offensive or even racist, we're melting pot that literally mixes in race and culture. Zippy's, L&L and Kaka'ako Kitchen is prob the best representation of what Hawaii has become. You have Chinese, Japanese, Korea, Filipino, American food all under one roof as local Hawaiian restaurant.
@@terrycranfield5270 ALOHA, TERRY CRANFIELD, I,M LIKALEIALANI LAMPURA KUKONU GRAY, MY BELOVED HUSBAND HANNIMAL TWO MOON'S GRAY, MARRIED 54 YRS, HE IS CHYEENE, CHEROKEE AMERICAN INDIAN, OUR DAUGHTER IS SHAINIA, I WAS BORN ON LAHAINA MAUI 1-10-1953,(IN SMALL PALACE ON MAUI,) OUR SENSE OF HUMOR COULD BE MUCH BETTER IF WE WERE HOME!!!, IN THE U.S.A. IT IS SO DIFFERENT! WE DON'T DISLIKE ANY RACE OR COLOR!!! BUT LIFE HERE IN U. S. A. IS CHANGING TO A DICTORRIAL U.S.A. NOT LIKE HOME OF HAWAIIAN ISLANDS MAY OUR FATHER IN HEAVEN!!! KEEP YOU AND FAMILY SAFE, AND IN GOOD HEALTH ALWAY,S. ALOHA!, LIKALEIALANI L KUKONU GRAY.😚
If you grew up in Hawaii in the 80s, you knew Frank Delima. He was a comedian that only had racial material. He was so popular that he performed at my elementary school multiple times. All the races moved to Hawaii around the same time and their cultures amalgamated. Everyone got made fun of but it’s minorities making fun of minorities, like siblings. The only minority crying were white people. They did have it pretty rough.
Yes, this is an unfortunate thing... as is the case anywhere in the world, groups that are considered newcomers are actively discriminated against, and people from the various cultures within Micronesia take the brunt of it in Hawai‘i currently.
My response to this is that many of the locals play victim yet express a raw sense of prejudism on micronesians. I noticed that most of the prejudism comes from asian cultures especially local japanese.
Thank you for making this video. The connectivity, explanation, & understanding of voicing out for locals is important culturally. Being raised there on O’ahu, Hawai’i all my entire life has been a benefit for me. Absolutely, the culture, traditions, & diversity are very different compared to the mainland. I take it as a personal pride to be proud of being a “local girl,” from O’ahu.
We were the only white passengers on a flight from Seoul to Honolulu and for the next 5 days people (Korean) kept coming up to us and saying hello or just waving. It made us realize how small Hawaii is and what it's like to stand out in a crowd.
As a half Asian person who grew up in the mainland US (only "asian" person in the entire school), visiting Hawaii was the most freeing experience I have ever had. People there were so welcoming and it was the only place I have ever been to that could tell I was only half asian! When visiting asian countries I get stared at, and living in a predominately white state I get grouped in with "asian/outsiders" - "You speak English so well! " :( . So being immediately accepted was something I had never experienced before. Many Hawaiians of asian descent I've met seem so centered and I wonder if it's because they grew up in such an accepting community. I did notice that there were some negative feelings towards some Caucasians, but honestly it's so much more low key than typical discrimination I experienced growing up (and still experience today).
Well, duh. It's because you're Asian that Hawaiians were ok with you. They were ok with the bombing of Pearl Harbor because it was the US military that was getting bombed. They don't hate the Japanese or other Asians, but they do hate haoles...........a lot.
I am also half Asian and when I moved to the Mainland, people would comment on how “well” I spoke English, and I faced discrimination living in Philadelphia and glad I moved to California where it’s not so weird being a Hapa….
Great talk, so I have been reading the comments and I'll add one more. Being born and raised in Hawaii and moving to the mainland for work, I have come across many different races and cultures... and I feel that the culture not the race plays a big role on how people treat you overall, I read a few comments below asking if they would be accepted in Hawaii, to me this is how it works... If you move to Hawaii and come and try to adapt to the Hawaii culture and ways of life or at least try too, you will be accepted openly, but if you come to Hawaii and act like we are below you or we owe you something, you will be in for a very bad experience no matter who you are. I think this is the problem throughout this world, people go to places and try to change other peoples cultures and ways of life and they end up with bad experiences all around and blame the local people of that area when it is their own fault. Hawaii is unique and unlike anywhere in the world, Hawaii is the TRUE melting pot and I think anyway Hawaii Loves all until you try to change what Hawaii stands for then Hawaii might not be so kind to you. Stay Blessed all... Aloha!
While in the Navy I spent five years in Guam. I believe the cultural dynamic is similar. I really enjoyed my time there, made many local friends and have great memories. Many, if not most other people who I worked with couldn’t wait to leave. Attitude and expectations matter.
Also born and raised in Hawaii, but living in the mainland now. I completely agree. I don't think Race is completely out of the equation, but culture is the biggest contributor to bias. With no science to back up this claim, I feel like the people that have the hardest time adapting are more often than not white mainlanders. Living in the mainland and with recent events I feel like they just have never had to compromise on culture, and many of them expect everyone to adjust to them. That being said, I've definitely had to examine my own privilege. Growing up Japanese-American in Hawaii is basically like being White in the mainland.
Mo Poppins 🥴 I think he’s talking about being in the majority. With that comes having the privilege of not having to readjust his mindset, worldview, lifestyle to consider others who don’t look like him or grow up like him. But once you see this, you can not unsee it and we progress :)
Living in Hawaii as a haouli kid in the 70's was rough. Lets just say I experienced some serious racism, especially from the parents of friends. Taking the backway home from school to avoid the "hotspots" was common place. Greetings from a Haouli survivor!
Kudos for starting conversation. However, I think what a lot of local Asians miss is that racism in Hawaii is more so embedded in our systems. Education systems, media, politics, housing, healthcare. Often times native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders are pushed into the cracks, their issues and needs are not addressed. I feel the rhetoric is “Racism doesn’t exist in Hawaii” is more so spoken by the Asians who don’t face the systemic, indirect realities. Not to mention we don’t take care of our Southeast Asian community very well. Localness is nice but not when it hides the fact we aren’t truly equal. Who gets to be “local” and why? AND we do have a Black community here but why can’t we stand with Black Lives Matter or stop saying the n-word or making Black jokes or address anti-Blackness in our families. I would look to the Ethnic Studies Department at the University of Hawaii for more resources. Jonathan Okamura has a book on Race and Ethnicity in Hawaii.
Thank you for your truthful comments. My daughter was one of those howlees.. (don't know how that is spelled), who was discriminated against..thanks for acknowledging that fact.
I really enjoy your perspective. I just came home from my first visit in Hawai’i. And I’m a white guy. It opened my eyes to see what it’s like to be a minority. While you can’t choose your race, I think it’s important to learn how to live together peacefully and celebrate our diversity. I tried to play my part in showing kindness and respect. For example, while we were waiting to get on the plane from Seattle to Honolulu, there was a native Hawaiian man with his two young kids and his elderly mother. His mother was trying to open her water bottle with no success. He was busy with his kids and couldn’t help her, so I hopped up and opened it for her. They were very appreciative. I tried to look for opportunities like that while I was there so that maybe my small acts of kindness will begin to peel back those layers of prejudice.
My family is Portuguese and came to Hawai'i from the Azores Islands in the late 1800's. I've been told stories about how the English and German top tier managers on the plantations where my family worked, would not even touch the Portuguese people and children when they handed them money to buy things, etc. My family moved to CA in the 1930's because my great-grandmother was ill and there was talk of sending her to Molokai. The family always wanted to move back but there were some circumstances that kept them in CA. (My father is Portuguese also, but from Madeira to New England). So I grew up with so much Hawaiian culture that my cousins and I treasured, such as the music, food, etc. My mother always taught me that there is no discrimination in Hawai'i since as you said, it is a melting pot. Sadly, when I go back to visit my cousins in Hawai'i now, that is the only place where I have ever been discriminated against, as a "haole". I'm very friendly and like to talk to everyone (Portuguese trait - big mouth!) and when I tell them my background, then they are ok with it. My cousins are wonderful though, and include me as a part of the family and have luaus for my family and I when we visit. Even more sad is that my new daughter in law is from Maui and she refuses to recognize my Hawaiian background because I did not grow up there. She will not even look at photos of my family in Hawai'i in the early days. It makes me feel very sad since again I am only discriminated against in the place that was/is my family's homeland. I'm sorry though, as I'm sure some mainlanders have been rude and ruined it for the rest of us.
I attribute that easy-going attitude and the laughing at differences to Hawai'ian culture (ie., Polynesian). I'm used to that too, and it's rough when you encounter people who are deadly serious about what life throws at you. You've just identified why mainlanders aren't viewed as well. They have to shed that culture, and they have trouble doing that.
Thank you for sharing this. I’m Kanaka, raised in the mainline, but I have a large close knit hanai family. My aunties and uncles where all raised in Hawaii; some were kanaka and some were not, but the all valued Hawaiian culture. My mother’s family is haole. The distinction you made between the mainland and Hawaii was also apparently in my Hawaiian side vs haole side. I find my Hawaiian family is more accepting of other cultures but very prideful of their own and quick to defend their culture. Which isn’t a bad thing. Just an observation I have made growing up multicultural. My haole family was also keen on pointing out that I’m not full white. Though it wasn’t done in the same manner as my Hawaiian family. My haole family never did it playfully. It was always more “mater of fact”.
You know you’re absolutely right about that. Both of my parents are half Hawaiian and Portuguese. My mom is also Irish and Scottish. My family grew up in the Island and on the Mainland because my dad was in the Army. Some people in the Islands think I’m a Hapa Haole because of my Green Eyes and fair skin. But believe me I’m not a Hapa or a Haole. Just a slightly different color of Kanaka Maoli. I always say that my younger brother took all the Hawaiian out of me and he would definitely agree. My family tree dates back during the Kingdom of Hawaii and I’m proud of who I am and very thankful.
I grew up in an majority asian community in northern California and we used to make race jokes in high school all the time. It wasn’t like we didn’t know their connotation outside of our community, we sort of decided to make it our own in a way. It changed for me when I went to college too and realized that people really cared about their racial identities (glorifying Asians and half Asians babies to denying their asian heritage altogether). It made me realize how media really affected the society outside of my own community. We probably talk about it more to better inform the people around us who asian Americans really are.
You are the nicest. I am from Venezuela and live in North Carolina. I am at awe at Hawaiians and everything that the US has put them through. I have the deepest respect for your people and love that you have such a loving attitude. Back home we joke about race too and the racial climate is not sensitive at all so I get what you are saying! I have acclimated to the enviomrnet I live in so that I can respect people that live here but I constantly have to hold back because in today's climate it can be seen as tone deaf. I love you and your channel! Merry x mas!
I love Polynesia. As a young boy I read "Kontiki" by Thor Heyerdahl and ever since these islands scattered over thousands of kilometers in the Pakikipa have fascinated me. I really love the life in Tahiti, that I visited twice. But as an American citizen, there is little or no chance of me living there. So Hawaiʻi is my dream now. For 1 1/2 years I have been studying the language of Hawaiʻi. As you see, I look Caucasian - though actually one part of my heritage goes back to Mongolia. What I see in Hawaiʻi is that the native Hawaiians are the least honored in their own home land. They are discriminated against of all in the bottom rung of society. Everything has been stolen from them, including their dignity. This is true racism.
I am caucasian and lived on Oahu 14 years. 1999-2013. I loved the cultural and racial diversity of the island. In my opinion everyone for the most part got along well. I had friends from every ethnic group and was treated by many locals as ohana. The key is respect. I often wish the world could take a cue from these wonderful islands
I totally agree, Cindy. I have lived here for 6 years now and have been nothing but welcomed by everyone I have met. When I first moved here (Oahu) locals helped me so much and truly made me feel like ohana.
Love love love this video. I was 13 when my family moved to Hawaii. I grew up there and love the people. I have lived there most of my life (I am now 69).. but now am back on mainland and I miss the people of Hawaii SO much! You are very insightful and I appreciate your videos.
In traditional Hawaiian culture, native Hawaiians greeted each other by touching foreheads and noses. It was sacred to share the “Breathe of Life.” When Captain Cook first arrived to the Hawaiian Islands, they refused to participate in the traditional Hawaiian greeting and shook hands instead. As such, Europeans were identified as Ha’Ole. Ha means “Breathe of Life” and Ole meaning “Not. “. Thus, Ha”Ole... No Breathe of Life. 🤙
Yes, and because of that particular incident, over 200 years ago, the sediment still exists today, now more than ever. When I came to Hawaii, via the US ARMY, when I had just turned 17 years old, and decided as I was about to enter manhood, that it was my duty, as an American, to serve my country, to maintain the freedom and prosperity, and to continue to allow people from all corners of the earth, to come here, and do the same, I had to learn a lot about the culture here, on my own, meaning through my own experiences and interactions with folks. It was tough sometimes, even back in 1983, but there was what seemed an Aloha Spirit, and with my determination to be accepted here, I had faith that it would get easier. It didn't As a matter of fact, in my opinion and based on my experiences and interactions today, it is worse here, racism and discrimination, than anywhere that I have been, on the mainland at least. And I am from Connecticut, and also lived in the deep, dirty South. There is not a day that goes by, where I can honestly say, that nothing hostile or no animosity was done towards me. The blatant and spiteful actions and words, just astound me. The rudeness, the ignorance, and spitefulness, that I deal with, despite my pledge to always give any local person, and any area that I am in, the utmost respect. I was raised to have good manners, be polite, courteous, helpful, and respectful. I get kids here, local Phillipinos, Micronesians, who tell me to F-off, who threaten me, who want to fight, even throw things or do physical damage to me or my property. People, when asked the time, or even asking if they are in line, as not to cut in front of them, while blatantly ignore me, right to my face. People who instead of backing up the truck they just got in and started, so I can pass by, and avoid a huge puddle, will just sit there, and watch me struggle to get my cart through, in front of them,on the uneven, 6"deep puddle that fills the whole roadway. I can go on and on and on.. This state is part of my country, that I served, and put my life on the line to defend, and now, those people, who I hoped would be able to come to America and live their life the way they want to, are the ones who are not only disrespectful, but in my opinion, ungrateful, ignorant, and arrogant. I grew up in the ghettos if Bridgeport, CT., My friends were, African American, Puerto Rican, Hatian, Cuban, Polish, Italian, German, Korean, Irish, even Middle Eastern, sure, we knew we were different, in looks that is, but we were all in the same place, dealing with the same circumstances, eating at the same restaurants, etc. We just got along, it was never an issue, until the media made it that way, then the POTUS really divided everyone and today, that resonates and continues, in my opinion. I have asked folks here and there, local people, why they hate white people so much, and most answer, "I don't really know, that's how we were raised"
Hafaloha! I'm a native of Guam, Generation X. You just described my upbringing. There were many times we would joke about "outsiders". I think it all stemmed from our historical background, the need to be territorial towards our little island and protective towards our people. I'm looking forward to the day my family and I will be leaving the mainland and moving back home, I need the island vibe back into my soul. For your insightful videos, Mahalo!
As a Singaporean who used to live in Hawaii and the mainland, I certainly could relate more to the locals in Hawaii than Asian-Americans on the mainland. Hawaii no ka oi!
I agree, I live in WA and I can identify a Hawaii transplant really quick by the clothes, speach, not used to the 4 seasons, and by their vehicles they brought up from Hawaii
ALOHA, our ohana living in California and I always smile when our paths cross again. Sure miss home but for now this is where we must be. Feel free to call us my mother is LIKALEIALANI LAMPURA KUKONU GRAY BORN IN LAHAINA MAUII my Papa is HANNIMAL TWO MOON'S and I am daughter SHAINIA. PHONE NUMBER IS 530-532-1407 address is 1941 Oro Bangor HWY OROVILLE, CA 95966 Aloha SHAINIA
There's one group in Hawaii that's pretty prejudiced. I won't name them, but if you look at who holds the majority of public offices and school districts you'll get a pretty good idea. They rarely intermarry as well.
One thing I remember going to HS at St Louis Senior HS I remember"Kill Haole Day" I never ran so fast ! But as I got older and got a lifeguard job on the North Shore I got accepted more. This in the 80s when I worked on the North Shore when the Aussies were causing some issues in the surfing community. As time went on it got better. I moved when I was 27 to California for a lifeguard job then here in Florida. I've always wanted to move back but the Ohana I have there tell me how hard and expensive it is to live there. Miss Aloha🏝🏄
@Jeff Lee I haven't either but I remember running home from school as fast as I could! It was a different world in the 70s and 80s. But I wouldn't change a thing!
I, too, remember Kill Haole Day when in high school. It was pretty tongue in cheek, however, and no one I knew was harmed. Just the fact that it was a “day” was a little concerning.
@@vickiherrman7623 I didn't stick around long enough after school to find out! Most of my Na haohaloha were not hating on Haoles. It was worse on the North Shore when trying to get some good surf. It was a weird time out there in the late 70s and 80s.
What I appreciate about this video and other ones critical of Hawaii is that it hopefully causes potential tourists to think twice and blow away the b.s. that Hawaii is paradise. No such place exists. That is only a marketing ploy. Locals on one hand would appreciate fewer tourists rather than more, less development (with the upcoming new 40 or so skyscrapers in Honolulu, the city is now the new Hong Kong and this is destructive). On the other hand the government here has no will nor the smarts to diversify the economy to make it less dependent on tourism. So the problem is curcular.
Rather than "just" a marketing ploy, much of it is an "aspiration" that locals try to embody. When I was in college in the 70s, the Hawaiian community began demanding more responsible representation of the culture by the tourist industry. So it was much worse then. Since then they have closed the gap between the pretend and the real. But it will never be complete, and I doubt that is desirable.
I fully expect the economy in Hawaii to fall apart in the next year. I expect 200000 people from Hawaii to be in the other 49 in the next two years! Ok maybe not 200000 but a lot! Thank your governor! Hope I am wrong. Shut off tourism for 6 months LOL...
The economy will fall apart in a lot of places. I drove a long way to get work- and jobs here are just as hard to find because the virus crushed the service and tourist industry.
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I gave you a thumbs up just for taking on this subject in 12 minutes.
@ I'm so happy to hear that. To this day (every once in a while), if my Mom and I deem something to be poorly made, one of us murmurs ("Not spongeworthy"). My mother is 72.
I’m a Afro American from Florida and I live in Aiea. I can trully say that the people of Hawaii are some of the most sincere people I have ever met. They are extremely family oriented and they have a genuine concern for everyone. I do notice a certain level of dislike for Hales, but the more you meet native Hawaiians that don’t mind discussing this issue, the more I have learned that the same reason Hawaiians don’t care for Hales typically is the same reason why Afro Americans don’t care for them also, especially the Afro Americans that were born and raised in the south.
I feel like I’d fit right in, I take everything in stride and super laid back. The culture in Hawaii is what I’m most interested in experiencing, even if it’s only for a few years.
Hawaii is definitely laid back. We tend to move at a slower pace. The culture is great, but it will probably be a shock coming from the Mainland. Just be prepared. :)
Are you haole? If you are, be prepared to get stink eye all the time and discrimination. They consider you disrespect them if you mispronounce a Hawaiian word you don't know. It's petty, it's whiney, it's discrimination.
Hawaii is Magic! People are all mixed puppies and we live through Aloha which is love. Its rare to feel race matters here. We call each other Auntie, Uncle, brother, sister we respect each other. I think if you look into the depths of humans soul people sense it and look deeply into you too. We are pretty laid back. Hard to understand racial tension we are family in Hawaii.
That comment reminds me of the time my ex’s nephew ( who’s a caucasian from Illinois) came out to visit me in California. His first assessment of San Francisco was: “Omg! There are sooo many DIFFERENT types of people!!!” Poor kid was not accustomed to seeing other ethnicities.
Damn I tried to explain this to my cousin who was born in Hawaii but grew up mainland. You hit all the points!! 🤙🏽 “racism” is so different here in Hawaii, we have a hard time comprehending what’s happening in the mainland
because Hawaii people are more advance, matured and civilized than the mainland brah! Hawaiians are down to earth and know how to really enjoy LIFE.. on the other hand mainlanders due to the MSM and e-Cultures, they live in the Air floating around where ever wind blows them..
Sounds like we’re just justifying and rationalizing hate based on color of your skin. Let Hawaii have their sovereignty. Let them deal with international policy and politics like every other nation.
Grew up big island my whole school life... you’re right everyone’s race is made fun of in Hawaii. Mostly Filipino and portagee..Not gonna lie, the haole thing was really rough most of my life. But for that reason- I don’t tolerate discrimination and racism. I now live in Louisiana. where racism still lives :( I am forever grateful for my experience growing up and the melting pot. Enjoy your videos. Thanks.
I didn't know they discriminated againts Filipinos in Hawaii, I guess Hawaiians are bullies . glad to know I was thinking of visiting with my family but I guess not anymore.
dean and deanbear nah that was just as a kid growing up. All kids can be bullies anywhere you go. I highly recommend visiting Hawaii. More aloha than anything else!
@@noeminoemi1350 But that's one person's experience/memory. I have Filipino friends that I deeply care about and love. How people relate to one another depends on the people involved and the circumstances, just as it would between two Filipinos. ✌🏻✌🏼
@@noeminoemi1350 Filipinos tend to stick together in HI mostly bc they are on the low end of the totem pole. It seems Japanese are on the high end. Sadly HI's get the shit end of the stick
As a multilingual portagee from Califa, I spent 15 years in rural Hawai'i. I say that all you say is true, and can be explained because of roots in Aloha, Kukua, Mālama, Pono, even Kākou (All together!) That's what supports the Maluhia that makes the whole thing work...... Māhalo for speaking up about a most important topic.
I lived in Hawaii for 37 years & have been gone 8 long years. Mr Sun Cho Lee tells the Hawaii attitude. What we have in Hawaii is cultural exclusion, not actual discrimination. Interesting time to be on the mainland. Can't wait to get home
SO agree with you. It really doesn't matter what religion, color or race as long as people behave civilized, accepting and humble would go a long way in any environment, countries, or region in the world. Humble, civilized and accepting are international language of respect and friendliness and works well everywhere..
I’m mixed (1/4 Filipino) and my mother (1/2 Filipino) went to grade school in the Kalihi District. When I can relate with locals one on one or small group, things are fine, and referring to my mother’s time in Hawaii and my connections with locals (especially Kanaka Maoli-classmates or family friends) adds to relatability. If I am perceived as part of a group of mainlanders, I can feel shut out. I know some of the history and I get why some people shut out haoles. I also understand Aloha ‘aina, and limit places I visit to busier public places. Respecting boundaries of private land and sacred land is essential for any mainlander and I will not go to those places without very clear permission.
I moved to Maui in '93. I'm white. I asked my first black friend there: How is the racism here? Good for me, bad for you, he answered. And we laughed. But it was never bad for me. More than anywhere else people respond quickly to respect and warmth and enjoy treating you the same. I found Hello From Hawaii guy very accurate. Most people prefer to be light hearted and laugh.
I lived in Hawaii for 30 years. When I moved to the mainland, Michigan, one of the things I missed the most was seeing and interacting with all the different nationalities and seeing all the different Asian, Polynesian and hapa-faces. But, I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised at how friendly people were and are in this city I live in now.
I wish you’d expand more about the discrimination white folks experience there. My daughter is married to an air force man and was bullied constantly at her job at Starbucks by her non-Caucasian co-workers. She would call me in tears asking what more could she do to try to fit in and feel welcomed. It’s heartbreaking to know that such a beautiful place has such ugly people.
What about all us brown people who suffer every day for white comfort these things go back 100s of years of discriminization human beings living in all the southern regions of he world being colonized by anglos all identity being taken Im 100% Mexican and have travelled the world the consequences from white colonialism are so deep that’s the repercussions are still going to be felt for thousands of years. Whites brought down genghis khan who almost got to Alexander the Greats status. Racism in theory started in Alexander the greats time after overtaking the Persian empire anyone who want fair skinned, blonde or blue eyed was considered unworthy.
New to your channel, born and raised in Hawaii, love your content! Hawaii is such a special place with lots to be grateful for and lots to put up with (cost of living, home ownership, etc). I'm half haole, half Japanese and my son is haole/japanese/filipino/chinese/spanish. So, there's your mixed plate!
I am part Filipino and Mexican and work in a hotel in Seattle. I felt really close to my co-worker he’s from Hawaii, and we talked a lot about the Island, there is another co-worker that works in the kitchen and he was from Hawaii too. I was walking through the kitchen and my co-worker saw his Hawaiian Brother, and they made fun of me because I was not Hawaiian but love Hawaii. They joked in Pidgin, but I knew it was an “insult” to me and they both laughed. If you are not from the Island, even if you look like you could be Hawaiian, and you love Hawaii....you are NOT Hawaiian, and there is a prejudice that will be there, against you. I did not let this come between us, I understood they had a bond that I could never have because I was not from Hawaii. Love your video’s.
It was really interesting hearing about your experience at the Asian American conference, growing up in two different culture, you growing up in a diverse Asian culture on the island and the Asians that you met who grew up in the mainland. From my experience growing up in Los Angeles where you would think it was diverse, it was a painful growing experience being Asian. I was born in another country and immigrated here when I was 8 years old not speaking English. Let me tell you, kids at that age don't know better but they were merciless in teasing you, making the slanty eyes, saying "ching chong", chino, etc., I wasn't even Chinese but that's what they classified every Asian, used every conceivable stereotype to tease you every day and they knew they can get away with it since they know that I don't speak English. Since my parents were working long hours, you also became a latchkey kid. They worked long hours and you didn't want to worry them with your problems so you hid it and either cry when they are not around or cry in the shower when they are around because you don't want them to see you cry. That is how I grew up and my story is not that unique, lot of kids from another country immigrating to the US have a very similar stories, social scientists who studied these immigration stories classified these types of Asian immigrants as the 1.5 generation, meaning we were born in another country but after immigrating culturally growing up here. For lot of 1.5 generation, we overcame a lot but it still stings at times hearing some of the Asian jokes, and it is not because we are humorless but we lived through the jokes and we remember the pain so that may be one of the reasons why your Asian counterparts acted differently to the humor too.
Thanks for the comment and sharing your experience. It's definitely different growing up in Hawaii and being Asian versus the mainland or having parents who immigrated to the US.
I'm sorry to hear your story and appreciate you sharing it. "Kids don't know better", but teachers do. The bullying should have been stopped. Have you ever watched the DVD, The Freedom Writers? ( Not riders... writers). True story about one teacher who dealt with it creatively and productively. Not the same circumstance as yours, but the same issues. As adults the students have written a book also. I need to go back and watch it again...very moving.
It's definitely a different socio-political climate. We can talk about things a little more open. Still have to be careful, but not as polarizing, IMO.
I really like your videos sir. You are very authentic and seem to be a very wise person. also, appreciated your thoughtfulness when discussing such a delicate topic regarding race and more importantly, what you've learned from race relations during your time on the mainland. additionally, you were able to apply to your life in a positive way which I wish more mainlanders would apply to their lives when dealing with others for the better of society as a whole. very comforting and informative video. Keep up the great work sir!
Thanks. Appreciate the comment. I know it's a touchy subject, but a subject that deserves special attention in Hawaii because of how we grow up with race dynamics here.
I love living in Hawaii BUT I’ve lived here for 10 years and have had more people HERE call me the N word EVEN BY NATIVES than I’ve EVER had when I lived on the mainland. I respect everyone and the island, but I’ve had many people here downright hate me cause I’m black which is why I keep to myself and my small group of friends. If someone in Hawaii isn’t one of my friends or don’t know them then I’m not going to trust them not to be racist and that’s how I survive here
As a Micronesian who lived in Hawaii. The only group of people who never mistreat me was African Americans I’m not on anyone dick I’m just being real. I even get disrespected by Asians who can’t even say Micronesian right. Living in Hawaii’s was sum else
darkstylezvideo I understand exactly what you are saying. However, the problem is that African Americans are treated like scapegoats in the United States and other parts of the world as well. People of other races, and sometimes people of our own race, look down upon us no matter who we are or what we have achieved. The horrible things that I’ve read about President Obama disgust me. Here is a man that has served as leader of the free world and he is called names, you’ve already mentioned one of them, and disparaged simply for being black. I often wonder whether or not I want to become part of the Blaxit movement and just seek another country in which to live where I can receive the respect that I deserve as opposed to the disdain of others simply because I am black.
I lived in Hawaii for 13 years and loved every minute of my time there! I eventually moved back to the mainland to be closer to my family. When I first moved there in my early 20's, I went to work at the Hilton Hawaiian Village as a temp and the women there treated me horribly and called me haole girl (i told them that I don't care what you call me, as long as I got paid). I only lasted 2 days, as they called the temp agency I worked for and requested a local girl and not a white girl ...... I went on to work at Queens, Merrill Lynch and Bank of America. I used to hang out with the locals I worked with and was invited out with them all the time. They used to call me the token haole. :-) I love Hawaii and loved my time there, but I definitely felt like the minority there. Which was fine..... but there were definitely some areas that we stayed away from. I even dated a Hapa guy ..... Anyways love Hawaii!
I road the bus from Honolulu to Makaha. I was the only Caucasian person on the bus! Two Hawaiian woman just poured over me with telling me this and that...and I answered back. They invited me to some gatherings at their house. I told them I would try to make it. When I called to tell them I was returning to the mainland early, they sounded genuinely disappointed, and I had to apologize. I really got the feeling that they felt blessed to know me. It felt very nice...
Hawaii definitely has an insular culture. Perspective is very important, so for those locals that never travel or live anywhere else, it can be very difficult when they have to interact with non locals. It's also important to put yourself in another person's shoes. If you're part of the majority here, you immediately become "the haole" most other places on the mainland. If you're forced to move away from Hawaii, you'd not wanted to be treated unfairly because of your skin color or ethnicity. Same thing goes for people coming to Hawaii. From what I've seen, the "Aloha Spirit" is selective, so it's not really Aloha at all.
That’s why I love my Hawaii and we stand out so greatly in this huge nation of 50 states. Doesn’t matter what color you are, who your ancestors were, or what your race you are “ohana” to each other. We can tease each other about your race and still get a laugh out of it because we’re just so laid back like that haha. We are so close to figuring there is just 8 islands and no matter where you go you’ll recognize someone and probably the chances of you being related are very high! Much aloha bradda 🤙🏽
Born and raised on Oahu to a local Japanese mother and a Haole father from the mainland, I had my share of fights in school because I looked haole like my dad but was raised but my "tataran no back down" mother. I was always "dat haole guy" until people got to know me, then I was "dat Portage guy". No can win, I tell you. LOL!!! Aloha
I really enjoy your videos. I’m born and raised here, and that’s the best explanation I’ve heard of how view racism in Hawaii. We’re all mixed and it’s hard to say anything about another race without making fun of yourself or another family member. And most of our jokes are interchangeable. Like how Spam is Portuguese steak, but if you’re Portuguese, it’s Hawaiian Steak. I find this one of the best things about Hawaii.
Enjoyed your points. I have to say that growing up in Hawaii as a hapa-haole was hell.... constantly verbally abused, called slurs, and even had things (trash, rocks) thrown at me as a kid for no reason other than my skin color. I am actually of chop suey bloodlines, and I am Polynesian and Asian, but I look white, and I can say that the racism (at least in the 80's) was disgusting.
Theres also the fact that people from one state are COMPLETELY different from people from others. Haha. If you went to California theres more people of other races than there are white people and its really not a big deal at all. I think generalizing the mainland as one huge place with all the same kinds of people is a total misnomer. Colorado aint Connecticut aint California etc. Just saying people naturally get comfortable with what theyre used to and that isnt necessarily good or bad. It just means more chances to try new things and grow no matter where you go.
I think lots of peeps in HI still think of the mainland as Haole but that's not true. Everybody here is mixed now lots of us Hispanic, I think the haole from the mainland thing has expired in around the 90s
Very interesting and enjoyable discussion. I'm an older white guy from San Diego who studied music at UH Manoa in 2004-2006 (mainly because my previous degree meant I couldn't get into any California colleges, but also because I liked the idea of living in Hawaii). One of the first things I learned was what it's like to be disliked on sight. Not just on campus, which I can understand because the locals were naturally suspicious of an older white man (but I read an article in the school paper by a young white student who said she was discriminated against), but just walking down the street. If you stay in Waikiki, you're accepted. But if you go to say, Kaimuki, a middle-class neighborhood, you're not going to be greeted with smiles. In some stores their plain reaction was hostility, as in 'what are you doing here?' I'm kind of sensitive so it definitely bothered me, even though I understood it (Hey, rich white guy, why don't you go back where you belong?). The only people at school who were friendly to me were also outsiders. But despite all that I had many good experiences, and I look back on it fondly. And I got my B.A. in music.
You definitely found a 'niche' (pronounced: neesh? or nitch?) in CZcams to speak your mind in an engaging and enlightening way. I'm preparing for a trip to Oahu, and I keep getting sidetracked from planning when I go off on tangents of listening to the social-cultural commentary/observations in your videos. Thank you for your perspective!!!
I lived on Oahu for many years ~ and I had a lot of Hawaiian friends ~ went to an AA meeting several days a week at the park in Kailua and there were a lot of Hawaiians and haoles there ~ it encouraged love among us all ~ not sure what it meant exactly but I heard a comment that I was "a local haole." I felt very close to many local Hawaiians ~ went to the beach constantly, bowling, boating and even had the delicious pleasure of kalua pig........my heart still lives there even thought I am no longer there. Maybe I was just lucky not to be shunned.
Wonderful conversation going on in the comments. Quite a variety. Very civil, mostly. Thanks. Despite its difficulties, Hawaii is still a wonderful place full of good people who want to be fair to everyone. But I remember years ago when the "Locals Only" bumper stickers came out. Local meant not-Haole. So you were right about that. Haoles also aren't readily identified as from Hawaii when on the mainland, or as readily included in Hawaii social groups anywhere. Also, the word "haole" is used in the ancient Kumulipo, so obviously had an ancient meaning (I'm a student of Hawaiian culture and language); and I always was told it meant "stranger/foreigner" (and was earlier used to describe any race), Until the 1980s when suddenly it was defined as coming from the first encounter with the English explorer, Cook. And it was supposed to mean "without breath of life." So that was a dig of the knife at local Haoles. After all, mainlanders could care less. So moving to the mainland was a relief for me. I love Hawaii and its people and still remain engaged with Hawaii folks. I just don't think it loves me enough to struggle financially and socially to stay. Thanks for your treatment of this complex issue. I still think it's great that resilient people are able to take the banter and thrive. Us tender-hearted ones, no matter the race, often can't do it though. And I know light-skinned part-Hawaiians who are relieved to be away from the racial tensions there too.
Being Asian I had a great time in Hawaii, with race and discrimination more evident in the mainland, early on my pronounciation of certain words and manner of clothing makes me stand out as a foreigner. i remember being the only Filipino in my street in Laguna Niguel CA which was predominantly white.
Howzit? I lived on Oahu for 14 years. Retired navy. I spent lots of time getting to know the local culture. And though I am haole, folks still considered me local to some degree. I miss the isles greatly. I appreciate your perspective on your comments. One of the things I loved when working at the shipyard was that every "race" was free game for jokes. If you couldn't take it, you were too high strung. So, I learned to chillax (heard that word in Hawaii first). My life totally changed when I was there. Anyway, mahalo and aloha.
As an Asian American I concur with your thoughts. Hawaii to me will always be my spiritual home. Ever since my first trip to Maui at 10 I felt a deep connection that in my 10 year old mind I did not understand. Being a surfer, just furthered my love of Hawaii as I 've spent extended stays there with the college friends that I have made when they came to study (and surf) in Los Angeles. I've always felt comfortable with my eye shape/ hair color/stature in Hawaii and felt socially included. I really do wonder what it feels like to be at the top of the social hierarchy as someone who is blonde/blue eyed/ the revered alpha in a white suburb of Southern California who is. I have seen it in Asian Americans from Hawaii ,who came to the mainland with the sort of self confidence ready to tackle Hollywood and go on auditions. Whereas, as an Asian American raised in SoCal, I realized long ago that that is a no-go since we are considered at the bottom of the totem pole in White politics, entertainment, corporations, and dating if not downright invisible. Asian Americans are night and day depending on their state of origin and I've had long-winded discussions with a Filipino buddy from Ewa Beach about this. The American mainland is just a downright RACIST collective that pretends to be modern BUT the diversity narrative does NOT extend over to include people of Asian descent- its only about Blacks and Hispanics here. Picture this, would there be an all rallying, all unifying "Asian Lives Matter" NATIONAL movement/protests/riots /social media shouts extending for months on end if an Asian man was unjustly slaughtered in say Ohio?! hardly. I don't believe Americans favor us at all especially being mislabeled as the 'model minority'. Asians should NOT be mislabeled the "MODEL" MINORTY ( who came up with this absurd term and what Latino or Black cares to follow Asian approaches to life anyway!?) We are not models to anyone but the MINORITY OF MINORITIES since we are but 5 % of the US population and so poorly represented in media when we get any airtime at all. It's like the Anti-Asian laws of wartime 30'40's still exist in subtle ways where white male hegemonic powers decided against Asian male proliferation and co-existing in their empire. The mainland is not a TRUE melting pot like Hawaii where a child can have an Asian father and a white or non-asian mother. The mainland is a SALAD BOWL- no matter how many times you toss, the ingredients still retain their original characteristics. There are plenty Asian females dating or married to white men in the US but rarely do you see the other way around. Why is that so? Female tastes in men are dictated by social convention created by popular media and Hollywood has afforded us only embarrassing representations thus far. The mainland Asian American psyche is damaged and reeking of self-hatred from being raised as a minority under White Assimilation/Racism whereas the Hawaiian one is pure and a wonder to watch in action.
Dolby Derringer As a Japanese, I agree with you. I feel way more secure in Hawaii rather in mainland and the most wonderful thing is ..In Hawaii, you are still phsically in States while you are feeling so secure.
My neighbor and his family are from the Philippines. I met his parents, I was so excited because I lived in Hawaii 1968 to 1989 and went to a Philapino wedding. I was the only white person there. I was never treated so well. I absolutely love the local culture and prefer them to the white people ‼️🤙
I live in Maui and as a mixed guy of European decent who uses please, thankyou, and how are you?, and people here let me know I AM HATED. I work on a farm and when a group of Hawaiian/Samoans came to see my boss and their introduction sums up my experience “Who are you?” I didn’t think using text book English would get me dirty looks. Haole mean no breath and I meant as an insult.
Dude Man, this will also work in your favor depending where you are who you meet/befriend. I'm from AZ with 30 years here, most of it in Kona. I spent 3 years driving a delivery van on Oahu where 90% percent of my close friends were Hawaiian. I was welcomed with open arms as family - so much so many times I'd be the only Haole among hundreds of extended family members/friends at big local kine gatherings/luaus in Waimanalo. It surely helped to break the ice by being a 40 year professional waterman/SAR Diver & freediver/UW hunter. Instant in & mutual respect. But to my point. One of my closest Hawaiian buddies one eve over beers & pupus asked me why I didn't speak "da pidgin". I started off by reminding him I spent 3 years working as a diver in the Caribbean & understand & speak that version well. But there are places/situations there where it is completely necessary to communicate. Then straight up honestly, I explained here in Hawaii, to me, it just sounds "off" & insincere for a Malihini Haole to do that. Like I'm trying to get you like me using a means that doesn't belong to me. It feels dishonest & even deceptive, obsequious, & cowardly. Like a cowering new dog in the pack with it's tail between it's legs. I'm very conscious of my actions & words & do it in a humble yet comfortable, soft spoken way. All the while keenly aware, given certain personalities we encounter (your story), that the approach can be misinterpreted as arrogance. My best buddy & carpentry/construction partner is Samoan. Big guy - played football at San Diego State-Degree in Psychology. He invited me to a gathering/party on the Hilo side. Said I'd likely (again!) be the only white guy there. Yes, he said "white guy" not haole. Not common knowledge, many "other" Polynesians, like my friend, HATE people assuming they speak Pidgin. He was smiling when informed me I'd have to ease off on my goofy satirical sense of humor. Something we share on the job site so much it's a wonder we don't fall off a scaffold laughing. Said, "...there are some you'll meet who won't get it. I want you to meet my family & friends. But I also need to make sure you get home in one piece." Hawaii for mainlanders is the cool of coolness. So much so that even many California surfers, (a given that CA is considered the epitome of cool pretty much nationwide), who come here for the first time & immediately start with the, "Brah" this & "Brah" that. Ad nauseam! There's an old local joke: (Q) What do you call an obnoxious CA surfer who comes here repeatedly rattling off the few pidgin words he knows? (A) Training brah.
The worst thing you can do is leave, it's your home too. If your mere existence makes these people seethe, then you are doing something right. People will cope and say "oh but what about this thing that happened over 100 years ago" to justify clear cut racism, but at that point the dialogue is over. You can't reason with someone who thinks that categorically dehumanizing random people is a justifiable act of "revenge", and you don't get points for sympathizing with a person that despises you simply for existing. Ironically, many of the perpetrators aren't even real natives, just regular asians/micronesians with little to no native blood who put down whites as a way to opportunistically climb the social ladder. If someone acted this way towards immigrants on the mainland, they would be solemnly called out and ostracized, not passively tolerated and excused by society at large. The worst thing is seeing all these pathologically f^cked up white people who have internalized their own mistreatment. The ones who keep repeating the tired mantra of "j-just don't act like a mainlander, maybe they'll consider you one of the good ones" as a way to cope with their own experiences of being racially bullied, knowing full well that even whites who lived in the archipelago for multiple generations can't escape the label. Keep your dignity close and never hang your head low. You do not have to justify your existence to anybody and you are not obliged to grovel for your right to live there.
Dude, really enjoy your channel. The state of Hawaii should make you "Tourism Chief (Or whatever the title is called)," because you have amazing insight! Question: When you say "Can't handle" upon moving back to Hawaii, what are you referring to exactly?
Mahalo. Not sure I can qualify as a spokesperson for the State, but appreciate it. 😆 By "can't handle", it means can't cope with or deal with moving back to Hawaii.
thought you meant cant handle living on the mainland, etc....So, they move back to the islands, etc..Please look into Broadcast Journalism ..I believe God is telling me to Tell you that this is your calling...Perhaps you'd have to go back to school for that, etc..Im not sure..Or, just a couple classes. Anyhoos just wanted to say that..
I’m so glad to find your video. My husband is Asian American and I’ve been trying to get him to move to Hawaii. Hopefully this will influence him. 😉Anyway, Mahalo and I look forward to digging into your channel!!
@@marklopes6676 I've lived in both California and Oregon. When I moved to Oregon there was a popular bumper sticker that said "Don't Californicate Oregon!" Later, when I was back in California selling real estate and some folks from Oregon came into the office wanting to buy property in California, I said "You're not coming down here to Oregonicate California are you?" They laughed.
I lived on Oahu for 9 years as a child. It was hard growing up there. And I understand discrimination and racism. I also have Asperger's syndrome which I think didn't make things any easier. I was always told to love my neighbor and be kind to others. I've always tried to live that way. I don't even curse. But I've never understood why people would beat me up for just being me or different? One time I was at Disney land in California and a school mate recognized me and asked why there were so much haoles? I told him that I'm not a haole, your the haole . He said, "I'm not white." I said," It doesn't mean that you're white, it means that you're a foreigner/ outsider." And he said," No it doesn't." And his father said, " Yes you are." I believe that not very much Hawaiian families teach their children what the true meaning of what haole really means.
I'm sorry you had this experience. It must be especially hard with Asbergers. The schools here are so pathetically horrendous esp toward children with special needs.
@@Lopezflies888 It’s more like a double whammy because I would get discriminated not just by the locals but also by everyone else who doesn’t understand Asperger’s syndrome and it’s been this way most of my life. Law enforcement is horrible to people with mental disorders and they treat them like common criminals. It’s like anything in life you have to live and learn, but the world around us is slow to change and understanding of people with mental differences and they are more likely to judge you first than understand you. I am fortunate that I am high functioning and I can learn new things all of the time but people on the lower part of the spectrum don’t have that advantage. But the so called normal people of the world either don’t understand, don’t care, or don’t want to understand and it makes it even harder for people on the spectrum to be able to be treated like a human being. And I see it as if it was the same thing as racism even though it’s not, it’s just another way to discriminate those who are different.
@@willisjackson7029 I sympathize with your post because I have a child who is autism level 2 mostly non verbal. Her IQ is 115 so she is extremely intelligent. But her developmental disabilities is going to get in the way of functioning. It really broke my heart to hear your story on so levels. I don't want her to have to face this world. People want you to fit into a box. They don't know some people are slower to respond or cannot talk. There is just so much ignorance about this I can't imagine facing racism on top of it. 😢 Here in Hawaii the DOE are a bunch of thugs with a few good teachers here and there but they let bullying go unnoticed. We're working on getting to the mainland where she can get a better education and better care
@@Lopezflies888 I remember when I was 8 years old and I tested to get into a private school in Mililani a city on Oahu and I scored so high that they put me in the advanced placement class and then they took me back out when they saw that I was slower than the rest of the class. And that is a thing that is still a normal part of my life. I am slower than most people in how I do meticulous work and I’m discriminated for being too slow in the workplace. Some things I can develop speed as I become more familiar with the tasks but too much of the world wants me to do everything at their speed right away and I can’t process things that quickly unless I’m more familiar with the tasks at hand. And because of it I lose my jobs because of some lies that they make up about me. I even have worked for a company that specializes in the mental health community and when I had a problem with one of the supervisors they told me that nothing would happen to me and my job, but then a month later they fired me for supposedly cussing at my supervisor and I don’t cuss. Even in the so called professional world where people like me are supposed to get support they still get away with bullying or neglecting what the client’s needs, wants, etc, etc…… For something that is supposed to be there to help me and others on the spectrum they still don’t really care about our community. The world, the majority, they all rather push us aside and forget about us. They don’t even want to give us a chance. It’s a crying shame. And for the people who do care, they are very few and far in between from making an impact on this neglect of humanity. The only jobs that I’ve had great experiences with have gone out of business or left my state. I dislike the fact that there is a law that allows employers to get away with discrimination with some legal terms disguising it as something that can be interpreted too many ways. They call it the right to work law, and they don’t have to give a reason or explanation to let you go, fired, laid off, etc, etc…… The law protects the businesses but not the workers or employees, especially those with a developmental disorder. And what you said about about the DOE that sounds like what I remember happening to me when I lived on Oahu, they just turned the other cheek and said show me proof and then the one time that I had it they still let the bully get away with their crimes.
@@willisjackson7029 My child is on SSI already. I don't want her to even try to be part of this dog eat dog world. Even in Hawaii it's competitive. Thank you for confirming how awful it is. I'm so 😔 sorry. People just don't understand anything outside the box.
My cousins were born in Hawaii and grew up there. I did not. But I visited and as a Mexican/White mix it was a mixed bag. Some people were very warm and welcoming but there was a barrier the locals had towards me. I felt, at least in a very general sense the locals were far more cold and withdrawn than I’ve ever experienced in the places I’ve lived or in say New York City for example. New York and California get reputations for being cold but I felt it far more in Hawaii with family than I ever did in SoCal. I don’t know if it was because I was a stranger, Mexican/White or what. But I’m kinda used to it being mixed. I will say once I was able to be able to talk to locals they were some of the chillest dudes I’ve ever hung with. The one thing I always thought was cool was how my cousins spoke. Something about the cadence of pigeon just sounded so cool. Anyway thanks for the vid. Much love and support from Orange County in SoCal! 🤙🏽
Aloha from Ewa Beach, braddah! I’ve been a local for 18 years on Oahu and grew up on the mainland. This is the best description of how things are here as far as race is concerned. It’s hard to explain to someone from the mainland how race really isn’t an issue here.
It’s very prejudice in Hawaii , especially towards African American but it’s mostly hidden . Not all but a lot are like that . But the trio about is that don’t want any body to know .
Grew up and graduated on maui and had to move to idaho, one of the biggest things i knowticed was how fast people give up because they can pay someone to do something or just replace things.
Yeah when I moved to Washington state from Hawaii in the 90’s as a kid I called myself Oriental because that’s what both my parents called people of Asian heritage, (they were both born in Hawaii) and my Japanese friend who had grown up on the mainland JUMPED on me about it, saying Oriental is a carpet etc etc and I how could I say that was like what are you supposed to say then? And she said Asian. Honestly I wasn’t used to saying that, it was either oriental or the nationality that the person was or majority identified with or looked like-Japanese, Korean, Filipino etc.
I moved to HAWAII in 2015 permanently, after vacationing here for 8 years and I can HONESTLY SAY AS A BLACK MAN, THIS IS THE MOST FREE I HAVE EVER FELT IN THE UNITED STATES IN MY 57 YEARS ON EARTH !!!!! While I know that racism exists here but it is not CRUSHING RACISM unlike living on the Mainland, I feel like I can breathe here and relax here !!!!
Which island? This is key to how race is perceived. I am here too. I find the natives are very proud, not racist. They too were a stolen nation...Oahu may be the melting pot as described. I am on the oldest, Kaua’i. Not so much diversity
@Nom Anor, Not while I have been living here on Oahu
I love this. This is my dad's experience too. He's a black man from Gary,IN & moved to O'ahu with my mom some 40 years back, and he's always said it's a complete paradise for the same reason you say.
Nom Anor I’ve been here for a year now and it’s fantastic. I’m not followed in stores, I never feel threatened by the cops, no ones ever called me the n word. At this point I don’t think I even want to go back to the mainland.
@Nom Anor Well I was born in DC but I grew up in Virginia. My parents live in Charlottesville and its Klan City out there. As soon as I was old enough I joined the military and was fortunate enough to be able to travel the world and really see things for what they are. The US isn't all bad as long as you avoid certain areas. The cities tend to be okay but stray to far out into the countryside and things start getting a little iffy. I know many Native Hawaiians look to leave due to the high cost of living here, but if you or any others decide to go to the mainland you might find it difficult if you don't know where to go. The SoCal area is pretty decent as is Vegas but Hawaiians may get weird looks anywhere else.
As 29yr black man, I love living in Hawaii (Maui) I'm originally born & raised in New York (Queens) but I'm not the stereotype. I had a rough upbringing in the hood & it taught me how much I valued peace. My family is from Haiti 🇭🇹 so I was raised to have integrity, most of my friends are from the Caribbean, so the island vibes was second nature. I'm a Chef, I also have a passion for photography, Tech, science, philosophy, spirituality, nature, etc... I like to vibrate on high frequencies, don't smoke & have nothing against it, I've been sober for three years & I'll never drink again, also on a plant based but I digress. I've had my experiences, I'm very observant, my dad raised me with self-discipline & it made me stoic, so I don't take anything personal. I'm more on the introverted side, so I stay to myself for the most part, but I'm always open to friends, locals, International, etc.. I meet cool people all the time, every once in awhile there is that how can a certain look or followed in the store but very minimal at least my experience. I don't judge people based on race, color, nationality or creed, I respect the soul of an individual, great topic 💯🏝️🤙🏾
Thanks for sharing
I dont believe that you dont judge others. All it takes is someone to set you off and your colors reveal. This place has been the most prejudice for color folks or you dont get out much. I guess you havent heard the word popolo that much?
@@cigarillo22 Popolo isnt a bad word.
@@wildmongoose7037 its derogatory.
Mental Hack LOL! Your post reads like a dating profile😂 You should be proud of yourself! You’ve built a life of virtue and that’s an achievement!
I’m Black and spent a few years in Hawaii as a kid when my dad was stationed there. The only thing we experienced was this Asian family wanted to take pictures of us and touch our hair. I think they were visiting and had never seen Black people before.
Otherwise, had no issues. Everyone was really sweet. The older ladies in the neighborhood doted on me and my sister.
Awww
I have an African friend whose mother came to Montana to go to graduate school. She said a boy saw her and ran away because he had never seen a Black person before. See how what they were taught influenced how they reacted, one is of curiosity and one is of fear.
Did the boy never see a black person on TV before?
Dunno, but seeing someone on TV is different to seeing them in person.
I'm not from Hawaii I'm from Europe but ethnically I'm middle eastern and I have a thick beard, when I met Chinese tourists in Thailand they took selfies with me and asked to touch my beard
It's weird but I think they just think people who aren't white are like myth since we never seen them
I see a lot of people chiming in on how if you're haole and you respect the people you'll get along fine. This is true...as an adult. Let's just say that as a kid it is a very different experience. I remember the first time I ever went to the mainland at 16 I felt super weird about how everyone seemed to treat me differently. As in, nobody gave me humbug for anything, I didn't have to act so I could be one of the good haoles or whatever. I grew up on Kauai so I may be biased.
Now I live in Honolulu as an adult and I can say that nobody gives me trouble. I think most people can tell where I'm actually from because of my accent and mannerisms anyways, but all those rough moments growing up really teach you how to be humble and read the atmosphere.
#hanaleigurrl
I went to college in Hawaii for five wonderful years. As a haole from the mainland, it was a bit of a shock at first to hear the jokes (FOB talk, race humor), however, after a while I found it.... refreshing. I could see that they could freely laugh at each other, yet there was still a foundational respect for each other’s cultures, backgrounds, etc. It was a lesson I wish every mainlander could witness. Although I did experience some judgement as a haole/palangi, it didn’t bother me much. I firmly believe my experience living there has played a major role in who I am today, and the love I have for people and culture.
Mahalo!
I love it here been here 5 years now love the diversity and I have been able to establish a business here as black man it’s a dream come true.
Congrats brah, good for you !!
JL ROBERTSON are you still living in Hawaii?
Hawaii has been a friendly place for everyone, especially for minorities.
What's your business?
Doing what
When l was in the military in Massachusetts l overheard a White man returning from Hawaii. He told another man he was glad to be out of the "land of paradise". I remember him saying he could now relate to the experience of Blacks.
Experiencing prejudice (white people being called names, receiving bad service somewhere, not feeling "welcome") and systematic/institutional racism (over-policing of neighborhoods, mass incarceration, redlining, etc) are not the same...
Don't native Hawaiians usually hate all US military personnel? I hear US Marines get treated really bad there.
@@Remaagen The man l was referring to was either in the Navy or the Marines. For l was a petty officer at the time, and it was a on a military installation l heard it.
"Experience of blacks" a black kid doesn't get beat up everyday in a white school, a white kid does in Hawaii. I can't imagine being the only white kid in an all black school. Racism is all over the world, people are afraid of what is different. I'm so tired of hearing about how black people experience racism. A black kid living in a black neighborhood doesn't experience racism, even Lil Jon said he's never experienced racism and doesn't understand how hyped up it is.
It's a mixed bag with the branches. There's a lot of Polynesians that join and get stationed in Hawaii too. What I have seen is a group of rowdy service men will go out- drink and party. There's usually always group of locals doing the same. The locals will see the service men doing something they consider to be disrespectful and things pop off. Usually locals win.
I'm Samoan so I didn't catch the heat that my white sister in-law did. Shes tiny. One time, some big auntie surprise clotheslined her as she was walking home and minding her own business.
For what it's worth, here's my experience... My family came to Hawaii in the late 1880's, yet I was still not accepted by some locals because I was a white Portuguese with blond hair. Had to fight my way through school with those calling me haole, with that tone of voice you know that was degrading. Had a hard time when I went to college in SF as the pidgin followed me. It wasn't till my Soph year that I began to drop the pidgin. When at home on vacation, I got the "hey, you effing haole..." and got choked one day for dancing with a local gal...my brother-in-law to be intervened... You are what you have survived!!
Ignorance..
I grew up white in Hawaii going through public schools and I was bullied frequently for being white or pale. I was called ugly. I was told I was a stupid haole even when i didn't do anything maybe i just said something dumb (but why should my race be brought up?)
I was told no one would date me. oh and i was told to go back to where i came from even though.....this IS where i was born.
I've had people come across the street, total fucking strangers, just to comment on my skin color. Wtf?
I haven't encountered too much since i got older and left high school but to be quite honest, I stopped hanging out with people who are your standard born-and-raised pidgen speaking locals. I was so thoroughly rejected when I was younger I kind of had an attitude when i came back that was more like "fuck you i reject you too". But some of that anger subsided during my early 20s and i began to become more relaxed and noticed many people grew out of that kind of racism. Adults are more chill. Workplaces are pretty chill. Still though, my fiance is a transplant, many of my friends are sort of transplants. Only a handful are born and raised like me, and they're typically white too.
This is what I saw when I was there . I am Mexican so I was ok. But I was shocked at how mean and ignorant alot of locals were toward whites. I had to explain to supervisors at work 2 times that 2 different white ppl did nothing wrong, locals were purposly trying to get them fired I was like what the actual fk? locals, not Hawaiiians BTW..
@@Lopezflies888 Well hey thanks for stepping up for a fellow human thats very nice of you :) but yeah you know what most people that were shitty to me actually weren't Hawaiian. Which seems backwards, considering the commercialization of their culture and the slow erosion of their authentic culture and way of life, they're the ones that have cause to be grieved. (I cringe even as an outsider witnessing all of that). I've encountered two Hawaiian ethnonationalists, but beyond that, the vast majority of those who picked on me.....not Hawaiian.
@@LipSyncLover I honestly felt like I had to choose between the way I was raised and my humanity or being accepted by locals and having to live with myself I chose for the first. I could feel disapproval when I reached out and invited the new girl to lunch when nobody would, or when I would help her when she was confused and nobody would. I had it when I walked in and they were openly joking about how mean they were to one in particular. I saw this girl actually go to the bathroom and cry. Nobody talks about this very dark side of HI.
@@LipSyncLover By the way I grew up in a black/hispanic part of southside Chicago. I went to school and worked with whites, blacks, hispanics, Asians. I have never, ever ever ever seen whites treat minorities this way, not even close.
@@Lopezflies888 its refreshing just to see a person choose kindness and humanity over tribalism. And well, I do have to say I've seen a bit of both sides of the coin. I happen to know someone who was actually called a sand n****r by a few white people before, in one instance by someone who didn't want this person serving them....even though that was their job. I'm astonished this kind of stuff still exists. And some of the things I've heard real white nationalists say about nonwhite people online, its gross. So I think it really truly depends on where you live and what you're surrounded by....but that's exactly why discussion about privilege tends to piss me off because it lacks this nuance. Like yeah maybe if I grew up in a rich white suburb, I'd have the benefit of being more socially accepted than the new kid who's guatemalan or black. But that wasn't my life. But the minute I try and state that simple fact, theres often several "anti racists" ready to jump down my throat about how I'm being oppressive and just blind to my privilege. It reminds me of the gaslighting abusers use. "Oh you weren't really * abused, you're just being dramatic ". Makes my blood boil, frankly
@Hello From Hawaii I’ve once told a white person : If you want to experience racism, (1) Go to Hawaii (2) Live there for a few years...
I got called a very ugly racial stereotype only after being there for 2 days but a complete stranger. It was horrible. I get it on the mainland as well, but there it was really harsh. The dehumanization of people is just too much. Get to know people first, not make snap judgements full of hate.
Amen
Send them to the North Shore and tell them to catch a wave. See what happens lol
Lived there, experienced it!
My Korean wife has forced our move to Hawaii. I'm white and looking forward to constant denigration in paradise.
My three and a half years of living on Oahu, as a Caucasian I found it as long I respected the land and the culture as in the native Hawaiians I got along fine. I did see some people that I knew who wouldn't respect the land and the culture and they had a hard time.
I generally find the same thing but I definitely get snubbed and treated rudely by some people. Case in point, went to an ice cream shop in Waimanalo. Asked if I could try a sample (pretty common) rudely she said no as I stared at the cup of sample size spoons behind her. Was like ok and just ordered anyway. Seriously wtf.
Bottom line, if you “look” local you will be treated like one. Unless you talk like a mainlander but even still. I know this to be fact because my Filipino friend who’s from California originally, and I exchange notes in this subject regularly. There are rude people everywhere but if you go the local spots you will get sneered at.
@@JohannGambolputty22 ITS A SIMPLE CASE OF ATTITUDE! Waimanalo has experienced disrespect and unruly acts mainly from military that creates the atmosphere. If you walk in with the attitude of one who thinks he/she is special (being nice) a display no respect for the people...you WILL get what you give!
@@JohannGambolputty22 thats just attitude, its chump change compared to racial discrimination
Totally agree.
Marilyn Stevens you’re assuming I was acting rude. I was not. My wife and I are very friendly soft spoken people.
Variety is the spice of life. Grew up a Chinese Aussie at the end of WW11.As a minority and Asian, prejudices was experienced at school to a degree. Thankfully it didn’t affect me adversely. My parents taught us to respect different cultures and to embrace all people. We may look different outwardly and have different cultures but the truth is, our blood all runs the same red. And we are all children of the Creator! Love and understanding are keys to living peacefully with others.
I'm a black person who moved here from the mainland on a job transfer, living a peaceful, law abiding, productive life. But has had it expressed to to me I can't be a "local" because I'm not Phillipino, Japanese, Chinese, or Korean. Funny that the person did not list Native Hawaiian, Tongan, Fijian, Samoan, or from the Federation of Marshsle Islands in that list of who is "local". So in that person's reasoning if you're not Asian/Pacific Asian who are the majority in Hawaii, you have no right to be local. And no right to be in Hawaii, as the person said I should stay in the mainland; "because too many dark people make Hawaii not nice"!
Funny that the person I had the conversation with had just been allowed into Hawaii only 2 years prior from a Pacific Asian country, and I'm a born and bred US citizen who had lived in Hawaii for over 20 years. But this person felt I, (and obviously any other non Asian) had not right to live in Hawaii. So racism is alive and well in the state of Hawaii; it's just wrapped in pretty scenery. So sad its true😔
Mahalo for sharing your experience. Yeah, it's an interesting dynamic in Hawaii.
I have lived here in Hawaii for the past 11 years and have experienced racism from just about every race here unfortunately but I still feel safer here than I do on the mainland. 🤷🏽♀️
But is it mainland bad or is it laughable like I've experienced worse, try harder? I've read a few different comments from African Americans and they seem to all say it's not as bad like the mainland. I'm AA and would love to live in Hawaii. Even if there is racism the beach isn't far away, that's a perk unlike here. You have to deal with the racism with no way to forget about it.
@@Caribbean_King I guess it all depends on what you consider bad. Have I had my life threatened no, have I been profiled absolutely.
I can imagine that thoroughly Sis.
@@Caribbean_King m :
@@Caribbean_King true, like wyt people really be calling being labelled as "wyt" a hate crime.
Maybe it's just because I'm white, but the real hatred of white people in Hawaii gets to me. It's taught from one generation to the next, so local kids come up hating white kids just because their parents hate white people. It's not just friendly taunting, it's the idea that white people stole the islands and are untrustworthy thieves and trespassers. There's truth in it, but it seems to be a regressive attitude because many if not most of the white people who end up moving to Hawaii aren't the uber rich people who actually overthrew Hawaii. They're just normal people with good hearts trying to live a good life.
Well, it's hard to completely disagree with what you said, but I do know that not all local families are taught that. But it's something that does run in certain families.
I lived there 12 years, a Caucasian single lady. I experienced some discrimination and saw discrimination to others of different races. I felt I would never belong there not being born, raised, and with a large family surrounding me. Family is very close knit there. I received more Aloha than discrimination though, and love Hawaii and have so many good memories of my time there, but it is not paradise for everyone and discrimination does exist.
It's tough in Hawaii without family. That's always been the best part of the culture, so I understand. Glad you experienced Aloha while you were here.
Aloha
There is a strong isolation mentality there in the rock. this isn't inherently discrimination, people tends to associate with people who they know each other (Highschool friends are big one, college mate). Most people already formed a strong tied to friends groups and won't let other join unless the others from the group vouche for you. I can understand the frustration, most state have this flexible relationship system (Bar culture is something missing on the island). but most people there live in the island forever. It's their isolation is what breeds this culture. And you can change the culture in a day. I am sorry to hear about your difficulty, I imagine that coming from the mainland can be a culture shock. I hope that you have better time next time.
@@gamemaster1324 also, when someone leaves they go thousands of miles away over the ocean and may not come back. So there's this whole population of folks, like at the university who don't stay long. If you make friends only from that group, you keep running out of them. So maintaining a local family and friends is essential. Not like on the Mainland where someone might move, but you can drive over once in a while to visit.
I always understood that locals don't want to get close to somebody they fear is just going to leave like alot of ppl do.
Oahu 1957-59, Ben Parker school in Kane'ohe, lived by the bay. As a 2nd grader was beat unconcious by 3 man sized kanaka , put in the street and run over with bicycles. spent days in Tripler Med ical Center. Skull Fracture. Wikipedia says "kill a haouli day is a myth with no proven cases" I know different.
In middle school they had beat up white boy wednesday where a group of Hawaiians would get together and beat the crap out of me every wednesday. Some people aren't ready for the conversation of legitimate discrimination against whites in Hawaii.
808 was not as touristy as displayed on t.v....lived there for years of education (in the late 80'@)....friday was always fight day...the locals would always try to jump is...I learned fight back or get ran over
Oh man that is ignorance to the extreme what they did to you .
@@britsareweak The hapa kids would even get beat up back in the 50s and 60s if you had light skin you were game
I was in the navy there,1973-77,the cops kick a white guy on my ship one night over sixty times, we counted the marks,and one guy from los Angeles got beat up so bad,he is in a wheelchair to this day by five guys for taking a local girl to a restaurant,guys from my ship would get beat up from time to time
I’m white blonde hair/ fair skin/ green eyes and was treated like complete disregard by all the islanders I encountered, every time I have visited any island there. I will never go back, ever. If the islanders don’t want whites there, I’m not gonna push it.
Sorry to hear about your experience. Not all locals are like that.
Back when I was growing up, it wasn't that odd to ask someone "what are you?" of course it wasn't so uncommon to hear "quarter Chinese, quarter Filipino, half Japanese." It wasn't considered offensive or even racist, we're melting pot that literally mixes in race and culture. Zippy's, L&L and Kaka'ako Kitchen is prob the best representation of what Hawaii has become. You have Chinese, Japanese, Korea, Filipino, American food all under one roof as local Hawaiian restaurant.
Like the old days...nothing was off limits....we joked about everyone!!! No one was off limits. And it was ok!! We all laughed at it!!
linda caldwell I’m sure the person that was the minority was crying in the inside.
Kamuri Guy don’t b so sensitive. Cuz I’m sure he was laughing at the others😂
@@GhostNinjaTactical not me...I am haole but lived in Hawaii most of my life. I loved the jokes flying round about everyone!
@@terrycranfield5270 ALOHA, TERRY CRANFIELD, I,M LIKALEIALANI LAMPURA KUKONU GRAY, MY BELOVED HUSBAND HANNIMAL TWO MOON'S GRAY, MARRIED 54 YRS, HE IS CHYEENE, CHEROKEE AMERICAN INDIAN, OUR DAUGHTER IS SHAINIA, I WAS BORN ON LAHAINA MAUI 1-10-1953,(IN SMALL PALACE ON MAUI,) OUR SENSE OF HUMOR COULD BE MUCH BETTER IF WE WERE HOME!!!, IN THE U.S.A. IT IS SO DIFFERENT! WE DON'T DISLIKE ANY RACE OR COLOR!!! BUT LIFE HERE IN U. S. A. IS CHANGING TO A DICTORRIAL U.S.A. NOT LIKE HOME OF HAWAIIAN ISLANDS MAY OUR FATHER IN HEAVEN!!! KEEP YOU AND FAMILY SAFE, AND IN GOOD HEALTH ALWAY,S. ALOHA!, LIKALEIALANI L KUKONU GRAY.😚
If you grew up in Hawaii in the 80s, you knew Frank Delima. He was a comedian that only had racial material. He was so popular that he performed at my elementary school multiple times. All the races moved to Hawaii around the same time and their cultures amalgamated. Everyone got made fun of but it’s minorities making fun of minorities, like siblings. The only minority crying were white people. They did have it pretty rough.
Brah you didn't even mention the Micronesians.
Yes, this is an unfortunate thing... as is the case anywhere in the world, groups that are considered newcomers are actively discriminated against, and people from the various cultures within Micronesia take the brunt of it in Hawai‘i currently.
My response to this is that many of the locals play victim yet express a raw sense of prejudism on micronesians. I noticed that most of the prejudism comes from asian cultures especially local japanese.
Crazy that we live in the pacific but people are not taught about all the different islands here in school. Ignorance is evil’s twin.
@@cigarillo22 not, try again.
@@shellsarak5529 ty for proving my point.
Thank you for making this video. The connectivity, explanation, & understanding of voicing out for locals is important culturally. Being raised there on O’ahu, Hawai’i all my entire life has been a benefit for me. Absolutely, the culture, traditions, & diversity are very different compared to the mainland. I take it as a personal pride to be proud of being a “local girl,” from O’ahu.
Thanks. :)
Hawai'i is full of racism but at the same time it's chill. Mr. Sun Cho Lee sums it up.
Yup, it’s disguised. Don’t let anyone fool you though.
J. Vinton it's the same everywhere. Hawai'i, mainland, all over the world.
Get plenny lychee
@@bickchun9419 but he no give to me
Mr Conrad Jones
We were the only white passengers on a flight from Seoul to Honolulu and for the next 5 days people (Korean) kept coming up to us and saying hello or just waving. It made us realize how small Hawaii is and what it's like to stand out in a crowd.
Yeah, it's different. Even when I went to Japan, as an Asian American, it felt strange being a non-Japanese national.
As a half Asian person who grew up in the mainland US (only "asian" person in the entire school), visiting Hawaii was the most freeing experience I have ever had. People there were so welcoming and it was the only place I have ever been to that could tell I was only half asian! When visiting asian countries I get stared at, and living in a predominately white state I get grouped in with "asian/outsiders" - "You speak English so well! " :( . So being immediately accepted was something I had never experienced before. Many Hawaiians of asian descent I've met seem so centered and I wonder if it's because they grew up in such an accepting community. I did notice that there were some negative feelings towards some Caucasians, but honestly it's so much more low key than typical discrimination I experienced growing up (and still experience today).
Well, duh. It's because you're Asian that Hawaiians were ok with you. They were ok with the bombing of Pearl Harbor because it was the US military that was getting bombed. They don't hate the Japanese or other Asians, but they do hate haoles...........a lot.
I am also half Asian and when I moved to the Mainland, people would comment on how “well” I spoke English, and I faced discrimination living in Philadelphia and glad I moved to California where it’s not so weird being a Hapa….
Exactly!!!!
It's okay as long as it's low key?
Great talk, so I have been reading the comments and I'll add one more. Being born and raised in Hawaii and moving to the mainland for work, I have come across many different races and cultures... and I feel that the culture not the race plays a big role on how people treat you overall, I read a few comments below asking if they would be accepted in Hawaii, to me this is how it works... If you move to Hawaii and come and try to adapt to the Hawaii culture and ways of life or at least try too, you will be accepted openly, but if you come to Hawaii and act like we are below you or we owe you something, you will be in for a very bad experience no matter who you are. I think this is the problem throughout this world, people go to places and try to change other peoples cultures and ways of life and they end up with bad experiences all around and blame the local people of that area when it is their own fault. Hawaii is unique and unlike anywhere in the world, Hawaii is the TRUE melting pot and I think anyway Hawaii Loves all until you try to change what Hawaii stands for then Hawaii might not be so kind to you. Stay Blessed all... Aloha!
While in the Navy I spent five years in Guam. I believe the cultural dynamic is similar. I really enjoyed my time there, made many local friends and have great memories. Many, if not most other people who I worked with couldn’t wait to leave. Attitude and expectations matter.
Also born and raised in Hawaii, but living in the mainland now. I completely agree. I don't think Race is completely out of the equation, but culture is the biggest contributor to bias. With no science to back up this claim, I feel like the people that have the hardest time adapting are more often than not white mainlanders. Living in the mainland and with recent events I feel like they just have never had to compromise on culture, and many of them expect everyone to adjust to them. That being said, I've definitely had to examine my own privilege. Growing up Japanese-American in Hawaii is basically like being White in the mainland.
brent higa - Interesting. So those of Japanese descent are at the top of the social hierarchy.
Mo Poppins 🥴 I think he’s talking about being in the majority. With that comes having the privilege of not having to readjust his mindset, worldview, lifestyle to consider others who don’t look like him or grow up like him. But once you see this, you can not unsee it and we progress :)
@@bhiga4542 just wondering how the Japanese ended up in Hawaii?
Living in Hawaii as a haouli kid in the 70's was rough. Lets just say I experienced some serious racism, especially from the parents of friends. Taking the backway home from school to avoid the "hotspots" was common place. Greetings from a Haouli survivor!
Welcome to the minority experience!
Kudos for starting conversation. However, I think what a lot of local Asians miss is that racism in Hawaii is more so embedded in our systems. Education systems, media, politics, housing, healthcare. Often times native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders are pushed into the cracks, their issues and needs are not addressed. I feel the rhetoric is “Racism doesn’t exist in Hawaii” is more so spoken by the Asians who don’t face the systemic, indirect realities. Not to mention we don’t take care of our Southeast Asian community very well. Localness is nice but not when it hides the fact we aren’t truly equal. Who gets to be “local” and why? AND we do have a Black community here but why can’t we stand with Black Lives Matter or stop saying the n-word or making Black jokes or address anti-Blackness in our families.
I would look to the Ethnic Studies Department at the University of Hawaii for more resources. Jonathan Okamura has a book on Race and Ethnicity in Hawaii.
Mahalo for sharing. I'll check out that book.
Asians and whites def have it made in most places as the privelaged.
Thank you for your truthful comments. My daughter was one of those howlees.. (don't know how that is spelled), who was discriminated against..thanks for acknowledging that fact.
I really enjoy your perspective. I just came home from my first visit in Hawai’i. And I’m a white guy. It opened my eyes to see what it’s like to be a minority. While you can’t choose your race, I think it’s important to learn how to live together peacefully and celebrate our diversity. I tried to play my part in showing kindness and respect. For example, while we were waiting to get on the plane from Seattle to Honolulu, there was a native Hawaiian man with his two young kids and his elderly mother. His mother was trying to open her water bottle with no success. He was busy with his kids and couldn’t help her, so I hopped up and opened it for her. They were very appreciative. I tried to look for opportunities like that while I was there so that maybe my small acts of kindness will begin to peel back those layers of prejudice.
My family is Portuguese and came to Hawai'i from the Azores Islands in the late 1800's. I've been told stories about how the English and German top tier managers on the plantations where my family worked, would not even touch the Portuguese people and children when they handed them money to buy things, etc. My family moved to CA in the 1930's because my great-grandmother was ill and there was talk of sending her to Molokai. The family always wanted to move back but there were some circumstances that kept them in CA. (My father is Portuguese also, but from Madeira to New England). So I grew up with so much Hawaiian culture that my cousins and I treasured, such as the music, food, etc. My mother always taught me that there is no discrimination in Hawai'i since as you said, it is a melting pot. Sadly, when I go back to visit my cousins in Hawai'i now, that is the only place where I have ever been discriminated against, as a "haole". I'm very friendly and like to talk to everyone (Portuguese trait - big mouth!) and when I tell them my background, then they are ok with it. My cousins are wonderful though, and include me as a part of the family and have luaus for my family and I when we visit. Even more sad is that my new daughter in law is from Maui and she refuses to recognize my Hawaiian background because I did not grow up there. She will not even look at photos of my family in Hawai'i in the early days. It makes me feel very sad since again I am only discriminated against in the place that was/is my family's homeland. I'm sorry though, as I'm sure some mainlanders have been rude and ruined it for the rest of us.
I attribute that easy-going attitude and the laughing at differences to Hawai'ian culture (ie., Polynesian). I'm used to that too, and it's rough when you encounter people who are deadly serious about what life throws at you. You've just identified why mainlanders aren't viewed as well. They have to shed that culture, and they have trouble doing that.
Thank you for sharing this. I’m Kanaka, raised in the mainline, but I have a large close knit hanai family. My aunties and uncles where all raised in Hawaii; some were kanaka and some were not, but the all valued Hawaiian culture. My mother’s family is haole. The distinction you made between the mainland and Hawaii was also apparently in my Hawaiian side vs haole side. I find my Hawaiian family is more accepting of other cultures but very prideful of their own and quick to defend their culture. Which isn’t a bad thing. Just an observation I have made growing up multicultural. My haole family was also keen on pointing out that I’m not full white. Though it wasn’t done in the same manner as my Hawaiian family. My haole family never did it playfully. It was always more “mater of fact”.
You know you’re absolutely right about that. Both of my parents are half Hawaiian and Portuguese. My mom is also Irish and Scottish. My family grew up in the Island and on the Mainland because my dad was in the Army. Some people in the Islands think I’m a Hapa Haole because of my Green Eyes and fair skin. But believe me I’m not a Hapa or a Haole. Just a slightly different color of Kanaka Maoli. I always say that my younger brother took all the Hawaiian out of me and he would definitely agree. My family tree dates back during the Kingdom of Hawaii and I’m proud of who I am and very thankful.
I grew up in an majority asian community in northern California and we used to make race jokes in high school all the time. It wasn’t like we didn’t know their connotation outside of our community, we sort of decided to make it our own in a way. It changed for me when I went to college too and realized that people really cared about their racial identities (glorifying Asians and half Asians babies to denying their asian heritage altogether). It made me realize how media really affected the society outside of my own community. We probably talk about it more to better inform the people around us who asian Americans really are.
You are the nicest. I am from Venezuela and live in North Carolina. I am at awe at Hawaiians and everything that the US has put them through. I have the deepest respect for your people and love that you have such a loving attitude. Back home we joke about race too and the racial climate is not sensitive at all so I get what you are saying! I have acclimated to the enviomrnet I live in so that I can respect people that live here but I constantly have to hold back because in today's climate it can be seen as tone deaf. I love you and your channel! Merry x mas!
I love Polynesia. As a young boy I read "Kontiki" by Thor Heyerdahl and ever since these islands scattered over thousands of kilometers in the Pakikipa have fascinated me. I really love the life in Tahiti, that I visited twice. But as an American citizen, there is little or no chance of me living there. So Hawaiʻi is my dream now. For 1 1/2 years I have been studying the language of Hawaiʻi. As you see, I look Caucasian - though actually one part of my heritage goes back to Mongolia. What I see in Hawaiʻi is that the native Hawaiians are the least honored in their own home land. They are discriminated against of all in the bottom rung of society. Everything has been stolen from them, including their dignity. This is true racism.
I am caucasian and lived on Oahu 14 years. 1999-2013. I loved the cultural and racial diversity of the island. In my opinion everyone for the most part got along well. I had friends from every ethnic group and was treated by many locals as ohana. The key is respect. I often wish the world could take a cue from these wonderful islands
I totally agree, Cindy. I have lived here for 6 years now and have been nothing but welcomed by everyone I have met. When I first moved here (Oahu) locals helped me so much and truly made me feel like ohana.
Love love love this video. I was 13 when my family moved to Hawaii. I grew up there and love the people. I have lived there most of my life (I am now 69).. but now am back on mainland and I miss the people of Hawaii SO much! You are very insightful and I appreciate your videos.
Thanks for sharing!!
They stopped and looked at you cuz you’re a superstar bruddah!
I like the way you think 👍😊
Their is discrimination in Hawaii. But we still intermarry one another despite our biases.
LOL!
Hawaiian chicks are hot!
In traditional Hawaiian culture, native Hawaiians greeted each other by touching foreheads and noses. It was sacred to share the “Breathe of Life.” When Captain Cook first arrived to the Hawaiian Islands, they refused to participate in the traditional Hawaiian greeting and shook hands instead. As such, Europeans were identified as Ha’Ole. Ha means “Breathe of Life” and Ole meaning “Not. “. Thus, Ha”Ole... No Breathe of Life. 🤙
Yes, and because of that particular incident, over 200 years ago, the sediment still exists today, now more than ever.
When I came to Hawaii, via the US ARMY, when I had just turned 17 years old, and decided as I was about to enter manhood, that it was my duty, as an American, to serve my country, to maintain the freedom and prosperity, and to continue to allow people from all corners of the earth, to come here, and do the same, I had to learn a lot about the culture here, on my own, meaning through my own experiences and interactions with folks. It was tough sometimes, even back in 1983, but there was what seemed an Aloha Spirit, and with my determination to be accepted here, I had faith that it would get easier.
It didn't
As a matter of fact, in my opinion and based on my experiences and interactions today, it is worse here, racism and discrimination, than anywhere that I have been, on the mainland at least. And I am from Connecticut, and also lived in the deep, dirty South. There is not a day that goes by, where I can honestly say, that nothing hostile or no animosity was done towards me. The blatant and spiteful actions and words, just astound me. The rudeness, the ignorance, and spitefulness, that I deal with, despite my pledge to always give any local person, and any area that I am in, the utmost respect. I was raised to have good manners, be polite, courteous, helpful, and respectful.
I get kids here, local Phillipinos, Micronesians, who tell me to F-off, who threaten me, who want to fight, even throw things or do physical damage to me or my property. People, when asked the time, or even asking if they are in line, as not to cut in front of them, while blatantly ignore me, right to my face. People who instead of backing up the truck they just got in and started, so I can pass by, and avoid a huge puddle, will just sit there, and watch me struggle to get my cart through, in front of them,on the uneven, 6"deep puddle that fills the whole roadway. I can go on and on and on.. This state is part of my country, that I served, and put my life on the line to defend, and now, those people, who I hoped would be able to come to America and live their life the way they want to, are the ones who are not only disrespectful, but in my opinion, ungrateful, ignorant, and arrogant.
I grew up in the ghettos if Bridgeport, CT., My friends were, African American, Puerto Rican, Hatian, Cuban, Polish, Italian, German, Korean, Irish, even Middle Eastern, sure, we knew we were different, in looks that is, but we were all in the same place, dealing with the same circumstances, eating at the same restaurants, etc. We just got along, it was never an issue, until the media made it that way, then the POTUS really divided everyone and today, that resonates and continues, in my opinion. I have asked folks here and there, local people, why they hate white people so much, and most answer, "I don't really know, that's how we were raised"
@@raycarre7106so would you tell whites to avoid going?
Hafaloha! I'm a native of Guam, Generation X. You just described my upbringing. There were many times we would joke about "outsiders". I think it all stemmed from our historical background, the need to be territorial towards our little island and protective towards our people. I'm looking forward to the day my family and I will be leaving the mainland and moving back home, I need the island vibe back into my soul. For your insightful videos, Mahalo!
Håfa Adai from Guåhan! 🇬🇺
@@kiananq5878 Hafa Adai from Washington!
Omg Hafa Adai fr. Vegas! Grew up in Guam too. Miss the island life.
As a Singaporean who used to live in Hawaii and the mainland, I certainly could relate more to the locals in Hawaii than Asian-Americans on the mainland. Hawaii no ka oi!
william hung is from singapore cuz he sings really poor
@@corndawgz He's from HongKong. Also, the cause and effect of your statement makes zero sense. Just makes u sound like an idiot.
Outstanding remarks. Your explanations were spot on. Please continue to make the world knowledgeable about our beloved Hawaii. Mahalo & Aloha!
While on mainland, us Hawaii people can spot each other, shorts, t-shirt, and slippahs , give da head nod, ah bra u from Hawaii?!
I agree, I live in WA and I can identify a Hawaii transplant really quick by the clothes, speach, not used to the 4 seasons, and by their vehicles they brought up from Hawaii
ALOHA, our ohana living in California and I always smile when our paths cross again. Sure miss home but for now this is where we must be. Feel free to call us my mother is LIKALEIALANI LAMPURA KUKONU GRAY BORN IN LAHAINA MAUII my Papa is HANNIMAL TWO MOON'S and I am daughter SHAINIA. PHONE NUMBER IS 530-532-1407 address is 1941 Oro Bangor HWY
OROVILLE, CA 95966
Aloha SHAINIA
@@jasonbabila6006 I'm in WA too and I got noticed the other day even tho I'm a haole lol. where u stay?
@Danny Ornelas I stay in Cle Elum, I used to live in Renton for 16 year until I moved to Cle Elum 4 years ago, where you at?
Haha yup! We found all the other locals at Disneyland !!
There's one group in Hawaii that's pretty prejudiced. I won't name them, but if you look at who holds the majority of public offices and school districts you'll get a pretty good idea. They rarely intermarry as well.
well said.
🎌
One thing I remember going to HS at St Louis Senior HS I remember"Kill Haole Day" I never ran so fast ! But as I got older and got a lifeguard job on the North Shore I got accepted more. This in the 80s when I worked on the North Shore when the Aussies were causing some issues in the surfing community. As time went on it got better. I moved when I was 27 to California for a lifeguard job then here in Florida. I've always wanted to move back but the Ohana I have there tell me how hard and expensive it is to live there. Miss Aloha🏝🏄
@Jeff Lee I haven't either but I remember running home from school as fast as I could! It was a different world in the 70s and 80s.
But I wouldn't change a thing!
I, too, remember Kill Haole Day when in high school. It was pretty tongue in cheek, however, and no one I knew was harmed. Just the fact that it was a “day” was a little concerning.
@@vickiherrman7623 I didn't stick around long enough after school to find out! Most of my Na haohaloha were not hating on Haoles. It was worse on the North Shore when trying to get some good surf. It was a weird time out there in the late 70s and 80s.
What I appreciate about this video and other ones critical of Hawaii is that it hopefully causes potential tourists to think twice and blow away the b.s. that Hawaii is paradise. No such place exists. That is only a marketing ploy. Locals on one hand would appreciate fewer tourists rather than more, less development (with the upcoming new 40 or so skyscrapers in Honolulu, the city is now the new Hong Kong and this is destructive). On the other hand the government here has no will nor the smarts to diversify the economy to make it less dependent on tourism. So the problem is curcular.
Rather than "just" a marketing ploy, much of it is an "aspiration" that locals try to embody. When I was in college in the 70s, the Hawaiian community began demanding more responsible representation of the culture by the tourist industry. So it was much worse then. Since then they have closed the gap between the pretend and the real. But it will never be complete, and I doubt that is desirable.
👏🏻🤙🏼
I fully expect the economy in Hawaii to fall apart in the next year. I expect 200000 people from Hawaii to be in the other 49 in the next two years! Ok maybe not 200000 but a lot! Thank your governor! Hope I am wrong. Shut off tourism for 6 months LOL...
@@Jack51971 Hopefully it forces new ways of conceiving economy in Hawaii. If not, we’re all screwed. Mahalo!
The economy will fall apart in a lot of places. I drove a long way to get work- and jobs here are just as hard to find because the virus crushed the service and tourist industry.
I gave you a thumbs up just for taking on this subject in 12 minutes.
Absolutely 👍
Thanks. It's a tough topic to talk about.
Spongeworthy -- your name killed me. Thank you.
@@julespumachu I appreciate that. Most people don't get it.
@ I'm so happy to hear that. To this day (every once in a while), if my Mom and I deem something to be poorly made, one of us murmurs ("Not spongeworthy"). My mother is 72.
I’m a Afro American from Florida and I live in Aiea. I can trully say that the people of Hawaii are some of the most sincere people I have ever met. They are extremely family oriented and they have a genuine concern for everyone. I do notice a certain level of dislike for Hales, but the more you meet native Hawaiians that don’t mind discussing this issue, the more I have learned that the same reason Hawaiians don’t care for Hales typically is the same reason why Afro Americans don’t care for them also, especially the Afro Americans that were born and raised in the south.
you're a "haole". It means foreigner. Not "white". So you're implying you don't like whites? got it. racist much?
I feel like I’d fit right in, I take everything in stride and super laid back. The culture in Hawaii is what I’m most interested in experiencing, even if it’s only for a few years.
Hawaii is definitely laid back. We tend to move at a slower pace. The culture is great, but it will probably be a shock coming from the Mainland. Just be prepared. :)
Are you haole? If you are, be prepared to get stink eye all the time and discrimination. They consider you disrespect them if you mispronounce a Hawaiian word you don't know. It's petty, it's whiney, it's discrimination.
Hawaii is Magic! People are all mixed puppies and we live through Aloha which is love. Its rare to feel race matters here. We call each other Auntie, Uncle, brother, sister we respect each other. I think if you look into the depths of humans soul people sense it and look deeply into you too. We are pretty laid back. Hard to understand racial tension we are family in Hawaii.
I remember a white woman who moved from mainland (Vermont) she said there is too many Asians...I told her what do you expect, it's Hawaii. ;)
My friend said the same thing. He expected to see more of Hawaiians and Polynesians rather than Asians. He got used to it fast.
Your story doesn't sound legit.
I hope she went straight back to Vermont.
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
That comment reminds me of the time my ex’s nephew ( who’s a caucasian from Illinois) came out to visit me in California. His first assessment of San Francisco was: “Omg! There are sooo many DIFFERENT types of people!!!”
Poor kid was not accustomed to seeing other ethnicities.
Damn I tried to explain this to my cousin who was born in Hawaii but grew up mainland. You hit all the points!! 🤙🏽 “racism” is so different here in Hawaii, we have a hard time comprehending what’s happening in the mainland
Thanks for watching. Glad the video helped.
because Hawaii people are more advance, matured and civilized than the mainland brah! Hawaiians are down to earth and know how to really enjoy LIFE.. on the other hand mainlanders due to the MSM and e-Cultures, they live in the Air floating around where ever wind blows them..
Sounds like we’re just justifying and rationalizing hate based on color of your skin. Let Hawaii have their sovereignty. Let them deal with international policy and politics like every other nation.
I was bullied and beat up my whole childhood there because I’m white. Until I grew to 6’3” and learned to fight back
You probably had an entitled attitude reason you got bullied.
@@Kaizen29x Wow. This is so untrue. I experienced the same and I in no way had an entitled attitude.
Grew up big island my whole school life... you’re right everyone’s race is made fun of in Hawaii. Mostly Filipino and portagee..Not gonna lie, the haole thing was really rough most of my life. But for that reason- I don’t tolerate discrimination and racism. I now live in Louisiana. where racism still lives :( I am forever grateful for my experience growing up and the melting pot. Enjoy your videos. Thanks.
Thanks. It's a tough issue in Hawaii. Maybe more complicated, maybe less complicated than on the Mainland.
I didn't know they discriminated againts Filipinos in Hawaii, I guess Hawaiians are bullies . glad to know I was thinking of visiting with my family but I guess not anymore.
dean and deanbear nah that was just as a kid growing up. All kids can be bullies anywhere you go. I highly recommend visiting Hawaii. More aloha than anything else!
@@noeminoemi1350 But that's one person's experience/memory. I have Filipino friends that I deeply care about and love. How people relate to one another depends on the people involved and the circumstances, just as it would between two Filipinos. ✌🏻✌🏼
@@noeminoemi1350 Filipinos tend to stick together in HI mostly bc they are on the low end of the totem pole. It seems Japanese are on the high end. Sadly HI's get the shit end of the stick
As a multilingual portagee from Califa, I spent 15 years in rural Hawai'i. I say that all you say is true, and can be explained because of roots in Aloha, Kukua, Mālama, Pono, even Kākou (All together!) That's what supports the Maluhia that makes the whole thing work...... Māhalo for speaking up about a most important topic.
Thanks. :)
I lived in Hawaii for 37 years & have been gone 8 long years. Mr Sun Cho Lee tells the Hawaii attitude.
What we have in Hawaii is cultural exclusion, not actual discrimination.
Interesting time to be on the mainland. Can't wait to get home
Most people get along as long as they are friendly and polite. People usually only get in trouble if they live up to their negative stereotypes...
Bryan Bishop Oh most definitely.
That’s right. When haole people come with respect, they get respect back.
SO agree with you. It really doesn't matter what religion, color or race as long as people behave civilized, accepting and humble would go a long way in any environment, countries, or region in the world. Humble, civilized and accepting are international language of respect and friendliness and works well everywhere..
Exactly. This applies EVERYWHERE.
This guy gets it.
No matter what, there is racism everywhere. Hawaii included!
Christopher Deguzman well id rather be in hawaii than knoxville TN. No history of lynching in HI that i know of.
Chris are you from or ever lived in Hawaii? If you haven't Hawaii has alot of races. But We No Kea we all get along
@@socalsp3 Good news: Iynching was just banned in TN!
@@YouLoveMrFriendly and when was the last lynching?
@@YouLoveMrFriendly You're kidding?! Just banned???
I’m mixed (1/4 Filipino) and my mother (1/2 Filipino) went to grade school in the Kalihi District. When I can relate with locals one on one or small group, things are fine, and referring to my mother’s time in Hawaii and my connections with locals (especially Kanaka Maoli-classmates or family friends) adds to relatability. If I am perceived as part of a group of mainlanders, I can feel shut out. I know some of the history and I get why some people shut out haoles. I also understand Aloha ‘aina, and limit places I visit to busier public places. Respecting boundaries of private land and sacred land is essential for any mainlander and I will not go to those places without very clear permission.
I moved to Maui in '93. I'm white. I asked my first black friend there: How is the racism here? Good for me, bad for you, he answered. And we laughed. But it was never bad for me. More than anywhere else people respond quickly to respect and warmth and enjoy treating you the same. I found Hello From Hawaii guy very accurate. Most people prefer to be light hearted and laugh.
I lived in Hawaii for 30 years. When I moved to the mainland, Michigan, one of the things I missed the most was seeing and interacting with all the different nationalities and seeing all the different Asian, Polynesian and hapa-faces. But, I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised at how friendly people were and are in this city I live in now.
I wish you’d expand more about the discrimination white folks experience there. My daughter is married to an air force man and was bullied constantly at her job at Starbucks by her non-Caucasian co-workers. She would call me in tears asking what more could she do to try to fit in and feel welcomed. It’s heartbreaking to know that such a beautiful place has such ugly people.
Sorry to hear about her experience. Just know that not all locals are like that.
What about all us brown people who suffer every day for white comfort these things go back 100s of years of discriminization human beings living in all the southern regions of he world being colonized by anglos all identity being taken Im 100% Mexican and have travelled the world the consequences from white colonialism are so deep that’s the repercussions are still going to be felt for thousands of years. Whites brought down genghis khan who almost got to Alexander the Greats status. Racism in theory started in Alexander the greats time after overtaking the Persian empire anyone who want fair skinned, blonde or blue eyed was considered unworthy.
White people are not victims
@@casasc96love16 every color has been involved in downgrading and slumming others
girl be quiet. no one cares about your white tears bc minorities have to deal with 100 times more than that everyday.
I love the people there in Hawaii. Thats why Im looking forward to moving back there. I miss it.
New to your channel, born and raised in Hawaii, love your content! Hawaii is such a special place with lots to be grateful for and lots to put up with (cost of living, home ownership, etc). I'm half haole, half Japanese and my son is haole/japanese/filipino/chinese/spanish. So, there's your mixed plate!
Thanks for watching.
I am part Filipino and Mexican and work in a hotel in Seattle. I felt really close to my co-worker he’s from Hawaii, and we talked a lot about the Island, there is another co-worker that works in the kitchen and he was from Hawaii too. I was walking through the kitchen and my co-worker saw his Hawaiian Brother, and they made fun of me because I was not Hawaiian but love Hawaii. They joked in Pidgin, but I knew it was an “insult” to me and they both laughed.
If you are not from the Island, even if you look like you could be Hawaiian, and you love Hawaii....you are NOT Hawaiian, and there is a prejudice that will be there, against you. I did not let this come between us, I understood they had a bond that I could never have because I was not from Hawaii.
Love your video’s.
It was really interesting hearing about your experience at the Asian American conference, growing up in two different culture, you growing up in a diverse Asian culture on the island and the Asians that you met who grew up in the mainland. From my experience growing up in Los Angeles where you would think it was diverse, it was a painful growing experience being Asian. I was born in another country and immigrated here when I was 8 years old not speaking English. Let me tell you, kids at that age don't know better but they were merciless in teasing you, making the slanty eyes, saying "ching chong", chino, etc., I wasn't even Chinese but that's what they classified every Asian, used every conceivable stereotype to tease you every day and they knew they can get away with it since they know that I don't speak English. Since my parents were working long hours, you also became a latchkey kid. They worked long hours and you didn't want to worry them with your problems so you hid it and either cry when they are not around or cry in the shower when they are around because you don't want them to see you cry. That is how I grew up and my story is not that unique, lot of kids from another country immigrating to the US have a very similar stories, social scientists who studied these immigration stories classified these types of Asian immigrants as the 1.5 generation, meaning we were born in another country but after immigrating culturally growing up here. For lot of 1.5 generation, we overcame a lot but it still stings at times hearing some of the Asian jokes, and it is not because we are humorless but we lived through the jokes and we remember the pain so that may be one of the reasons why your Asian counterparts acted differently to the humor too.
Thanks for the comment and sharing your experience. It's definitely different growing up in Hawaii and being Asian versus the mainland or having parents who immigrated to the US.
I'm sorry to hear your story and appreciate you sharing it. "Kids don't know better", but teachers do. The bullying should have been stopped. Have you ever watched the DVD, The Freedom Writers? ( Not riders... writers). True story about one teacher who dealt with it creatively and productively. Not the same circumstance as yours, but the same issues. As adults the students have written a book also. I need to go back and watch it again...very moving.
Big difference between mainland asian and hawaii asian. Spot on observation!
One of the reasons I love Hawaii is just how easy going it is when it comes to topics like this. Seriously it's like South Park
It's definitely a different socio-political climate. We can talk about things a little more open. Still have to be careful, but not as polarizing, IMO.
Indeed.Aloha from Waikiki.
I really like your videos sir. You are very authentic and seem to be a very wise person. also, appreciated your thoughtfulness when discussing such a delicate topic regarding race and more importantly, what you've learned from race relations during your time on the mainland. additionally, you were able to apply to your life in a positive way which I wish more mainlanders would apply to their lives when dealing with others for the better of society as a whole. very comforting and informative video. Keep up the great work sir!
Thanks. Appreciate the comment. I know it's a touchy subject, but a subject that deserves special attention in Hawaii because of how we grow up with race dynamics here.
I love living in Hawaii BUT I’ve lived here for 10 years and have had more people HERE call me the N word EVEN BY NATIVES than I’ve EVER had when I lived on the mainland. I respect everyone and the island, but I’ve had many people here downright hate me cause I’m black which is why I keep to myself and my small group of friends. If someone in Hawaii isn’t one of my friends or don’t know them then I’m not going to trust them not to be racist and that’s how I survive here
As a Micronesian who lived in Hawaii. The only group of people who never mistreat me was African Americans I’m not on anyone dick I’m just being real. I even get disrespected by Asians who can’t even say Micronesian right. Living in Hawaii’s was sum else
darkstylezvideo I understand exactly what you are saying. However, the problem is that African Americans are treated like scapegoats in the United States and other parts of the world as well. People of other races, and sometimes people of our own race, look down upon us no matter who we are or what we have achieved. The horrible things that I’ve read about President Obama disgust me. Here is a man that has served as leader of the free world and he is called names, you’ve already mentioned one of them, and disparaged simply for being black. I often wonder whether or not I want to become part of the Blaxit movement and just seek another country in which to live where I can receive the respect that I deserve as opposed to the disdain of others simply because I am black.
Thats so sad,sorry you experience that here in Hawaii.
The video poster complains about being called Jackie. If a black person is called Kevin Hart, that would be considered a good day.
N word, real locals say popolo not no n word
I lived in Hawaii for 13 years and loved every minute of my time there! I eventually moved back to the mainland to be closer to my family. When I first moved there in my early 20's, I went to work at the Hilton Hawaiian Village as a temp and the women there treated me horribly and called me haole girl (i told them that I don't care what you call me, as long as I got paid). I only lasted 2 days, as they called the temp agency I worked for and requested a local girl and not a white girl ...... I went on to work at Queens, Merrill Lynch and Bank of America. I used to hang out with the locals I worked with and was invited out with them all the time. They used to call me the token haole. :-) I love Hawaii and loved my time there, but I definitely felt like the minority there. Which was fine..... but there were definitely some areas that we stayed away from. I even dated a Hapa guy ..... Anyways love Hawaii!
I road the bus from Honolulu to Makaha. I was the only Caucasian person on the bus! Two Hawaiian woman just poured over me with telling me this and that...and I answered back. They invited me to some gatherings at their house. I told them I would try to make it. When I called to tell them I was returning to the mainland early, they sounded genuinely disappointed, and I had to apologize. I really got the feeling that they felt blessed to know me. It felt very nice...
Thanks for sharing your experience. Glad it was a positive one.
Hawaii definitely has an insular culture. Perspective is very important, so for those locals that never travel or live anywhere else, it can be very difficult when they have to interact with non locals. It's also important to put yourself in another person's shoes. If you're part of the majority here, you immediately become "the haole" most other places on the mainland. If you're forced to move away from Hawaii, you'd not wanted to be treated unfairly because of your skin color or ethnicity. Same thing goes for people coming to Hawaii. From what I've seen, the "Aloha Spirit" is selective, so it's not really Aloha at all.
That’s why I love my Hawaii and we stand out so greatly in this huge nation of 50 states. Doesn’t matter what color you are, who your ancestors were, or what your race you are “ohana” to each other. We can tease each other about your race and still get a laugh out of it because we’re just so laid back like that haha. We are so close to figuring there is just 8 islands and no matter where you go you’ll recognize someone and probably the chances of you being related are very high! Much aloha bradda 🤙🏽
Thanks. I hope Hawaii keeps this same culture/attitude going forward.
Born and raised on Oahu to a local Japanese mother and a Haole father from the mainland, I had my share of fights in school because I looked haole like my dad but was raised but my "tataran no back down" mother. I was always "dat haole guy" until people got to know me, then I was "dat Portage guy". No can win, I tell you. LOL!!! Aloha
Fo' real 😂🤙🏻
🤣 Longtime I neva hear "tantaran!" "Dat Portage guy!" LOL
I really enjoy your videos. I’m born and raised here, and that’s the best explanation I’ve heard of how view racism in Hawaii. We’re all mixed and it’s hard to say anything about another race without making fun of yourself or another family member. And most of our jokes are interchangeable. Like how Spam is Portuguese steak, but if you’re Portuguese, it’s Hawaiian Steak. I find this one of the best things about Hawaii.
Thanks. Glad you enjoyed the videos. Race is a tough thing to talk about, but it's important in the local culture.
Excellent you judge somebody’s character, I usually split it in two kinds of people assholes and non assholes. All colors of people have them.
Amen to that.
Enjoyed your points. I have to say that growing up in Hawaii as a hapa-haole was hell.... constantly verbally abused, called slurs, and even had things (trash, rocks) thrown at me as a kid for no reason other than my skin color. I am actually of chop suey bloodlines, and I am Polynesian and Asian, but I look white, and I can say that the racism (at least in the 80's) was disgusting.
Sorry to hear it was so rough. I'm not sure how it is now, but hope it's gotten better.
Racism is disgusting , period.
Theres also the fact that people from one state are COMPLETELY different from people from others. Haha. If you went to California theres more people of other races than there are white people and its really not a big deal at all. I think generalizing the mainland as one huge place with all the same kinds of people is a total misnomer. Colorado aint Connecticut aint California etc. Just saying people naturally get comfortable with what theyre used to and that isnt necessarily good or bad. It just means more chances to try new things and grow no matter where you go.
I think lots of peeps in HI still think of the mainland as Haole but that's not true. Everybody here is mixed now lots of us Hispanic, I think the haole from the mainland thing has expired in around the 90s
Very interesting and enjoyable discussion. I'm an older white guy from San Diego who studied music at UH Manoa in 2004-2006 (mainly because my previous degree meant I couldn't get into any California colleges, but also because I liked the idea of living in Hawaii). One of the first things I learned was what it's like to be disliked on sight. Not just on campus, which I can understand because the locals were naturally suspicious of an older white man (but I read an article in the school paper by a young white student who said she was discriminated against), but just walking down the street. If you stay in Waikiki, you're accepted. But if you go to say, Kaimuki, a middle-class neighborhood, you're not going to be greeted with smiles. In some stores their plain reaction was hostility, as in 'what are you doing here?' I'm kind of sensitive so it definitely bothered me, even though I understood it (Hey, rich white guy, why don't you go back where you belong?). The only people at school who were friendly to me were also outsiders. But despite all that I had many good experiences, and I look back on it fondly. And I got my B.A. in music.
You definitely found a 'niche' (pronounced: neesh? or nitch?) in CZcams to speak your mind in an engaging and enlightening way. I'm preparing for a trip to Oahu, and I keep getting sidetracked from planning when I go off on tangents of listening to the social-cultural commentary/observations in your videos. Thank you for your perspective!!!
I lived on Oahu for many years ~ and I had a lot of Hawaiian friends ~ went to an AA meeting several days a week at the park in Kailua and there were a lot of Hawaiians and haoles there ~ it encouraged love among us all ~ not sure what it meant exactly but I heard a comment that I was "a local haole." I felt very close to many local Hawaiians ~ went to the beach constantly, bowling, boating and even had the delicious pleasure of kalua pig........my heart still lives there even thought I am no longer there. Maybe I was just lucky not to be shunned.
Wonderful conversation going on in the comments. Quite a variety. Very civil, mostly. Thanks. Despite its difficulties, Hawaii is still a wonderful place full of good people who want to be fair to everyone. But I remember years ago when the "Locals Only" bumper stickers came out. Local meant not-Haole. So you were right about that. Haoles also aren't readily identified as from Hawaii when on the mainland, or as readily included in Hawaii social groups anywhere.
Also, the word "haole" is used in the ancient Kumulipo, so obviously had an ancient meaning (I'm a student of Hawaiian culture and language); and I always was told it meant "stranger/foreigner" (and was earlier used to describe any race), Until the 1980s when suddenly it was defined as coming from the first encounter with the English explorer, Cook. And it was supposed to mean "without breath of life." So that was a dig of the knife at local Haoles. After all, mainlanders could care less. So moving to the mainland was a relief for me.
I love Hawaii and its people and still remain engaged with Hawaii folks. I just don't think it loves me enough to struggle financially and socially to stay. Thanks for your treatment of this complex issue. I still think it's great that resilient people are able to take the banter and thrive. Us tender-hearted ones, no matter the race, often can't do it though. And I know light-skinned part-Hawaiians who are relieved to be away from the racial tensions there too.
Thanks for sharing. I agree. Glad this discussion isn't getting too chaotic.
Being Asian I had a great time in Hawaii, with race and discrimination more evident in the mainland, early on my pronounciation of certain words and manner of clothing makes me stand out as a foreigner. i remember being the only Filipino in my street in Laguna Niguel CA which was predominantly white.
Howzit? I lived on Oahu for 14 years. Retired navy. I spent lots of time getting to know the local culture. And though I am haole, folks still considered me local to some degree. I miss the isles greatly. I appreciate your perspective on your comments. One of the things I loved when working at the shipyard was that every "race" was free game for jokes. If you couldn't take it, you were too high strung. So, I learned to chillax (heard that word in Hawaii first). My life totally changed when I was there. Anyway, mahalo and aloha.
Mahalo for sharing. Yeah, I like hearing positive stories about how Hawaii changed people.
As an Asian American I concur with your thoughts. Hawaii to me will always be my spiritual home. Ever since my first trip to Maui at 10 I felt a deep connection that in my 10 year old mind I did not understand. Being a surfer, just furthered my love of Hawaii as I 've spent extended stays there with the college friends that I have made when they came to study (and surf) in Los Angeles. I've always felt comfortable with my eye shape/ hair color/stature in Hawaii and felt socially included. I really do wonder what it feels like to be at the top of the social hierarchy as someone who is blonde/blue eyed/ the revered alpha in a white suburb of Southern California who is. I have seen it in Asian Americans from Hawaii ,who came to the mainland with the sort of self confidence ready to tackle Hollywood and go on auditions. Whereas, as an Asian American raised in SoCal, I realized long ago that that is a no-go since we are considered at the bottom of the totem pole in White politics, entertainment, corporations, and dating if not downright invisible. Asian Americans are night and day depending on their state of origin and I've had long-winded discussions with a Filipino buddy from Ewa Beach about this. The American mainland is just a downright RACIST collective that pretends to be modern BUT the diversity narrative does NOT extend over to include people of Asian descent- its only about Blacks and Hispanics here. Picture this, would there be an all rallying, all unifying "Asian Lives Matter" NATIONAL movement/protests/riots /social media shouts extending for months on end if an Asian man was unjustly slaughtered in say Ohio?! hardly. I don't believe Americans favor us at all especially being mislabeled as the 'model minority'. Asians should NOT be mislabeled the "MODEL" MINORTY ( who came up with this absurd term and what Latino or Black cares to follow Asian approaches to life anyway!?) We are not models to anyone but the MINORITY OF MINORITIES since we are but 5 % of the US population and so poorly represented in media when we get any airtime at all. It's like the Anti-Asian laws of wartime 30'40's still exist in subtle ways where white male hegemonic powers decided against Asian male proliferation and co-existing in their empire. The mainland is not a TRUE melting pot like Hawaii where a child can have an Asian father and a white or non-asian mother. The mainland is a SALAD BOWL- no matter how many times you toss, the ingredients still retain their original characteristics. There are plenty Asian females dating or married to white men in the US but rarely do you see the other way around. Why is that so? Female tastes in men are dictated by social convention created by popular media and Hollywood has afforded us only embarrassing representations thus far. The mainland Asian American psyche is damaged and reeking of self-hatred from being raised as a minority under White Assimilation/Racism whereas the Hawaiian one is pure and a wonder to watch in action.
Dolby Derringer As a Japanese, I agree with you. I feel way more secure in Hawaii rather in mainland and the most wonderful thing is ..In Hawaii, you are still phsically in States while you are feeling so secure.
Thanks for sharing
My neighbor and his family are from the Philippines. I met his parents, I was so excited because I lived in Hawaii 1968 to 1989 and went to a Philapino wedding. I was the only white person there. I was never treated so well. I absolutely love the local culture and prefer them to the white people ‼️🤙
I live in Maui and as a mixed guy of European decent who uses please, thankyou, and how are you?, and people here let me know I AM HATED.
I work on a farm and when a group of Hawaiian/Samoans came to see my boss and their introduction sums up my experience “Who are you?”
I didn’t think using text book English would get me dirty looks.
Haole mean no breath and I meant as an insult.
Just get out of there
@@Lopezflies888 You’re awful. Seriously! Check yourself
Dude Man, this will also work in your favor depending where you are who you meet/befriend. I'm from AZ with 30 years here, most of it in Kona. I spent 3 years driving a delivery van on Oahu where 90% percent of my close friends were Hawaiian. I was welcomed with open arms as family - so much so many times I'd be the only Haole among hundreds of extended family members/friends at big local kine gatherings/luaus in Waimanalo.
It surely helped to break the ice by being a 40 year professional waterman/SAR Diver & freediver/UW hunter. Instant in & mutual respect.
But to my point. One of my closest Hawaiian buddies one eve over beers & pupus asked me why I didn't speak "da pidgin". I started off by reminding him I spent 3 years working as a diver in the Caribbean & understand & speak that version well. But there are places/situations there where it is completely necessary to communicate. Then straight up honestly, I explained here in Hawaii, to me, it just sounds "off" & insincere for a Malihini Haole to do that. Like I'm trying to get you like me using a means that doesn't belong to me. It feels dishonest & even deceptive, obsequious, & cowardly. Like a cowering new dog in the pack with it's tail between it's legs. I'm very conscious of my actions & words & do it in a humble yet comfortable, soft spoken way. All the while keenly aware, given certain personalities we encounter (your story), that the approach can be misinterpreted as arrogance.
My best buddy & carpentry/construction partner is Samoan. Big guy - played football at San Diego State-Degree in Psychology. He invited me to a gathering/party on the Hilo side. Said I'd likely (again!) be the only white guy there. Yes, he said "white guy" not haole. Not common knowledge, many "other" Polynesians, like my friend, HATE people assuming they speak Pidgin. He was smiling when informed me I'd have to ease off on my goofy satirical sense of humor. Something we share on the job site so much it's a wonder we don't fall off a scaffold laughing. Said, "...there are some you'll meet who won't get it. I want you to meet my family & friends. But I also need to make sure you get home in one piece."
Hawaii for mainlanders is the cool of coolness. So much so that even many California surfers, (a given that CA is considered the epitome of cool pretty much nationwide), who come here for the first time & immediately start with the, "Brah" this & "Brah" that. Ad nauseam!
There's an old local joke: (Q) What do you call an obnoxious CA surfer who comes here repeatedly rattling off the few pidgin words he knows? (A) Training brah.
The worst thing you can do is leave, it's your home too. If your mere existence makes these people seethe, then you are doing something right.
People will cope and say "oh but what about this thing that happened over 100 years ago" to justify clear cut racism, but at that point the dialogue is over. You can't reason with someone who thinks that categorically dehumanizing random people is a justifiable act of "revenge", and you don't get points for sympathizing with a person that despises you simply for existing. Ironically, many of the perpetrators aren't even real natives, just regular asians/micronesians with little to no native blood who put down whites as a way to opportunistically climb the social ladder. If someone acted this way towards immigrants on the mainland, they would be solemnly called out and ostracized, not passively tolerated and excused by society at large.
The worst thing is seeing all these pathologically f^cked up white people who have internalized their own mistreatment. The ones who keep repeating the tired mantra of "j-just don't act like a mainlander, maybe they'll consider you one of the good ones" as a way to cope with their own experiences of being racially bullied, knowing full well that even whites who lived in the archipelago for multiple generations can't escape the label.
Keep your dignity close and never hang your head low. You do not have to justify your existence to anybody and you are not obliged to grovel for your right to live there.
Dude, really enjoy your channel. The state of Hawaii should make you "Tourism Chief (Or whatever the title is called)," because you have amazing insight! Question: When you say "Can't handle" upon moving back to Hawaii, what are you referring to exactly?
Mahalo. Not sure I can qualify as a spokesperson for the State, but appreciate it. 😆 By "can't handle", it means can't cope with or deal with moving back to Hawaii.
thought you meant cant handle living on the mainland, etc....So, they move back to the islands, etc..Please look into Broadcast Journalism ..I believe God is telling me to Tell you that this is your calling...Perhaps you'd have to go back to school for that, etc..Im not sure..Or, just a couple classes. Anyhoos just wanted to say that..
I’m so glad to find your video. My husband is Asian American and I’ve been trying to get him to move to Hawaii. Hopefully this will influence him. 😉Anyway, Mahalo and I look forward to digging into your channel!!
Thanks.
I find that it varies from island to island. being white in Maui is alot different than being white in Moloka‘i
That's true. I'm sure Maui has a very different demographic.
Yeah Maui has a lot of white people
@@scully392z They're going to have one more starting in September. Me! lol
@@marklopes6676 People in Nevada say the same thing about Californians.
@@marklopes6676 I've lived in both California and Oregon. When I moved to Oregon there was a popular bumper sticker that said "Don't Californicate Oregon!" Later, when I was back in California selling real estate and some folks from Oregon came into the office wanting to buy property in California, I said "You're not coming down here to Oregonicate California are you?" They laughed.
I lived on Oahu for 9 years as a child. It was hard growing up there. And I understand discrimination and racism. I also have Asperger's syndrome which I think didn't make things any easier. I was always told to love my neighbor and be kind to others. I've always tried to live that way. I don't even curse. But I've never understood why people would beat me up for just being me or different? One time I was at Disney land in California and a school mate recognized me and asked why there were so much haoles? I told him that I'm not a haole, your the haole . He said, "I'm not white." I said," It doesn't mean that you're white, it means that you're a foreigner/ outsider." And he said," No it doesn't." And his father said, " Yes you are." I believe that not very much Hawaiian families teach their children what the true meaning of what haole really means.
I'm sorry you had this experience. It must be especially hard with Asbergers. The schools here are so pathetically horrendous esp toward children with special needs.
@@Lopezflies888 It’s more like a double whammy because I would get discriminated not just by the locals but also by everyone else who doesn’t understand Asperger’s syndrome and it’s been this way most of my life. Law enforcement is horrible to people with mental disorders and they treat them like common criminals. It’s like anything in life you have to live and learn, but the world around us is slow to change and understanding of people with mental differences and they are more likely to judge you first than understand you. I am fortunate that I am high functioning and I can learn new things all of the time but people on the lower part of the spectrum don’t have that advantage. But the so called normal people of the world either don’t understand, don’t care, or don’t want to understand and it makes it even harder for people on the spectrum to be able to be treated like a human being. And I see it as if it was the same thing as racism even though it’s not, it’s just another way to discriminate those who are different.
@@willisjackson7029 I sympathize with your post because I have a child who is autism level 2 mostly non verbal. Her IQ is 115 so she is extremely intelligent. But her developmental disabilities is going to get in the way of functioning. It really broke my heart to hear your story on so levels. I don't want her to have to face this world. People want you to fit into a box. They don't know some people are slower to respond or cannot talk. There is just so much ignorance about this I can't imagine facing racism on top of it. 😢 Here in Hawaii the DOE are a bunch of thugs with a few good teachers here and there but they let bullying go unnoticed. We're working on getting to the mainland where she can get a better education and better care
@@Lopezflies888 I remember when I was 8 years old and I tested to get into a private school in Mililani a city on Oahu and I scored so high that they put me in the advanced placement class and then they took me back out when they saw that I was slower than the rest of the class. And that is a thing that is still a normal part of my life. I am slower than most people in how I do meticulous work and I’m discriminated for being too slow in the workplace. Some things I can develop speed as I become more familiar with the tasks but too much of the world wants me to do everything at their speed right away and I can’t process things that quickly unless I’m more familiar with the tasks at hand. And because of it I lose my jobs because of some lies that they make up about me. I even have worked for a company that specializes in the mental health community and when I had a problem with one of the supervisors they told me that nothing would happen to me and my job, but then a month later they fired me for supposedly cussing at my supervisor and I don’t cuss. Even in the so called professional world where people like me are supposed to get support they still get away with bullying or neglecting what the client’s needs, wants, etc, etc…… For something that is supposed to be there to help me and others on the spectrum they still don’t really care about our community. The world, the majority, they all rather push us aside and forget about us. They don’t even want to give us a chance. It’s a crying shame. And for the people who do care, they are very few and far in between from making an impact on this neglect of humanity. The only jobs that I’ve had great experiences with have gone out of business or left my state. I dislike the fact that there is a law that allows employers to get away with discrimination with some legal terms disguising it as something that can be interpreted too many ways. They call it the right to work law, and they don’t have to give a reason or explanation to let you go, fired, laid off, etc, etc…… The law protects the businesses but not the workers or employees, especially those with a developmental disorder. And what you said about about the DOE that sounds like what I remember happening to me when I lived on Oahu, they just turned the other cheek and said show me proof and then the one time that I had it they still let the bully get away with their crimes.
@@willisjackson7029 My child is on SSI already. I don't want her to even try to be part of this dog eat dog world. Even in Hawaii it's competitive. Thank you for confirming how awful it is. I'm so 😔 sorry. People just don't understand anything outside the box.
My cousins were born in Hawaii and grew up there. I did not. But I visited and as a Mexican/White mix it was a mixed bag. Some people were very warm and welcoming but there was a barrier the locals had towards me. I felt, at least in a very general sense the locals were far more cold and withdrawn than I’ve ever experienced in the places I’ve lived or in say New York City for example. New York and California get reputations for being cold but I felt it far more in Hawaii with family than I ever did in SoCal. I don’t know if it was because I was a stranger, Mexican/White or what. But I’m kinda used to it being mixed. I will say once I was able to be able to talk to locals they were some of the chillest dudes I’ve ever hung with.
The one thing I always thought was cool was how my cousins spoke. Something about the cadence of pigeon just sounded so cool.
Anyway thanks for the vid. Much love and support from Orange County in SoCal! 🤙🏽
Half Mex here too. They DEF don't understand our culture. It's really a shame because we DA BEST
Aloha from Ewa Beach, braddah! I’ve been a local for 18 years on Oahu and grew up on the mainland. This is the best description of how things are here as far as race is concerned. It’s hard to explain to someone from the mainland how race really isn’t an issue here.
Thanks. Glad you enjoyoed the video.
Annoying part I find about Hawaiians is they think the mainland is all the same. It is not, United States can vary greatly from coast to coast.
It’s very prejudice in Hawaii , especially towards African American but it’s mostly hidden . Not all but a lot are like that . But the trio about is that don’t want any body to know .
Grew up and graduated on maui and had to move to idaho, one of the biggest things i knowticed was how fast people give up because they can pay someone to do something or just replace things.
Yeah when I moved to Washington state from Hawaii in the 90’s as a kid I called myself Oriental because that’s what both my parents called people of Asian heritage, (they were both born in Hawaii) and my Japanese friend who had grown up on the mainland JUMPED on me about it, saying Oriental is a carpet etc etc and I how could I say that was like what are you supposed to say then? And she said Asian. Honestly I wasn’t used to saying that, it was either oriental or the nationality that the person was or majority identified with or looked like-Japanese, Korean, Filipino etc.