Re: JENNIFER LOPEZ on issue: The ROCK (SAMOA) vs. Hawaii ( Native's Prejudice) POLYNESIAN vs. POLYNESIAN. 2003, 2004, 2005

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Posted by on January 16, 2004 at 06:05:10:

In Reply to: Re: JENNIFER LOPEZ on issue: The ROCK (SAMOA) vs. Hawaii ( Native's Prejudice) POLYNESIAN vs. POLYNESIAN. 2003, 2004, 2005 posted by kama on November 02, 2003 at 16:32:13:

Dear JLO,
I appreciate your creative works & passion for the arts - aloso your sense of self identity. I have just read your comment dated June 27, 2003. Thank you for understanding my humble Hawaiian viewpoint on the making of a film regarding my ancestors. I am one of the great grand daughter's of the royal Kamehameha ali'i lineage. This honor is not taken lightly. My kupuna (the elders and keepers of the sacred fire/knowledge) are with me as I write you this note.
As a woman with multiple identities and talents...you seem to have managed to keep sight of what really matters (family and relationships). Your portrayal of 'Selena' was excellent - as a actress you were able to convey the life of one lovely young artist. I honestly believe that you may have been 'called by the spirit' in order to do the part (while you were working as a professional actor.)
However, the majority of Hawaiians do not believe that the The Rock - has the ability to portray matters of our entire Hawaiian nation by acting on behalf of our beloved King Kamehameha. The issue is not a successful film for main stream America. It does not matter that he was raised partially in Hawaii. Does he speak the Hawaiian language, understand or 'get to grips' with Hawaiian History, sit at our Hawaiian elders feet, understand the importance/significance of Hawaiian (not Samoan) genealogies, consider grass roots concerns, or native oppression? And if so...what is he doing about it? We are a living and thriving culture which feeds the world 'aloha'. The issue is even much more... there is the challenge of the portrayal of essence of Hawaiian History, with the appropriate representation, and the deep rooted spiritual concerns attached to our unique culture. Basically - The Rock has not earned, developed, or nurtured the 'right' to play such a part - on or off camera.
Native ancestral concerns are 'specific' to each group of island peoples...when you understand the language, chants, music, history, and artforms of us...you will regard these things as as sacred. You will see all the differnces quite clearly. You will feel their spirit.
I am not talking about some vacationing shallow perception of islanders i.e. having 'maitais' at a resort hotel - while on a quick vacation get away. Why not meet the lady who makes kapa in ka'awa, the aunty who teaches lomilomi in the valley, the kumu who teaches Hula in Hilo, the fisherman from kaunakakai, farmer from waianae, hookani pila from papakolea, or a struggling father of ten from makakilo...the list goes on and on...all Hawaiian. Dealing with Hawaiin issues - Living Hawaiian style.When you really meet the real people (who know what it means to be Hawaiian- please don't confuse these with Samoans who have lost their senze of self- and need to attach their existence to others- sub root/trans root/ or re-root themselves) When you meet the real people of Hawaii...you will understand these things.
Despite the info on this website which you responded to- you must know...Hawaiians are not Samoans. You may have read a bunch of invalid information on the internet - but I believe you are a intelligent woman- and will reconsider your stance. Why not enlighten your mind to 'na'au oia'io' - the 'truthful guts' of the issue before you put a stamp of approval on such an important issue?
The Rock may be your fellow colleague who changes appearances as an actor - however - our sacredness in Hawaii must remain. Issues of identity in the Pacific are a complex issue and controversial. Just one of many issues. Please consider this. Please read the comment by 'No mad scramble' - at asiapacificuniverse.com/asia_pacific/messages5/533.html


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