Comments for DAUGHTERS OF SAMOA http://samoanwoman.wordpress.com Being Samoan doesn't dictate who I am, but it definitely influences the woman I've become. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 02:04:19 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 Comment on Excuse Me, but Your Ignorance Is Showing by Donna http://samoanwoman.wordpress.com/2009/01/30/excuse-me-but-your-ignorance-is-showing/#comment-293 Donna Sat, 07 Nov 2009 02:04:19 +0000 http://samoanwoman.wordpress.com/?p=134#comment-293 Being married to a Tongan with 5 children now all grown up, I (a palangi) have been around the Pacific island people for almost 30 years and I certainly can attest not only to the "Samoan time/Tongan time issue but the children's behaviors depicted in this article. I've attended many a luau/gathering showing unruly children. That's not to say that any child regardless of ethnicity could not behave in the same manner. Also note that the form of discipline I've witnessed at times in response to children's naughty behavior has been downright abusive. Pinching, grabbing and beating do not change this behavior! In my opinion it only shows the child that the person who should protect them(and love them) the most from physical and emotional harm, is not capable. The respect that children may show only comes from submission Being married to a Tongan with 5 children now all grown up, I (a palangi) have been around the Pacific island people for almost 30 years and I certainly can attest not only to the “Samoan time/Tongan time issue but the children’s behaviors depicted in this article. I’ve attended many a luau/gathering showing unruly children. That’s not to say that any child regardless of ethnicity could not behave in the same manner. Also note that the form of discipline I’ve witnessed at times in response to children’s naughty behavior has been downright abusive. Pinching, grabbing and beating do not change this behavior! In my opinion it only shows the child that the person who should protect them(and love them) the most from physical and emotional harm, is not capable. The respect that children may show only comes from submission

]]> Comment on What on earth… by thesamoanwoman http://samoanwoman.wordpress.com/2007/10/22/what-on-earth/#comment-291 thesamoanwoman Sun, 01 Nov 2009 17:25:31 +0000 http://samoanwoman.wordpress.com/2007/10/22/what-on-earth/#comment-291 Thanks Mary OL for your thoughts. It's very nice to actually hear from one of the guys sporting the look:-). I'm sure you're right about the shared sense of brotherhood that the long hair brings out amongst all the Samoans on the field. Good luck to you and your team. Thanks Mary OL for your thoughts. It’s very nice to actually hear from one of the guys sporting the look:-). I’m sure you’re right about the shared sense of brotherhood that the long hair brings out amongst all the Samoans on the field. Good luck to you and your team.

]]> Comment on What on earth… by Mary OL http://samoanwoman.wordpress.com/2007/10/22/what-on-earth/#comment-290 Mary OL Thu, 29 Oct 2009 23:27:25 +0000 http://samoanwoman.wordpress.com/2007/10/22/what-on-earth/#comment-290 I am a 23 year old Samoan offensive linemen and I too sport the long bushy black hair look. Originally from a highly Samoan populated area in North Seattle, now playing football in North Dakota (not very many usos, but a few) I feel that the long hair, for our generation, especially in sports is more of a bridge, connection, or bond between myself and the other polys I play against. We play against schools from Minnesota, South Dakota, Nebraska and, Iowa where it is safe to say that polys and Samoans specifically are few and far between. But when we play against each other, long hair or no hair, there is an unspoken bond of friendship. The hair is merely a statement that I use to say, "I know that people see this hair and think Samoan, and in my case you are right. I am very proud." I wouldn't say it's a direct culture reference but I would say it is a metaphor for our people's dedication to tradition, strong work ethic, strong sense of respect for family and self, and tight community. I know that when I play in a football game and there is a poly on the other team whether I notice because they have long hair or by there name, I make a special effort to be sure to greet them, congratulate them on a good game, find out where they are from, and wish them well. So i guess what I am trying to say is that I agree with this original blog about the direct connection between our culture and my hair, but also I am trying to help understand the method behind the madness of our long flowing locks. Watching guys like Troy Polamalu and Chris Kemoautu of the Pittsburgh Steelers kids growing up see them and want to be like them both in football ability, and in appearance and I get that. Bottom line for me when I'm out on the field I feel comfortable with my long hair. I think I look good. Look good, feel good. Feel good, play good. Thank You. I am a 23 year old Samoan offensive linemen and I too sport the long bushy black hair look. Originally from a highly Samoan populated area in North Seattle, now playing football in North Dakota (not very many usos, but a few) I feel that the long hair, for our generation, especially in sports is more of a bridge, connection, or bond between myself and the other polys I play against. We play against schools from Minnesota, South Dakota, Nebraska and, Iowa where it is safe to say that polys and Samoans specifically are few and far between. But when we play against each other, long hair or no hair, there is an unspoken bond of friendship. The hair is merely a statement that I use to say, “I know that people see this hair and think Samoan, and in my case you are right. I am very proud.” I wouldn’t say it’s a direct culture reference but I would say it is a metaphor for our people’s dedication to tradition, strong work ethic, strong sense of respect for family and self, and tight community. I know that when I play in a football game and there is a poly on the other team whether I notice because they have long hair or by there name, I make a special effort to be sure to greet them, congratulate them on a good game, find out where they are from, and wish them well. So i guess what I am trying to say is that I agree with this original blog about the direct connection between our culture and my hair, but also I am trying to help understand the method behind the madness of our long flowing locks.
Watching guys like Troy Polamalu and Chris Kemoautu of the Pittsburgh Steelers kids growing up see them and want to be like them both in football ability, and in appearance and I get that.
Bottom line for me when I’m out on the field I feel comfortable with my long hair. I think I look good.
Look good, feel good. Feel good, play good.

Thank You.

]]> Comment on Samoan-American by Moanalei Feiloakitau-Reid http://samoanwoman.wordpress.com/2008/11/21/samoan-american/#comment-289 Moanalei Feiloakitau-Reid Wed, 16 Sep 2009 08:57:30 +0000 http://samoanwoman.wordpress.com/?p=83#comment-289 Hello, I appreciate what your saying. I was born in the states and have always lived here. All of my uncles and aunties and my mom were born in American Samoa, Masefau to be precised. Something happened with my mom and her family because she stopped speaking to us in Samoan and telling us about our Samoan side. I am half black, samoan and tongan. It hurt me because I would have loved to learn about my Samoan side so I envy people who have that luxury you know that they know about themselves. Especially when it comes to the language. I have tried to learn on my own but it's not the same as someone teaching me. I love my mother, god rest her soul, but as a 25 year old woman I am now trying to pick up the pieces and find myself culturally and it is hard because I have no one to guide me. I have been back to Samoa quite a few times but never long enough to get the knack of the language. I have looked for learning resources in Seattle but have not seemed to find any. If anyone has any suggestions please feel free to let me know. Thanks sorry it was so long Hello, I appreciate what your saying. I was born in the states and have always lived here. All of my uncles and aunties and my mom were born in American Samoa, Masefau to be precised. Something happened with my mom and her family because she stopped speaking to us in Samoan and telling us about our Samoan side. I am half black, samoan and tongan. It hurt me because I would have loved to learn about my Samoan side so I envy people who have that luxury you know that they know about themselves. Especially when it comes to the language. I have tried to learn on my own but it’s not the same as someone teaching me. I love my mother, god rest her soul, but as a 25 year old woman I am now trying to pick up the pieces and find myself culturally and it is hard because I have no one to guide me. I have been back to Samoa quite a few times but never long enough to get the knack of the language. I have looked for learning resources in Seattle but have not seemed to find any. If anyone has any suggestions please feel free to let me know. Thanks sorry it was so long

]]> Comment on What on earth… by aitchaitch http://samoanwoman.wordpress.com/2007/10/22/what-on-earth/#comment-288 aitchaitch Tue, 15 Sep 2009 05:49:25 +0000 http://samoanwoman.wordpress.com/2007/10/22/what-on-earth/#comment-288 I am a non-Samoan who was just watching a football game and decided to once and for all find out if the long hair on Samoan football players was indeed a cultural nod. A Google search led me to this blog, but it also led me to a book excerpt about Western Samoa that indicates it was a ancestral tradition (pp. 67-68 of Lagaga: a short history of Western Samoa, by Malama Meleisea, Penelope Schoeffel Meleisea) http://books.google.com/books?id=Gt_RrCAkctwC&pg=PA68&lpg=PA68&dq=samoan+male+long+hair&source=bl&ots=_8nqH6OLKL&sig=WDTL3PW0Ua8okd7QcHZKrHpghvY&hl=en&ei=jiWvSo_GOYqeswPT8J3DCw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2#v=onepage&q=samoan%20male%20long%20hair&f=false) So now I am confused. I guess I need to study the subject more... I am a non-Samoan who was just watching a football game and decided to once and for all find out if the long hair on Samoan football players was indeed a cultural nod. A Google search led me to this blog, but it also led me to a book excerpt about Western Samoa that indicates it was a ancestral tradition (pp. 67-68 of Lagaga: a short history of Western Samoa, by Malama Meleisea, Penelope Schoeffel Meleisea) http://books.google.com/books?id=Gt_RrCAkctwC&pg=PA68&lpg=PA68&dq=samoan+male+long+hair&source=bl&ots=_8nqH6OLKL&sig=WDTL3PW0Ua8okd7QcHZKrHpghvY&hl=en&ei=jiWvSo_GOYqeswPT8J3DCw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2#v=onepage&q=samoan%20male%20long%20hair&f=false)

So now I am confused. I guess I need to study the subject more…

]]> Comment on Dark-skinned palagis by Samoana http://samoanwoman.wordpress.com/2008/12/08/dark-skinned-palagis/#comment-287 Samoana Thu, 03 Sep 2009 14:33:24 +0000 http://samoanwoman.wordpress.com/?p=98#comment-287 I am NOT proud to be Samoan, I had no input or choice in the matter (please don't misinterpret this opening statement - I am simply stating my faith: Pride is a Sin). However, I am thankful and blessed to have a loving traditional Samoan family, parents who taught me right from wrong, who gave me as much love and direction as they possibly could. Personally my faa-Samoa has faded drastically over the years due to zilch association with other Samoans, besides my immediate family. I have nothing against our people, to put it simply, my chosen lifestyle, experiences and overall way of living is vastly different to that of my siblings, for example. I am married to a Palagi, who encourages me to embrace the positive aspects of the Samoan-way-of-life but I guess in all honesty many things that I associate the Samoan culture with bring back not-so-fond childhood memories. Considering I am light brown-skinned, married to a white guy and struggle to put together a full sentence in our Mother-tongue, does that make it right for people to label me as a "fia-Palagi"? Why don't we each focus on our own lives, adjust what needs to be changed and continue with our own journeys? If there are Samoans out there who disregard their roots, it's their loss. I am NOT proud to be Samoan, I had no input or choice in the matter (please don’t misinterpret this opening statement – I am simply stating my faith: Pride is a Sin). However, I am thankful and blessed to have a loving traditional Samoan family, parents who taught me right from wrong, who gave me as much love and direction as they possibly could.

Personally my faa-Samoa has faded drastically over the years due to zilch association with other Samoans, besides my immediate family. I have nothing against our people, to put it simply, my chosen lifestyle, experiences and overall way of living is vastly different to that of my siblings, for example. I am married to a Palagi, who encourages me to embrace the positive aspects of the Samoan-way-of-life but I guess in all honesty many things that I associate the Samoan culture with bring back not-so-fond childhood memories.

Considering I am light brown-skinned, married to a white guy and struggle to put together a full sentence in our Mother-tongue, does that make it right for people to label me as a “fia-Palagi”?

Why don’t we each focus on our own lives, adjust what needs to be changed and continue with our own journeys? If there are Samoans out there who disregard their roots, it’s their loss.

]]> Comment on Rights for Illegals? by nets http://samoanwoman.wordpress.com/2009/02/24/rights-for-illegals/#comment-286 nets Thu, 13 Aug 2009 20:55:36 +0000 http://samoanwoman.wordpress.com/?p=185#comment-286 Sorry if this is a duplicate comment! First timer to your blog and I'm really enjoying reading through your posts. I'm a fellow Samoan from the islands, displaced elsewhere in the world :) I feel really passionate about this particular post because I've been in a similiar sitaution. I did it the long hard way (different nationality though) and it did frustrate me the times that illegal immigrants were handed the very same things I had to wrok hard for practically on a silver platter. Keep up the great posts. Am eagerly anticipating your next one. Malo lava Sorry if this is a duplicate comment!

First timer to your blog and I’m really enjoying reading through your posts. I’m a fellow Samoan from the islands, displaced elsewhere in the world :)

I feel really passionate about this particular post because I’ve been in a similiar sitaution. I did it the long hard way (different nationality though) and it did frustrate me the times that illegal immigrants were handed the very same things I had to wrok hard for practically on a silver platter.

Keep up the great posts. Am eagerly anticipating your next one. Malo lava

]]> Comment on Rights for Illegals? by nets http://samoanwoman.wordpress.com/2009/02/24/rights-for-illegals/#comment-285 nets Thu, 13 Aug 2009 20:43:43 +0000 http://samoanwoman.wordpress.com/?p=185#comment-285 Hi! I'm a new reader to your blog, fellow Samoan and I'm loving reading through your posts! I completely agree with all your points with this post, having been through similiar situation i.e doing it the legal and long way round. Keep up the great posts :) Hi! I’m a new reader to your blog, fellow Samoan and I’m loving reading through your posts!

I completely agree with all your points with this post, having been through similiar situation i.e doing it the legal and long way round.

Keep up the great posts :)

]]> Comment on Samoa (the good, the bad, & the ugly) by Lavender Lilac http://samoanwoman.wordpress.com/2009/08/05/samoa-the-good-the-bad-the-ugly/#comment-284 Lavender Lilac Wed, 12 Aug 2009 01:33:28 +0000 http://samoanwoman.wordpress.com/?p=307#comment-284 Witty and honest...with a sense of humor and a little snip of sarcasm now and then! Love it! Witty and honest…with a sense of humor and a little snip of sarcasm now and then!

Love it!

]]> Comment on Samoa (the good, the bad, & the ugly) by Jody http://samoanwoman.wordpress.com/2009/08/05/samoa-the-good-the-bad-the-ugly/#comment-283 Jody Mon, 10 Aug 2009 06:57:26 +0000 http://samoanwoman.wordpress.com/?p=307#comment-283 Woohooo, u updated! malo le malaga manuia,...sounds like you had a great samoan holidays:both fun and costly hahah.. all that food talk is making me crave for some Pinati meal!!! cool....and prolly see you in Samoa in 10 years time hehe cheers, Jody Woohooo, u updated!
malo le malaga manuia,…sounds like you had a great samoan holidays:both fun and costly hahah..
all that food talk is making me crave for some Pinati meal!!!
cool….and prolly see you in Samoa in 10 years time hehe

cheers,

Jody

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