Throughout my time on Pohnpei I have witnessed a constant dynamic among the local people. While the western influence has pervaded into almost every aspect of society there are still elements of the original Pohnpeian culture. As I have mentioned before, many of these elements have been perverted by the western influence. A great example of this is sakau. Previously, sakau was a ceremonial drink that was only drank by the high traditional leaders on very special occasions. Now it is drank by over 70% of the islanders daily.
This constant dynamic I speak of is how the islanders are “stuck in between.” They are Pohnpeians, which holds its own traditions and customs, but also have the western culture and its accompanying expectations forced upon them. How does one strike a balance between these two cultures? How do young Pohnpeians form their identity amidst all the confusion? There aren’t any easy answers to these questions and the lack of answers often leads to fatal consequences. Suicide rates in Micronesia, particularly for young adult males, are among the highest in the world. Even during my six months here, I have heard several tragic stories of young people taking their lives.
This problem is far more complex than I could ever address in a short blog article. It’s worth noting though that suicide is a major issue in areas where the original culture has been taken away or perverted. Look no further than Native American reservations. In many ways, Micronesians are facing the same issues as the Native Americans – both struggle with alcoholism, drug abuse, suicide, unemployment and many other issues.
While there are numerous factors that contribute to all the issues facing these indigenous people who have lost their culture, I believe that one of the largest causes is the loss of community. It’s a well-known fact that the modern western culture champions an individualistic narrative, while community is tossed to the side. In my opinion this is a troubling issue for all people, but is especially so for individuals whose entire culture revolves around the community. We really shouldn’t be surprised at these horrific consequences given what these people have been through.
As I have mentioned before, I believe the easiest way to “fix” Pohnpei would be to shut down the airport and stop all the ships from carrying in cargo from the outside world. Pohnpei would be forced to go back to its original culture and while the transition would be tumultuous at times, I believe many of the issues facing Pohnpei today would slowly diminish until they were eliminated completely. However, this will likely never happen. Where do we go from here?
Well that’s not an easy question and there are many things that need to be done to help these people cope with being stuck in between two different worlds. With our education program, we are helping hundreds of students with their English skills so they can pursue further education and hopefully return to their homeland and find modern-day answers to the issues present throughout these islands. The challenges facing indigenous communities are complex beyond our understanding. But while reform can only come from within, we as outsiders can help create the environment in which change is possible.
This post was inspired by FSM Cultural Day which was this past Friday. I found it mind blowing to see people adopt one identity in these cultural dances, then watch them adopt another identity by hopping in their car and picking up some soda at a local store. A not-so-great video I took of one of the dances is posted below. If you're really interested there's a longer, well-done video someone did of the days events below that.
This constant dynamic I speak of is how the islanders are “stuck in between.” They are Pohnpeians, which holds its own traditions and customs, but also have the western culture and its accompanying expectations forced upon them. How does one strike a balance between these two cultures? How do young Pohnpeians form their identity amidst all the confusion? There aren’t any easy answers to these questions and the lack of answers often leads to fatal consequences. Suicide rates in Micronesia, particularly for young adult males, are among the highest in the world. Even during my six months here, I have heard several tragic stories of young people taking their lives.
This problem is far more complex than I could ever address in a short blog article. It’s worth noting though that suicide is a major issue in areas where the original culture has been taken away or perverted. Look no further than Native American reservations. In many ways, Micronesians are facing the same issues as the Native Americans – both struggle with alcoholism, drug abuse, suicide, unemployment and many other issues.
While there are numerous factors that contribute to all the issues facing these indigenous people who have lost their culture, I believe that one of the largest causes is the loss of community. It’s a well-known fact that the modern western culture champions an individualistic narrative, while community is tossed to the side. In my opinion this is a troubling issue for all people, but is especially so for individuals whose entire culture revolves around the community. We really shouldn’t be surprised at these horrific consequences given what these people have been through.
As I have mentioned before, I believe the easiest way to “fix” Pohnpei would be to shut down the airport and stop all the ships from carrying in cargo from the outside world. Pohnpei would be forced to go back to its original culture and while the transition would be tumultuous at times, I believe many of the issues facing Pohnpei today would slowly diminish until they were eliminated completely. However, this will likely never happen. Where do we go from here?
Well that’s not an easy question and there are many things that need to be done to help these people cope with being stuck in between two different worlds. With our education program, we are helping hundreds of students with their English skills so they can pursue further education and hopefully return to their homeland and find modern-day answers to the issues present throughout these islands. The challenges facing indigenous communities are complex beyond our understanding. But while reform can only come from within, we as outsiders can help create the environment in which change is possible.
This post was inspired by FSM Cultural Day which was this past Friday. I found it mind blowing to see people adopt one identity in these cultural dances, then watch them adopt another identity by hopping in their car and picking up some soda at a local store. A not-so-great video I took of one of the dances is posted below. If you're really interested there's a longer, well-done video someone did of the days events below that.
Now that's a lot of culture --- a Yapese dance on FSM Cultural Day
Talk about loss of culture - 1892, at the Carlisle Indian School, in Carlisle, PA
Recent panorama shot from atop Sokehs Rock
