Hawaiian National Consciousness

In the article Kuleana: Toward a Histography of Hawaiian National Consciousness, 1780-2001 by Kanalu Young, she synthetized a historgraphy regarding Hawaiian national consciousness. She does this by gathering historical transformations that were evident in Hawaii. Some of these were significant transformations that directly affected people, places and ideas in Hawaii. Young empathizes that a Hawaiian histography is the first step towards the revitalization of Hawaiian intellectualism. Further, for Hawaiian cultural sovereignty to be restored, Young said, intellectual and institutional reshaping should be achieved first. The article also includes historical context about Hawaiian cultural practices, values, and knowledge and helps us contextualize

I thought, it was just a place, with beautiful beaches, spas, resorts, hotels and the nice shining sun. Once I figured out that Hawaiians are under U.S control, especially for 200 years, I was surprised. If I were in the shoes of the Hawaiians, I could try to preserve their culture as much as possible by constantly practicing it, and thinking my own Hawaiian way. This article made me realize that every ethnic group had to go through ugly struggles, but once they did, that what makes them strong. It helped me to embrace Hawaiians and other ethnic groups now. Young’s article made me wonder that 1) Based on what we learned when we read these Hawaiian articles, how can we help these Hawaiians regain their sense of identity? Can colonialism be preventable in the first place? 2) Do you think decolonization will lead to cultural revitalization of these Hawaiians? Why or why not? Warner’s article raised me a critical question: 1) What are the limitations of the methods that Warner discusses that aid in the cultural revitalization of the Hawaiians? 2) Can the Hawaiian language be fully replenished with these methods of cultural