Labels & Stereotypes

By Reniqua Allen

These days, the term gentrifier is like a dirty word.

Mention that you are a gentrifier, and many may think of a yuppie type person that drinks Frappacino’s, has tons of money, belittles “locals,” and infiltrates communities.

By Janet Conner

 Sometimes there is a defining moment and we know that every tomorrow will be different from yesterday, different from today. When those moments affect our belief systems, we owe it to ourselves to sit up and take notice.

 Several years ago, I experienced one such defining moment that caused me to see race as an extraneous detail.

 Please do not misunderstand. I am not saying race is unimportant. I am not saying it should be ignored. However, there are instances when race becomes an unnecessary detail.

By Vivian J. Malauulu

 It was not easy growing up half Honduran and half Arab in an all black suburb of Los Angeles in the 1980s and 1990s, especially with “Williams” for a last name. Physically, I look more Latina than anything else, though on occasion I can appear Middle Eastern. Growing up, I was often chastised by the discrepancy between my last name and my appearance. To this day, my current last name – Malauulu – yields its share of raised eyebrows. My husband is Samoan.

By Holly Beretto

When most people think of the Aloha spirit, they think of sandy beaches and umbrella drinks. Clifford Nae’ole, however, knows it’s much more than that.

Its ancient echoes carry along the waves; its drums beat the ethnic history of a people.

Nae’ole is charged with delivering this message. He’s the cultural affairs advisor for the Ritz Carlton Kapalua, a resort located in West Maui. As part of his daily duties, Nae’ole shares the experiences of his people with every staff member and guest at the resort. A native Hawaiian, Nae’ole takes his role seriously.

“I want people to know what it means to be Hawaiian from the inside out,” he says, “These Islands have a magical, mystical pull.”

Nae’ole wants tourists to appreciate what he calls the “Hawaiian renaissance,” a re-discovery of Hawaiian celebrations, chants, sports, dance, and language.

“It’s very different now than when my father was a youngster,” says Nae’ole. “He was raised to not speak the language of our ancestors. Now, people want to know the language, and want to take part in old customs.”