Patrisha Daley

Pacific Islanders
09/30/14
Essay 1

Essay 1
What is your perspective of Pacific Islanders?

My opinion and perspective on the pacific people has changed dramatically while sitting
through this course. I used to be afraid of them. Their size and ways intimidated me. I used to
think they were dumb and didnt fit in with our nation and our way of living. But now I have
learned that they are very sweet people with many different amazing teachings and ways of
living. No matter where they are, their teachings and beliefs come first. I now look up to them.
I look up to them for many reasons. They are great people who have a great
understanding on how things are and how they should be. They are very knowledgeable. Their
ways of teaching and learning are so creative. The way they use Talanoa (module 4), really
stands out to me. Its amazing how they use that to teach their younger generations and people
who are just looking to learn. Their way of telling stories to pass on knowledge is just
remarkable. I truly believe that they are smart people who have their own way of living and that
way of living is outstanding. They are all united through space and connections, when our nation

is divided by different political views and religions. We are taught through text books and
lectures, not stories and personal experience. They all believe in the same thing, the same way of
thinking making their group, in my opinion, unstoppable.
Another great thing that stood out to me about the Pacific people, is how to them, family
comes first, they always come first. (Module 3, article 2 and 3). Not only is that, but everyone in
the community accepted by one another. Taumafa and his story spoke out to me. At the end of
his story he said that although his money went from a lot to a little he was happier than ever. The
way the pacific people and their families stand and work together is amazing. If one person
makes more than others, its the persons responsibility to make sure the others get what they
want and need. Even if they live far away that person sends money back to his family. The love
that these people show for each other is unreal.
So, I guess my perspective of them, besides the major intimidation that I get for them,
they are genuine people. I wish our community was more connected personally. They are sweet
people who have their own views and they live with that with no distractions. I love how they
show love and compassion to each other through personal relationships and even just friendly
relationships. Although I still am learning about their views, cultural ways and teachings I can
see that they are united and caring people who are educated, that I hope one day I can create a
better relationship with them instead of being intimidated by them so much.

Work Cited
Talanoa, Module 4, Articles, Talanoa Research Methalogy: A Developing Position on
Pacific Research, by Timote M. Smith, published in Waikato Journal of Education 12: 2006,
and Talanoa Process: The Case of Fiji, by Sitiveni Halapua, Ph.D.

Module 3, Article 2 Indigenous and Authentic and Article 3, Polynesian Parable J

Willard, Marriot Library, University of Utah, Electronic Reserve Course Materials.