TDF

Colonization is the takeover of a state by other states. This is usually done by a powerful country
taking control of non-powerful countries in terms of their land, resources, and also their
population. In the post-contact article, every island in Oceania in 1900 was placed under foreign
rule through destabilization and cession or outright conquest (Chapelle, 2013). Foreign countries
such as the Portuguese and Spanish came to the western and eastern parts of the Pacific in 1513
(Chapelle, 2013). The main goal of foreign explorers is to conquer our land, use our resources
for their wealth, and turn our people into slaves or workers. Therefore, colonization has greatly
changed the way of life of Pacific people in terms of beliefs, a system of rule, education, and
culture (values).
Colonization, however, had a positive impact on the Pacific country in terms of the educational
system. Before the Pacific people learned through storytelling (talanoa), they learned through
reading and writing with the help of the Western education system. Pacific people rely more on
imported food. Chapelle mentions that Oceania bought more imported food in the 1800s, which
changed its clothing, belief systems, and rules. People used to be ruled by a chief or "matai" of
the island, after colonization, most Pacific countries are democratic and diplomatic.
As a citizen of Oceania, what do you think about the impact of colonization? Is it positive or
negative?
Reference

Chappell, D. A., 2013. The postcontact period. In: M. Rapaport, ed. THE PACIFIC ISLANDS
Environment and Society . Honolulu: University of Hawai'i, pp. 138 - 145.

RESPONSE 1:

Colonialism has influenced our lives in many ways. In your views, what are the
causes of Colonialism?

I agree with you completely, but from my point of view, colonization has brought many changes in terms
of beliefs, government system, and especially the education system. Our Pacific people learn through
storytelling (Talanoa) when colonization arrived in Oceania, they changed the education system to their
liking, and they teach our people through reading and writing as we see today. But the positive way
provided a lot of opportunities in terms of jobs and further studies
RESPONSE 2:

Do you think colonization is a good idea?

In my opinion, colonization is a good idea only because it adapts our educational system to the Western
educational system. The change in our education system has had a very positive effect on the present
situation because it gives our generation the opportunity to further their education in other countries
and to work abroad; also, people from the Pacific region can immigrate to another country because of
their educational background. But in terms of our culture, colonization has affected our culture, it is
changing our diet, our people are relying more on imported food. Our system of government has
changed. In the past, the chiefs, our "Matai", ruled the island, but now all decisions are made by the
government, even if the chief or the “Matai” agree or disagree. Therefore, colonization has a positive
and negative impact to our Pacific country but only the people can waive the changes.