When the glass panel was kicked in, the door swung open with such force that it almost knocked over a very large bronze vase given to King Kalakaua in 1883 by Chinese immigrants in honor of his coronation. The close-up photo shows the tiny animal head that kept the vase from falling, because it protruded just enough to catch the door frame. It proves that small things can have a big impact! In continuing the discussion from yesterday, people have expressed the sentiment that for Native Hawaiians, an understanding of the wrongs of the past have not led to a greater appreciation of the present, but anger instead. This is a natural progression that affects everyone regardless of ethnicity because it is a human experience. Similar to going through the stages of grief, our eyes have been opened to the true history of Hawaii because of the cultural renaissance begun in the 1960s. Some people go through denial, and some go directly to rage and anger. There is nothing wrong with this. However, actions fueled by anger are nothing more than random acts of terrorism. Queen Liliuokalani stated that she “could not approve of mere rioting” in an attempt to restore the monarchy. Anger doesn’t bring about change, but it can be the catalyst. Anger becomes constructive when it evolves into passion to make a difference and to right a wrong. This also leads to acceptance that what has happened in the past cannot be changed, which allows us to focus on both the present and the future. Once again, the words of Liliuokalani ring powerful and true as she reflected on Hawaiian autonomy: “And while we sought by peaceful political means to maintain the dignity of the throne, and to advance national feeling among the native people, we never sought to rob any citizen, wherever born, of either property, franchise, or social standing.” So we encourage you to continue learning about the beautiful, complex, and tragic history of our islands. Feel sad, mad, inspired, enraged, and enlightened. Then join us on the journey to tell the world that Iolani Palace is a living restoration of a proud Hawaiian national identity and is recognized as the spiritual and physical multicultural epicenter of Hawaii, representing the thriving dignity of the unique people of Hawaii. After all is said and done, what matters the most is what’s in your heart, your mind, your naau, and not what race is indicated on your birth certificate, or the place where you were born.
Posted on: Thu, 13 Feb 2014 22:42:31 +0000
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