As an American I would often look down on these practices because of the financial strain that it puts on families especially with the way things have gone through the years with the economy being the way that it is and not always compensating for the work we do. Because of those reasons and many more, I did not agree with these gift giving practices. However, as a Samoan I know that this is who we are and part of our culture is taking care of each other. Pops always told me that our greatest form of insurance is our family. IF what this gentleman is saying is correct, then we do need to go BACK to the traditional way of doing things and take care of the family more than putting strain on the family. Yes, it is a sign of stature and it is a way to honor and recognize distinguished guests but at the expense of the well-being of our family? American or Samoan first, my common sense says NO. Im sure Ill get a lot of heat for this from some of our Samoan community as I have before - You dont understand ... You are a disgrace to your family and to your people ... You cannot escape who you are ... and the list goes on. Thing is, I DO understand the faasamoa because my family taught me even as I am born and raised here in America. If I cant support my family, THAT would be the ultimate disgrace. I know who I am and I am not trying to escape who and what I am - I participate in the faalavelave and if I dont know a person, I dont go to their funeral, minister/chief or not. It isnt because I dont want to honor them, but its because I care enough about THEIR families that I dont want them give me gifts that should be handed back to the struggling/mourning family. Anyway, thats my ten cents because my two cents are free.
Posted on: Fri, 21 Nov 2014 20:58:08 +0000
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