It's time for a little history, folks!
But first, let's look at the present. Currently, there is an alarming divide between Native Hawaiians and the rest of the population that resides in the Aloha State. After its annexation in 1898, a significant amount of what originally belonged to the natives was seized. Fast forward to present day - the country a now post-racial society - the aftermath of James Cook's decision to land on Hawaii in 1778 can still be felt-- especially among its women.
But before 1778, Hawaii was a different paradise than it is now. In fact, one of the more prominent leaders at the time was a woman. Queen Liliuokalani ruled the islands and its people. Although the natives didn't implement the concepts of money and profit, they flourished with many commodities that were brought over by the Polynesians thousands of years ago. Goods like taro, pigs, dogs, chickens, sweet potatoes, sugar cane and bananas became natural resources.
Queen Liliuokalani
Unfortunately, European and American capitalists dramatically altered the landscape upon their arrival. The native's religion and language were banned from being taught. And many of them would die from the new diseases that were introduced by the colonists.
What makes Queen Liliuokalani exceptionally interesting is that she was the last reigning queen of the islands. Despite of her efforts to keep the islands under native rule, she would be forced to bow down to the United States and essentially force herself to step down in power.
Fascinating documentary excerpt on Queen Liliuokalani
It can be argued that women taking the backseat in terms of political power is a western concept, but Liliuokalani is but one case of many great women that ruled throughout world history. These days, women are now finding themselves at the forefront of the political spectrum. Patsy Takemoto Mink, would become the first Asian American woman to be elected to congress - in the House of Representatives for the state of Hawaii coincidentally enough - but certainly not the last in the government sphere. In August of 2012, President Barack Obama nominated Pamela Ki Mai Chen to serve as a federal judge. A landmark decision for both Asian American women and LGBTQ individuals.
Pamela Ki Mai Chen
Although it continues to be difficult for Asian American women to rise in the ranks of politics - a white, male-dominated field - many of them seeking to change their communities and government for the better, keep the spirit of pioneers like Queen Liliuokalani alive within them.
Thank you for the brush up on Hawaiian history! In Hawaii, Queen Liliuokalani is definitely State wide celebrated along with King Kamehameha. I really liked the documentary you posted. It reminds me of the videos the museums would show in Hawaii (especially at Iolani Palace). If you get the chance to go to Hawaii, make sure you take a tour at the Palace! It’s amazing! There’s also a Gallery Exhibit if you’re really interested in history.
ReplyDeleteIt is nice to see that women are stepping up and regaining some power. The women in congress now may not be holding as high of positions as the men, but they are slowly getting up there. As a matter of fact: “Of the 90 women serving in the 112th congress, 4 are Asian American. Of the 75 women serving in statewide elective executive offices, one is Asian American. Of the 1,750 women state legislators serving nation wide, 36 are Asian American.” Along with Patsy Takemoto Mink and Pamela Ki Mai Chen, Collen Hanabusa and Mazie Hirono are also well known Asian American Women who represent Hawaii in Congress along with Judy Chu and Doris Matsui who represent California.
Here is a link to the site where I got the facts above from. This page also has a list of Asian American Women Politicians. http://www.cawp.rutgers.edu/fast_facts/women_of_color/FastFacts_AsianWomeninOffice.php