Racism: Not in my experience (Hilo, Waianae: fit in, hotels, school)

[DBale]

I'm saddened to see how many posts (and preconcieved ideas) there are about racism in the islands. The only thing that really terrified me about moving here was how my children would fit in - because my entire family is about as white as you can get. However in the 7 months we've been here we've not had ANY experiences of racism at all.

In fact, we have never felt more at home, or made so many good friends so quickly. Our circle of friends, our neighbors, co-workers (mostly all local) and church members have made us feel like Ohana from the start. Even our experiences with locals in Waianae and Makaha have been nothing but positive.

All of our children (ages 4 to 19) have made a huge amount of friends, and none of them (even being the minority by far in school) has every had any run in, or has ever heard a negative word spoken about their race...ever.

I'm not naive enough to know that racism doesn't exist, but I have yet to witness it here, whereas in California it was an undercurrent daily.

In the end, people are people no matter where you go, and most respond warmly to a smile. If the thought of racism is holding you back, don't give it another thought. The high cost of living is enough to contend with.

[Punaguide]

I think it totally depends on where you are living. I have moved on the islands about 7 times over the last 10 years and I can tell you sometimes it is just a matter of a street block. Just live one road further down and this all might change. I was always pretty lucky, but I know some of my friends weren't.

[Ghostgecko]

Me too! Remember my first two months on Base, I was terrified to go in town cause of people's stories. Till I realized these people were from the areas of racism! It's out there, but I only ran into trouble maybe three times in about five years. Not bad for a haole in an island of 1 million people.

From my own experience, if you don't mind me sharing, it's about how you carry yourself. If you feel that way, you'll get it back. I treated everybody equally, tried to respect and always enjoyed the place, and I rarely had issues. And sometimes, the military is the worst to be there! But I remember when I was way out west, where it's said to be "bad" I went into a convenience store, and the clerk looked at me mean. I dropped a smile immediately, said, Howsit, which I still for the life of me can't stop saying! and he smiled and we went on our way...

PEOPLE, please stop blowing this out of proportion. There are people everywhere who hate people everywhere. Ready for this....KEY WEST has racism! An island community known for "One Human Family" That's why I love Carlos Mencia, stupid people are everywhere...DEE DEE DEE!!!

[DBale]

I too agree it's how you carry yourself - but I have to say, I came with a chip on my shoulder (don't you dare mess with my family) and all I received for my troubles were warm smiles. Again, I don't pretend that it doesn't exist but I've found it less here than I did in California - and nobody worries about moving to California because of the racism.

Now the EXPENSE is another matter --- every time I pay that $3,275 rent, I want to cry!

[smarino]

Common sense would tell people that if there are a lot of posts about racism in Hawaii, maybe there's a reason? It exists, it is ugly, it is pretty much everywhere (but worse on different islands and parts of different islands), and it is the #1 reason we moved away. Now that we've been away a few years it is shocking to remember what we used to put up w/ in Hilo. Going on 4 years now on the mainland and no stink eye yet, or confrontation of any kind. Seemed to happen in Hawaii regularly. Who needs that?

[DBale]

Actually, I think there is a reason that there are "a lot of posts about racism" here - but I don't think it's because there is a lot of racism, I think there is an ulterior motive by a select few.

[scorpy01]

Originally Posted by DBale

Actually, I think there is a reason that there are "a lot of posts about racism" here - but I don't think it's because there is a lot of racism, I think there is an ulterior motive by a select few.

No ulterior motive when I posted. I love Kauai. I fell in love with the island on my first visit in 2001 and grew to love it more and more each time I returned.

I've spoken out against racism wherever I've seen it, no matter who the victim is or where it occurs. Shame on you for insinuating otherwise about people you don't know.

[ziggy00]

Hawaiian people are really great, they just want to be respected

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[DBale]

I've spoken out against racism wherever I've seen it, no matter who the victim is or where it occurs. Shame on you for insinuating otherwise about people you don't know.

I am negating your experience with racism, nor "insinuating" that you don't love Kauai. (This is why I said "a select few" instead of "you"). However, this board, and a particular few individuals really seem to delight in blowing the situation out of proportion. If you read enough of their postings, you'll begin to see a pattern. They don't claim to be victims, instead they make claims of the prevalence.

Speaking for myself, my family and the many, many people from the mainland I have spoken to - NOT ONE has ever heard, seen or been a victim of racism. If it was as prevalent as it said, surely we'd have heard from someone by now?

[maui08]

Whoever has been posting that racism is not a problem on the islands must be living in one of the major hotels full-time and not in the real communities! Not just Hawaii but every island has an underlying issue with race. It may not be in your face style but it is real and is everywhere. True, Hawaii does have some of the most friendly people in the world but put them in a group on a beach with some alcohol and you have serious trouble. The locals seem to get stirred up very easily when they are in groups almost like a pack of dogs.

-I also have many close friends who are full on Hawaiian and THEY even admit that racism is an issue on the islands. Hawaii is a lot of things to a lot of different people which makes it a fun place to be. But don't pretend that mainlanders are welcomed with open arms.