I, Rigoberto Menchu (ONE)

1.      What is your reaction to the fact that she was only 23 years old when she was interviewed for the book? Imagine someone having lived that much life.

I find it amazing that Rigoberto Menchu was only 23 when she was interviewed because I find it hard to imagine that she has gone through so much in such a short time period. Typically 23 year olds are just getting out of college and getting a job. She has gone through so much and yet she remains so strong. I do not know many people who could be so sane after seeing their mother and their brother killed by such a corrupt power that they could not stop. She lived through genocide and great sadness.

2.      The interviewer explains, “Words are her only weapons.” She continues later to articulate, “She is fighting for the recognition of her culture, for acceptance of the fact that it is different and for her people’s rightful share of power.” What is your reaction to this? Have you encountered something similar? If so, how did it feel? If not, what do you think it would feel like?

I feel that for a lot of people in a lot of places words are their only weapons. It some of the most dangerous places it is impossible to speak your mind and if you do you will just be killed. That is why it is so important in many areas that the people there get an education and it is the lucky ones who do that are able to make a bigger difference.  Now I have never experienced the fight to get power. I feel that I can say whatever I want and for the most part it gets heard by someone. However, if I was part of a group that did have limited power I would be frustrated that I could not do what I wanted and be treated the same as everyone else.  I would be annoyed and irritated that my culture which is rich is so many ways is not recognized. I would also be scared for myself and my family. I would want to scream and let the world know what was happening.

3.      The interviewer specifically points out the difference between acculturation and imposing culture on someone else. Do you think that Hawaii experienced something similar to this?

I think Hawaii is one of many areas that have experienced culture, religion, and other views on. It really makes me sick when throughout history missionaries or travelers have gone to a different land only to change and exploit its indigenous people. They never can learn from these groups but instead they feel as if they are the superior race and have to make the natives like them. This has happened with the Native Americans, Hawaiians, Mayans, Africans, almost every group. Many people believe that if you are not like them then you are wrong and “NEED” their help so that you can change. Most of the time it is by force and many die in the process. The world is all about money it always has been and it always will be. People are just too selfish. The white people would have never fought so hard for Hawaii if there wasn’t something here they wanted. It’s the same experience in every situation.

4.      What are your thought on the preservation of culture?

I am personally very into different cultures. I feel that I have been denied a culture of my ancestors because of the lack of interest in generations before me. In a way I am jealous of all of the rich culture many of my classmates share with being Hawaiian, Samoan, Tongan, ect. I am white and black and that’s all I have ever been told so because I don’t really have any culture except for being American I tend to get angry at those who don’t care about where they come from and disregard their culture. I have friends who refused to learn Spanish because they were ashamed of being Hispanic. I know friends who don’t participate in family traditions because it is embarrassing. To them I say shame on you, I would have loved to learn a second language or have certain cultural traditions. I embrace other cultures but I feel bad who don’t embrace their own. My parents didn’t hold close theirs and now I suffer because I want to have something that is special to my race and a part of me. So to get back to the original question I think preserving your culture is VERY important because that is what ties us to our past and where we come from. It is a part of who we are.