The future of the indigenous people of the CNMI
Iam a 19 years old Carolinian-Palauan-Chuukese. I’d like to think that I’m funny, witty and somewhat intelligent—I shall be attending nursing school at NMC. For all of my self-assured wide-awakeness, I’m somewhat confused as to my/our future as the indigenous inhabitants of these beautiful islands. Therefore, I’m asking for your help or input in assisting me to clear my confused mind.
The other day while at the post office, I overheard a “white American” speaking with another American guy (I don’t mean to sound rude or racist) and he was saying, “Well, yeah the Chinese companies are gentrifying this island—after the locals sell their land, they’ll be in poverty.” Now I didn’t know what “gentrifying” meant at that time, so I asked my friends and a lot of them didn’t know either so I looked it up on Google. (You should, too).
Anyway, I began thinking about what our local politicians are doing to “us”—the indigenous future of these islands. I began to wonder: how could they allow foreign companies to come here and over-develop, pollute and cement over our once beautiful islands. How could they care more about the ever increasing population of foreign workers yet do nothing to train local workers or to make sure that U.S. citizens are employed first. How could they make a deal with foreign companies that give foreign employees housing, meals and transportation yet forces local families out on the streets due to a lack of affordable housing, inflated food prices, and inflated gas prices. Lastly, how could our politicians worry so much about contract workers families while our indigenous American families are forced into destitution, poverty and subjection by foreign companies? Can anyone of you on Capital Hill tell me what your plan is for the future of “us”—the indigenous people of these beautiful islands?
Jasmine Taman
Gualo Rai, Saipan
I recall, a few years ago after the Sketchers store opened, a white American berated a local who was working the cash register. He said something like, “I make more in a week than you make in a year.”
That was pretty nasty. It was also unnecessary. Why do people say things like that?
You make a good point, but you left out something. Why do the native islanders chew betel nut? It’s killing them.
Still, whether individuals are local, Chinese, Korean or mainland Americans, we are all equal. We are all here, trying to move along.
Some of these people say terrible things about other nationalities, but that’s ignorance talking.
What has happened to these islands is a travesty. But the local government allows it – so there’s the reason. They don’t know what the heck they are doing, and nobody plans ahead.
Anyhow, thanks for your thoughtful essay.
“Still, whether individuals are local, Chinese, Korean or mainland Americans, we are all equal. We are all here, trying to move along.”
We all bleed red blood and have feelings. It is sad that we humans tend to think that we are better than others. No society is perfect and we learned from our mistakes.
A young girl was watching a big parade, standing beside her grandmother. Her grandmother said, “See if you can find the face of God in the crowd of people marching past.” The girl looked and looked, and finally said, “Is it her?” The grandmother said, “No, child. It’s all of them.”
Indeed!
How do you define indigenous? In the case of the CNMI, there is no true indigenous and we are people of mix nationalities. According to historical events or records, the true indigenous of the Mariana Island chain were non-existent starting during the 1700’s and we are the product of different race. The day we hand over our souls to Uncle Sam, we are all equal under the U.S. Constitution. The United States of America is a nation run by corporations and Hawaii is a prime example of such predicament. Eventually, the CNMI would conform in accordance to the Corporate America way of life. Either you jump on the band wagon or you would be left behind. The only thing that matters within a capitalist world is the so call Benjamin or the green back and the CNMI leaders were or are putting such practice into the extreme. “It is impossible to stop progress.”
FACT: Saipan is USA Territory. This means the the most powerful country in the World has Saipan back, there is no way the Chinese can ever take over. 1. RULE ONE never listen to gossip from outsider, unless it is positive about the local people on Saipan. I really hate it when people are invited to work, or visit Saipan and because things are a bit
Different or a bit slower than what they are use to they began to tear down the people or the local leaders.
Two white men talking, could be two men upset because they hate to see a beautiful Island under the control of educated men and women who are cool, loving, honest and LOCAL!
Actually, the CNMI is not a territory. Guam is, and so is Puerto Rico. The commonwealth is “in political union” with the US government, but it’s not a territory.
True which gave us the power to run our government with clauses made within the covenant. However, still US citizens which until now still confuses ppl in the US about being a territory.
Another colony Russ.
“I really hate it when people are invited to work, or visit Saipan and because things are a bit
Different or a bit slower than what they are use to they began to tear down the people or the local leaders.”
Sorry to tell you that I am a local and things had to change in the CNMI. We had live in an insulated society and we encouraged unworthy leaders for the sake of familial way of life.
I had traveled the world, I thought I had seen racist societies but my own backyard is worst. We discriminate our own from getting homesteads, good paying jobs and we go out of the way to sabotage local individuals from moving ahead or advancing in their life. You mentioned the good part of our island chain and you forgot to mention the dark side of our society. Just saying.
Transformation of racism is in realization when we start to realize diversity is in progress…not identity and self preservation! Cool!
Colonization between two super powers is in place. one is been here too long and waited for all these mess and realized he needs to come in to tighten control…the other one is almost in control! lol
The other day while at the post office, I overheard a “white American” speaking with another American guy (I don’t mean to sound rude or racist) and he was saying, “Well, yeah the Chinese companies are gentrifying this island—after the locals sell their land, they’ll be in poverty.”
Gentrification is a process of renovation and revival of deteriorated urban neighborhoods by means of influx of more affluent residents, which results in increased property values and the displacing of lower-income families and small businesses. This is a common and controversial topic in urban planning.
More clearly defined: The chinese are reonvating and reviving the island and will result in displacement of Island Families and their Small Businesses.
Were the Americans being racist or were they mearly showing concern? You Decide.
I decided you are Right!
You guys use the term racist so often to describe so many
situations that it has lost its meaning. It used to mean when on account of
your race someone hated your flippin’ guts, wanted to see you subservient,
hurt, or dead. Racism is as obvious as slavery in antebellum USA, a gas chamber in a concentration camp, or burqas on women in Islamic countries. Now it is a misconstrued comment, a trap for the unwary, and just about any comment about any group except White American males.
Right!