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Essays >> February 2006
Articles/essays on a sustainable global society in peace.
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" Papalagi"
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Do you know a word "Papalagi"?
This is the title of a famous book which means the White Men.
In 1910, Tuiavii, a young Samoan chief, had studied in Europe,
and he wrote down his impressions about his stay there on
the leaf of palm tree.
It was one of the best seller books in many countries,
because of it's meaningful contents, just after published.
Now that the environment disruption is accelerating,
the book is drawing public attention again.
Here, we would like to introduce some parts of the book.
"The most important thing for Papalagi is round metal and heavy
paper(coin and bill). Without it, Papalagi can't live, nor die."
"If palm tree bears coconuts, it drops them to become more prosperous.
However, it is strange that Papalagi never drop its harvestry.
Papalagi shall never be flourished."
"It is natural that haves offer things to have-nots.
However, it is strange that Papalagi never offer things to people
starved with hunger, and this is even respected."
"Papalagi do not live in the present. For example, when they ride
a boat, their mind is occupied by such ideas like "When will this boat
arrive" "Will my job go well" "What if it doesn't"."
"Papalagi always cry for lack of time.
There is plenty of time, but Papalagi waste time by themselves.
They count how long they can live, and become mud."
"Papalagi is horrifying. Never try to touch their white hands or money."
What a strange way of living we have started?
As we see our world through the innocent eyes and honest words of the
young chief, it might be the time to reconsider about our own society.
Book Information (English Version)
"Tuiavii's Way : A South Sea Chief's Comments on Western Society"
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0968246907/
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Copyright(c) 2005 United Global Citizens Committee, All Rights Reserved.
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