There was a time not so long ago when the Chamorro and Refaluwasch natives didn’t rely on anyone but themselves for everything. They looked out for everyone, shared everything and were one with the land and sea. Respect was automatic and it was a given that the elders held a high position within the community and it was a given for the young people to show respect to any adult older than they were.
In those days not so long ago the harmony and respect among the indigenous folks was infectious to anyone looking in. There was kindred spirits among all in the islands and when one needed help, everyone came to help without being asked and the ripple effect from the act continues down the line. There wasn’t the “I’ll scratch your back if you scratch mine” mentality which seems to be very prevalent lately. Where did this come from?
Those days not so long ago I remembered carrying fish to neighbors and other family members to share because my grandpa caught too many for us to consume. I remember grandma inviting strangers walking by the house on a Sunday to come in from the heat and serving whatever we had at the time. It wasn’t fancy, but the food was made with love and was edible. Sharing was automatic among our people then. Whether it is food, work or even a roof over your head. I remember many a time when I would wake and find strangers sleeping on the floor of the living room or on the porch of my grandparent’s house. It was a given that we helped anyone who was down and out and I don’t remember those people receiving help taking advantage of that act. In fact, just the reverse happened and the trickle effect again sends its ripples out.
I am not opposed to progress but there is some very basic conduct of behaviors that should never be sacrificed in the name of progress. Each day I check in to the newspapers via the Internet to see what the latest news is and I understand that things are hard and people are struggling but I am seeing a very troubling trend. Why the hate? What happened to being civil? What happened to working together? Granted everyone cannot all agree on everything but we don’t have to be ugly about it. Each side can state their position and leave it at that. Be civil! Everyone after all, is working to find better solutions for all involved aren’t you? There is a way to agree to disagree and what I am reading in the papers is definitely not the way. This is not the culture or behavior that I remembered from days ago. This is very foreign to me.
Granted I am not there and having been away from Saipan for a long time I guess I don’t qualify to make any judgment or comments for that matter but it hurts to read and see how things have so changed. I don’t recognize the folks anymore.
I hope during this holiday season that we remember that we all need one another. No one person can do everything. Without the many, the one cannot succeed. It is a team effort.
Merry Christmas to all.
DAISY CLIFTON
Corvallis, Oregon
