Cokie Roberts: Hawaii "some foreign, exotic place"
Aside from the ridiculous politics of these
statements, I wanted to post them because of how they reflect on the perception
of Hawaii as actually being a foreign country.
Cokie Roberts: "I know Hawaii is a
state, but it has the
look of him
going off to some sort of foreign, exotic
place."
Going
to Hawaii "makes [Obama] seems a little bit more
exotic..."
A
lot of people are up in arms about how she seems to be trying to make Hawaii out
to be foreign and exotic, and her political motivations are evident, but the
fact is it is a common perception. People do think of Hawaii as a foreign
country. For other examples, not calculated and without the political/racial
undertones, check out two
instances of this I noted in the coverage following the earthquake
back in 2006.
is about Hawaii's status as an independent country under prolonged illegal occupation by the United States, and the history, culture, law & politics of the islands.
And about East Maui kalo farming and other ahupua'a projects.
Over at the Free Hawaii blog, Koani Foundation is giving away "Free Hawaii" stickers and pins, and will post photos of them displayed in interesting places. Spread them far and wide!