“ Since we all have a “map” (past conceptual framework) and our interpretations of the “territory” (everyday cultural and natural ecosystems) are unequal, uniting ideas is only possible through listening to others. Paraphrased from Gregory Bateson.
Thank you Dr. Professor Hufanga for the analysis and clarifying how the approaches outlined on the article matches with the Ta-Va philosophy. I look forward to more discussions and further collaborations through workshops or conferences in the future. I believe it would be a great opportunity for our Pacific people to combine efforts, co-create in weaving out transformation patterns that could help redefine our pacific value in order to make a difference globally. Let me state my argument again that the social issues plaguing the PICs are not rooted in what the countries lack, but rather in how Pacific people culturally perceive their own self-worth (dignity/mana) or “ngeia” in Tongan (please correct me if I’m wrong). This self-worth (mentioned a little about this in the article) is impacted by society’s valuing of reciprocity in gift-giving; an individual who fails to reciprocate is considered insignificant and inferior (slave), and therefore loses the spiritual power to function appropriately (obligations) in the society. As we know, humanity cannot thrive without dignity/mana/ngeia.
Thank you bertie for the interesting addition. I strongly believe and argue that solutions to global problems we face today no longer exist in advanced economies and big cities. I argue that these solutions are hidden and well-kept by the elders in our Pacific Island Countries due to the short colonial period... Imagine if every Pacific islander are aware and truly convinced that their existence are already a contribution to the world! Cultural Heritage (more than 1000 languages, dances, art etc), Global security (Oceania covers 1/3 of the earth), Sports (Rugby etc)... many more! How about if we imagine the opposite? that Pacific people are dependent, savages, baggers etc! Whew! The origin on “belittlement” from our very own Prof. Epeli Hau’ofa. Pacific people are Peace loving people and we all know we are. What I have in mind is the vision of “unity in differences” where countries including PICs could engage in harmony with advances economies even when foreign policies are self-interested. This also follows the Ta and Va philosophy: mediated and managed through sustained symmetry, harmony and beauty.
Baggers don’t choose: The original frustrations expressed here are very true. The new problem at the moment is, "Beggars can now choose": situation when many givers are willing to provide similar offer. I strongly argue that dependency (baggers) only exist when there are no rewards/benefits in return from the other party in any relationship. Should we call this a relationship at all? Unfortunately, natural resources, political favors, etc. that are provided by the PICs to traditional ODA donor nations are not perceived as reciprocation for aid provided. Foreign aid follows the concept of “helping you to help yourself” (one way) which leads to something I call "Official Dependency Assistance" (the new ODA). My work hope to rephrase our global development priorities to consider adding the alternatives of “helping you help others.” This shift should allow PICs to own their development through reciprocity (generosity), but not necessarily to the same giver, but rather for the good of all - others (SDGs). PICs have not yet found the right way to contribute back to the world in exchange for the ODA they receive which negatively impacts their perception of their own self-worth. Correlatively, identifying something of value to offer in return would restore the PICs’ sense of self-worth and reduce the ills troubling our societies.
The solution of Gross National Generosity (GNG) is outlined on the link below. I hope to join forces with various individuals in developing the concept further.
Yes, we always do better when we work together.
https://www.dignifiedpacific.com/gross-national-generosity/
Malo ‘aupito e talanga pea ‘ofa ke ‘i ai hano ‘aonga ki hotau fonua ‘ofa’anga pea pehe ki hotau Pasifiki.
Faka’apa’apa atu moe ‘ofa,
K.Funaki ”