The iCross-Cultural Citizen Project- Our Indigenous World: Samoan Westernization-Group 7: Reflection on Discrimination in Samoa:

Monday, July 22, 2013

Reflection on Discrimination in Samoa:

It is impressive how easily many places of employment were able to discriminate against older employees. Not just by sneakily reassigning their jobs but also by blatantly firing them to replace them with younger employees. This scandal was among the government work force, but the Samoan government was quick to take a deal to reinstate former employees. I can't help but wonder if they were really concerned by the age discrimination happening or if they were in on it the entire time. My assumption would be that because it was the government work force that they were in on it and to cover up their own mistake they played ignorant.

Being an American I would like to think that my Government is trustworthy enough to not participate in a situation similar to this. The US's Equal Employment Opportunity Commision (EEOC) is the one that created laws for the Samoan government to follow. The EEOC has a lot of laws to help limit discrimination, which leaves room for a little ethnocentrism on my part. Knowing that I live somewhere that actively fights discrimination makes me feel like I live in the better cultural setting and that my cultural setting is more advanced.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)

Background Information:
Welcome to the Samoan Islands, home
to some of the most beautiful islands and parks known to mankind. This island
has a rich history of interesting stories that delve into the Westernization of
a once native culture as well as the preservation of traditional Samoan
culture. Since the 1960’s, the Samoan Islands have experienced the influence of
Western European and American culture. However, although many traditions and
practices of the tribes of native Samoans are being compromised, the people of
Samoa actively work to preserve their cultural practices. Many Polynesians have
successfully fought for the preservation of their land, language, and culture
to leave their rightful mark on the Samoan Islands. In the Samoan Islands you
will find Americans, Westernized Samoans, and traditional Polynesians all
living together in an attempt to keep peace and work harmoniously.

Geographic Location:

The Samoan Islands are divided into two territories: Samoa and American Samoa. The American Samoa consists of seven islands that lie southwest of Hawaii. To the west of the American Samoa are the oldest Samoan Islands. Majority of Samoans reside on Tutuila, which is a well developed Urban area with the famous Pago Airport that welcomes many visitors. The next closest island is the Aun’u Island. To the East, there are the islands of Ofu, Olosega, and Ta’ u. These Islands are home to the world’s most beautiful beaches and are frequently visited by tourists. The original Samoan Islands lie farther west. They are the islands of Upolu, Apolima, and Savai’i. These areas have some of the richest tropical ecosystems that the Samoans have fought to protect over many decades.

Bibliography:

U.S. Department of the Interior

2010: Field Study of the Effects of the 29 September 2009 Samoa Tsunami

U.S Department of Commerce

Tuitila Map and American Samoan Information. Electronic document,

http://www.esrl.noaa.gov/gmd/obop/smo/smoinfo.html, accessed July 15th, 2013.

The Vision:

The iCross-Cultural Citizen Project’s vision is to create an online cross-cultural space for students, professionals, and youth to learn and exchange cross-culturally sensitive information about contemporary indigenous experiences. From that outsider student’s perspective, we will try to theoretically explore possible collaborative solutions to problems that affect the indigenous populations of our planet. Finally, we hope for the future creation of a space where indigenous youth can share their experiences and their realities with us for real mutual collaboration to take place