For Friday, read Moises Velasquez-Manoff,  “Want To Be Less Racist?” online and write a blog post examining where his interest in the subject of racial attitudes in Hawaii came from and how he developed the ideas in the article. Try to notice and comment on the different parts of the article, the different ways he tells us what he wants us to know.

In “Want to Be Less Racist? Move to Hawaii,” Moises Velazquez-Manoff opened the eyes of readers to the unique racial views shared by many people in Hawaii. Hawaii remains a place where a small population of people from every part of the globe appear to be able to live together in harmony, for the most part. In his article, Velazquez-Manoff highlighted the work of Dr. Kristin Pauker, a multiracial psychologist studying racial attitudes in Hawaii and the effects of racism, as well as provided a comprehensive history of the development of Hawaii as a diverse and inclusive island. His driving point is simple yet heartwarming and can be put as “if a diverse group of people can happily together on a small island, then why can’t the rest of the world do the same.” Velazquez-Manoff cited a study from Dr. Pauker that found a correlation among students who attended universities in Hawaii. Along with more open and fluid views of race came an increased ability to problem solve and use creative thinking. To further validate his point, Velazquez-Manoff discussed several points throughout history where Hawaii was cited as a model for racial inclusivity. For example, during World War II, Hawaii put far fewer Japanese Americans in internment camps than the most of other the states as a result of high-ranking U.S. officers being close friends with many Japanese American families. When addressing how to bring this cultural harmony to the United States, Velazquez-Manoff discussed the genuine Aloha spirit; not the kind that uses grass skirts and flower leis to bring in tourists. Aloha spirit was most clearly described by Native Hawaiian lawyer, Mahesh Cleveland. “You’re supposed to give back, not just take take take,” she stated, “There is an expectation of reciprocity” (Velazquez-Manoff). This idea most clearly applies to race and self-identity in terms of acceptance and respect. If people accept and respect you for who you are, then you in turn are expected to respect them for who they are. Velazquez-Manoff made it clear that something this simple could drive the world to become a more positive and inclusive place.