In
looking at the “Dole Street” chapter from Juliana Spahr’s Well then there
now I think it’s clear that Spahr is highlighting
the mockery that American influence seems to make of Hawaiian culture. Starting
with the fact that the street is named after Sanford B. Dole the President of
the highly controversial “provisional government” which was established by the
United States. Dole was also the first Governor of Hawaii after it officially
became a U.S territory. The notion that a street can exist in this highly
populated area of Hawaii named after a man who tried to strip Hawaiian’s of
their right to vote is a complete mockery and absolutely ludicrous.
Spahr
goes on to describe some of the stickers that she sees on the back of cars
lining that street and how so many of them “sell Hawaii as they sell surfing
gear and accessories (35).” The
stickers display over exaggerated misogynistic pictures of cartoon girls in
short grass skirts with large breasts. This is the image of Hawaii that an
American company like Roxy tries to sell.
Spahr
also talks about the ABC stores in Hawaii and how every single one of them
sells the little dashboard hula dancers. To me I just read this description of
Dole Street as a metaphor for the Americanization of Hawaii in general. America
tries so hard to sell this image of Hawaii from the leis given out at the
airport to the “Hawaiian” shirts that are sold at every corner store, and all
of it is just completely unauthentic and must appear ridiculous to both the
native and local Hawaiians.
I
also thought the description of the University of Hawaii and its place at the
top of Dole Street was very interesting. Spahr mentions the sculpture “gate of
hope” that sits at the front of the school and how it appears to be giving the
middle finger to all of Waikiki. Do you think that the negative light that some
of the locals hold the university in is due to the fact that the university
brings in so many outsiders to Hawaii or that the students contribute to an
overall arrogant American attitude amongst the Islands?
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