With so many polynesians pursuing a variety of careers I can't help but praise their ambition, their drive, and their passion for what their choice of work is. If anything, this is exactly what our ancestors have been wanting! To build to higher ground and become something more than what has been offered to prior generations!
Growing up in a polynesian community I have seen the time and effort people put in to ensure that future generations are not held back from whats right in front of their faces. And for that, I am thankful.
so what is this movement? I have seen many successful polynesians in all areas of expertise and it's inspiring! But what about those that are working to get to the top? Do they not deserve the same praise for their hard work, their integrity, and their courage for going against the grain?
There are many polynesians that I know that have the skill and the talent that surpasses so many of those that are known and yet they are barely recognized for their achievements. I know that the point of business is to get what's liked the most and to sell that. but the Poly Movement is NOT a business.
Now, to me, the thing that makes it rough for polynesians to be recognized even more for their work and to be part of the 'POLY MOVEMENT" flow is the business side of things. Promoters try to get the ones that will get them the most money (As any smart business person would do). But, with our community, we're breaking so many boundaries that we should not cater to just one side of things. I mean, that is if the Poly Movement is about supporting ALL. I am a musician. and for polynesians we cater so much to reggae! which is fine cuz reggae is a great form of music but I have been to shows where I have been cut off because I wasn't reggae. I have been to shows where GOOD rappers are taken off stage cuz they're not reggae (Why would you invite them then?). Now I know that people build a show around the general genre. but at the end of the night I hear from the entertainment groups say 'we don't do this for the money, we do it for our people.' If that's the case (which, in most cases, it's not) build a show around the 'abnormals.' IF you are "FOR" our people why wouldn't you do something as simple as that. It's easy, cuz they do it for the money. You don't do something that big and not expect to get money from it. Trust me, I've done the math!! haha (After writing all of that I should have wrote about BAD BUSINESS instead of the poly movement haha..)
Networking with other polynesians that have gone to great lengths to be noticed have also expressed these same feelings. I know there are talented poly's that want to be recognized in the poly movement, not to be glorified, but simply, to be looked up to as a role model for our own community.
So what is it about the poly movement that is so intriguing that we have to hashtag it in a tweet or facebook status? Isn't it meant to show support so that others will feel inspired to do great, if not greater, things? And if so, then properly recognize it... stop JUST 'LIKING' posts and you never read it or watched it. It's a mockery.
For those that have felt this same way of not gaining the support of our own people, please don't give up on what you feel is your destiny, I sure ain't. Because in reality, NOT giving up is more moving than any movement out there. See you all at the top!
