The University of San Francisco USF Scholarship: a digital repository @ Gleeson Library | Geschke Center Doctoral Dissertations Theses, Dissertations, Capstones and Projects 2013 The oP wer of the Hula: A Performance Text for Appropriating Identity Among First Hawaiian Youth Cesily Hong [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://repository.usfca.edu/diss Part of the Education Commons, and the Social and Cultural Anthropology Commons Recommended Citation Hong, Cesily, "The oP wer of the Hula: A Performance Text for Appropriating Identity Among First Hawaiian Youth" (2013). Doctoral Dissertations. 56. https://repository.usfca.edu/diss/56 This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Theses, Dissertations, Capstones and Projects at USF Scholarship: a digital repository @ Gleeson Library | Geschke Center. It has been accepted for inclusion in Doctoral Dissertations by an authorized administrator of USF Scholarship: a digital repository @ Gleeson Library | Geschke Center. For more information, please contact [email protected]. The University of San Francisco THE POWER OF THE HULA: A PERFORMANCE TEXT FOR APPROPRIATING IDENTITY AMONG FIRST HAWAIIAN YOUTH A Dissertation Presented to The Faculty of the School of Education Leadership Studies Department Organization and Leadership Program In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Education By Cesily Hong San Francisco May 2012 THE UNIVERSITY OF SAN FRANCISCO Dissertation Abstract The Power of the Hula: A Performance Text for Appropriating Identity Among First Hawaiian Youth Research Topic Hawaii is an exotic land with a rich history and a culture imbued with meaning, including the performing arts. Such facets of any land need to be understood and preserved for fu- ture generations. The most significant aspect of Hawaiian arts is the hula kahiko, a text in motion, which when performed displays the story of Hawaii’s past. The hula was forbid- den by Protestant missionaries in the 1820’s and was reduced to near cultural extinction. As a result, many First Hawaiians do not clearly understand the richness of their own his- tory. Without this understanding, it is difficult for them to have an idea of who they are today. Moreover, the past is also critical for appropriating a better future. Therefore, the hula kahiko may serve as a medium through which First Hawaiians can learn about their own identity. Theory and Protocol The research for this study on First Hawaiian Performing Arts was conducted using Her- da’s (1999) guidelines for critical hermeneutic participatory research. Following these principles, the researcher and participants create a relationship in which language and culture come into play. Conversations lead to further reflection and understanding, and it is in this space that we can open new worlds filled with possibilities. Research Categories The following primary constructs Narrative Identity, Mimesis, and Forgiveness guided this research, and served as the basis for data collection, analysis and further reflection. ii Narrative Identity, the events in our lives fit into a narrative, and when we tell it, there is truth and power in our story. We have the power to fuse elements of the past with a bright and unknown future. Mimesis can be used to understand how a society’s way of life can be remembered or forgotten over time. Imagination is the cornerstone for action; we find the freedom to project possibilities and envision a new world. Findings The participants of this study revealed that our culture is the one direct link we have to the past. The hula kahiko is a national treasure that must be preserved and passed on to future generations. The following findings were discovered through conversations with participants: (1) The Hula kahiko is for Everyone who comes with the right attitude, the right heart, and the desire to learn more about a native culture and its history; (2) Hula kahiko honors the past and speaks to the future; (3) Education is the key to success; (4) Forgiveness is essential to moving forward into the future. iii This dissertation, written under the direction of the candidate’s dissertation committee and approved by the members of the committee, has been presented to and accepted by the Faculty of the School of Education in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Education. The content and research methodologies presented in this work represent the work of the candidate alone. Cesily Hong 4-23-12 Candidate Date Dissertation Committee Dr. Ellen A. Herda 4-23-12 Chairperson Date Dr. Patricia Mitchell 4-23-12 Date Dr. Betty Taylor 4-23-12 Date iv TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER ONE: STATEMENT OF RESEARCH .......................................................1 Introduction ......................................................................................................................1 Statement of the Research Issue ......................................................................................1 Background of the Research Issue ...................................................................................2 Significance of the Issue ..................................................................................................4 Summary ..........................................................................................................................5 CHAPTER TWO: THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS ...........................................................7 Introduction ......................................................................................................................7 Ancient Culture ................................................................................................................8 Contact with the West ....................................................................................................10 Unification of Hawaii ....................................................................................................10 A Princess’s Will ...........................................................................................................13 Kalakaua the Merrie Monarch .......................................................................................14 Loss of Indigenous Sovereignty ....................................................................................16 Hawaiian Renaissance ...................................................................................................16 Hawaiian Sovereignty Movement .................................................................................17 Summary ........................................................................................................................18 CHAPTER THREE: REVIEW OF LITERATURE ....................................................20 Introduction ....................................................................................................................20 First Hawaiian Performing Arts .....................................................................................20 First Hawaiian Tradition and Cultural Loss ..................................................................25 Socioeconomic Metrics for First Hawaiians ..................................................................31 Cultural Development for Hawaiian Youth through School Programs .........................35 Summary ........................................................................................................................38 CHAPTER FOUR: RESEARCH PROCESS ................................................................40 Introduction ....................................................................................................................40 Theoretical Framework ..................................................................................................40 Research Category One: Narrative Identity ...............................................................41 Research Category Two: Mimesis .............................................................................43 Research Category Three: Forgiveness .....................................................................44 Research Guidelines ......................................................................................................45 Entrée to the Research Sites .......................................................................................45 Research Participants .................................................................................................48 Research Questions ........................................................................................................51 Conversations .............................................................................................................53 Observation ................................................................................................................53 Documents .................................................................................................................54 Personal Journal .........................................................................................................55 Research Timeframe ..................................................................................................59 Data Analysis .............................................................................................................59 Pilot Study ......................................................................................................................60