Polynesian Student Union emphasizes individual islands
YouTube videos of Hawaiian dances projected onto the big screen in the International Lounge while members of the Polynesian Student Union, or PSU, ate food from Mo’ Bettah Steaks and Hawaiian refreshments on Wednesday night.
The event was part of a series of “island highlights” PSU is doing throughout the school year in which members of the club learn about a specific Polynesian island every first Wednesday of the month.
“The reason why we are doing this is so we can educate everyone on the culture of each island, and also so that they can enjoy and respect it as well,” said Fua Mauigoa, the president of PSU and a sophomore majoring in nutrition science.
Mauigoa said it is important to be educated about cultures so people are not ignorant of where others come from.
“I really feel that respecting everyone’s background is important to the specific person,” Mauigoa said. “When I have other friends from different backgrounds, I don’t want to say anything or do anything that will disrespect them, even though it may not seem disrespectful to me.”
Matt Kimbrough, the vice president of PSU and a junior majoring in international studies with an emphasis on peace and security, said it is important to learn about the cultures individually because there are unique differences between each one.
“We want to emphasize that yes we are all Polynesian, yes we’re all a family, but each of our families have something unique to it,” Kimbrough said.
Mauigoa said the Hawaiian dances were projected on screen because they are a significant part of that culture. The dances are part of an annual competition called Merrie Monarch.
“We just wanted to show everyone what Hawaii does on a yearly basis,” Mauigoa said. “And that also shows how into their culture they are.”
Ben Ballam, an undeclared junior and PSU member who served an LDS mission in Hawaii, said he liked seeing the dances and learning more about the history of the islands.
“I learned the history of the islands and stuff while I was on my mission, but to learn a little more about it was pretty cool,” Ballam said.
Kimbrough said PSU will spotlight seven different islands throughout the year. The one for October will be about Tonga. He said dancing is a big part of Polynesian culture in general, and although next month will feature some dancing, there will be an emphasis on food and stories.
Kimbrough said the island highlights are part of PSU’s normally scheduled meetings, which are every Wednesday at 6 pm.
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Twitter: @ChrisCampbell02