Sam Peralta
HWN 107
Settler Colonialism
Settler colonialism can be used interchangeably with the idea of “dominance hierarchy”. But first let us look at the world colonialism and its origins. This idea of extending power over for the purpose of control has been traced first back to Greek influence after the fall of the Bronze Age with population growth no longer sustainable they looked towards seas to direct their people too. This hunger and need for “tribe” survival no matter how sophisticated they may be now called “colonialism” can be examined further and deeper by looking at the natural structured system found in the the very similar concept in Colonialism called “dominance hierarchies”.
Dominance hierarchies arises when members of a social group interact, often aggressively to create a ranking system. Ever since the start and development of creation, dominance hierarchies have been a huge part of survival and adaptation for all of life. This power struggle and hunger is embedded deep within creation history. From humanity's most basic beginnings found within the darwinism evolution theory ( or found in Kumulipo) as a basic single celled organism, to the fierce almost impossible odds of organizing and adapting to more complex creatures, for millions and millions of years this dominance power struggle has been the norm for creation. The necessity of one power (or group of powers) overcoming another for survival has been almost genetically wired within this worldʻs inhabitants. From the earliest of tribes aiming for survival, conquest, and urges to satisfy their desires, settling and extending collective power for personal gain has, is, and will always be the case.
But the Hawaiian Story like many other indigenous stories (Africans, Hebrews, Indians, Polynesian islands, etc.) premises their human consciousness not on the random, cruel, and unguided materialistic/ naturalistic processes of evolution. Life does not begin with the carnal beastly urges for survival, but life begins with the touch of the divine. The idea of settler colonialism is an ideology of power and hierarchy that stems from the animal kingdom. Power takes on different forms such as military, diplomacy, science, etc. and uses it for its own tribes agenda, purposes, and wantings. In the Hawaiian Kingdom like many other cultures in tune with creation and the Creator, life isnʻt random but is built in with sacrifice, offering, and the awareness of the principalities, powers, and authorities seen and unseen. Life isnʻt about fending for the individualistic self but a more holistic, accountable, consciousness for Akua, others, and self. Bob Marley sang “emancipate yourself from mental slavery, for none but ourselves can free our minds..” Here I believe he is singing about getting out of the world system of dominance hierarchy, colonialism, imperialism, babylon etc. and stepping where this game cannot be played. Bob Marley continues to sing about prophets and fulfilling “the book”, he sings about the realm of the sacred, of the unknown, of a reality more real than the ones we can only see with our naturalistic eyes. The Hawaiian people were deeply in tune with this reality way beyond the years of its oppressors (americans) who only formly copied their oppressors (europeans) and so on (greeks). As Dr Keanu Sai has said “Sovereignty Continues” for the people of Hawaii. It is only this ghost or a structure that tempts mankind to participate with this game of power, oppression, and apathy. With deeper meditation and reflection the structure of “settler colonialism” controls and consumes only those who want to play that game. For those who have been lead out of this suppressive system structured by the powers of this world it is plain to see that greed, selfish ambition, and apathy has colonized the hearts of persons who have not noticed its enemy of the soul. In the book of Ephesians chapter six verse twelve it says “... for our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, authorities, powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of this evil in the heavenly realms.”
E mālama ʻia nā pono o ka ʻāina e na ʻōpio. ( The traditions of the land are perpetuated by its youth). Maybe itʻs a lack of knowledge of what the Kupuna already knew and the practice of the sacred traditions, sharing of stories, and prayers that those who have/ are waiting for their salvation really need. A lift from the structures of this secular world into the realm of the sacred and the tools and wisdom in how to navigate within it. Settler Colonialism to me seems like a “western world” concept. For those who do not want to participate in that system, deep thought, council, and wisdom can be taken, to take a leap into the unknown. For those who have taken that leap into the unknown without wisdom, council, and help most of them do not come back in a sane state. But the benefits if one makes it to the consciousness of a grand narrative beyond human constructs find themselves surely liberated. Hawaiian people served their Aliʻi in representation to their faith in the sacred realm. And for one to leave the sacred, the very reality of living, the place where identity dwells in replacement for a materialistic existence is surely a bad trade off. In this paper hopefully I tried to make a distinction between “Settler Colonialism” (or Dominance Hierarchy) is in the reality of this world and its powers. Where if one can take a different approach, and not play the games of this world, and be a -tune with the sacred realm, focusing on words like calling, vision, mission, prophecy, destiny become world's available to discover and adventure in. I guess when it comes down to it, the attitude and free will choice to choose freedom or slavery, history has shown that humanity usually chooses what its used to.
Refrences:
Bob Marley “Redemption Song”
Ephesians 6:12
Dominance Hierarchies: Jordan Peterson
Thanks for this Sam. Inspiring challenge to trade: "Greed, selfish ambition, and apathy" for discovery, adventure, and freedom. Appreciate ya brotha!
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