American Samoa as a self-governing U.S. territory located in the South Pacific is fortunate to be able to maintain their cultural traditions, language, and lands in all aspects- including their government. However, when the community suffers from a number of growing issues that affect the health and safety of its citizens, an analysis of the culture and leadership is fitting. With the help of Jacqueline Tuiasosopo-Mata'u, Dr. Tapa'au Daniel Aga, Chief Tauaisafune Niualama Taifane, and Dr. Tevita Ka'ili, I take a closer look at American Samoa's approach to governance. | Music: Bradley Moon
After identifying the ways in which "teu le vā" is misapplied in American Samoa politics, important analysis and discussion of the overall culture that perpetuates damaging and ineffective cycles is appropriate. This conversation includes further discussion of "teu le vā" and a direct challenge of the concept of respect in Samoan culture. In this episode, with the help of Dr. Kai'ili, Chief Tauaisafune, Mrs. Mata'u, and Dr. Tapa'au, I highlight potential areas for changes in American Samoa and discuss the importance of keeping Samoan culture in American Samoa. | Music produced by Bradley Moon.
11 May 2021
2. Defining SĀMOA in American Samoa
The overall analysis of Samoan culture in American Samoa government involves identifying and defining the different cultural components that are at play. In this episode, Chief Tauaisafune describes the parts to a traditional Samoan speech and Dr. Tapa'au describes campaign culture and events. In making connections between cultural components and the concept of "teu le vā," Dr. Ka'ili further helps me illustrate and highlight the misapplication of the concept "teu le vā" in American Samoa government. | Music produced by Bradley Moon.
11 May 2021
1. Keeping SĀMOA in American Samoa
The growing number of issues in American Samoa today are a direct result of the presence of Samoan culture in every sphere- especially the government. In this episode, Dr. Tapa'au, Chief Tauaisafune, and Mrs. Mata'u describe the original Samoan form of government, the matai system, and explain the importance and purpose of the journey taken by High Orator Chief Mariota Tuiasosopo I to keep culture in American Samoa government and Samoans in leadership positions. Dr. Ka'ili defines and introduces the Tā-Vā Philosophical Theory of Reality that I apply in my analysis of Samoan culture in American Samoa government, with a specific focus on the concept of "teu le vā." | Music produced by Bradley Moon.
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