In “Decolonizing API: Centering Indigenous Pacific Islander Feminism,” Teves and Arvin share their critique of Asian American studies and their recommendations for decolonizing API. Like Asian Americans, we must remember that merely claiming allyship without recognizing Indigenous sovereignty is a “move to innocence.” In their argument, Teves and Arvin provide recommendations for building allyship that acknowledges differences between and among groups.
- Acknowledge you are on Indigenous land
Teves and Arvin first recommend that there must be an acknowledgement that this is Indigenous lands and of Indigenous sovereignty. They encourage alliances between and among Pacific Islanders and Asian Americans that does not erase political and cultural differences but acknowledges the ongoing colonialism and racism imposed. They also explain different ways in which Asian Americans can analyze their political positions and aspirations for inclusion to help denaturalize settler colonialism (118).
- Stop using terms like Asian Pacific Women
Teves and Arvin explain when Asian American studies attach Asian to Pacific Islander, it implies a connection that does not exist (119). They argue that lumping these groups together further marginalizes Pacific Islander. The use of the term API assimilates Indigenous sovereignty. Moreover, it equates Pacific Islanders to Asians Americans as immigrants who ignore that this is Indigenous land.
- Recognize Hulu as revered knowledge, not exotic exercise
Teves and Arvin recommend that Asian Americans acknowledge how the colonial gaze of the hula exoticizes and belittles Hawaiian and Pacific cultures (122). Although the hula does not mean the same to everyone who practices it, they explain that when it is practiced it should be honored because it is a long-standing tradition of Hawaiian culture and ways of knowing.
- Do not just invite us to dance
Teves and Arvin state that using the term API as a way of inclusion is not enough and that work must continue to create space for Pacific Islander culture, histories and concerns. This recommendation is meant to encourage responsible allyship that supports the growth of Pacific Islander studies (126).
- Reconsider your use of Hapa
Teves and Arvin explain that Hapa is a Hawaiian word for “part” and that when Asian Americans misappropriate it they participate in the erasure of Native Hawaiians and the ongoing colonial impositions and exploitations (126). They shared the different ways the term hapa has been used to refer to different notions and racial blood percents of Hawaiianness. Hapa has been used against Native Hawaiians with blood quantum laws that limited and forced assimilation on to those deemed less Hawaiian. Thus, the use of hapa became a tool of settler colonialism (128). Moreover, Teves and Arvin argue that before using the term hapa, its history and cultural significance be taken into account.
- Expand Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Curricula
Teves and Arvin explain the ways in which Asian American studies erases Native Hawaiians presence and does not place their teachings in wider contexts of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander history and politics. They suggest that curricula should engage with contemporary scholarship and activism that recognizes the ongoing issues (129). They also explain the importance of making “connections across Pacific contexts” without equating their experiences. Meaning, that curriculum must acknowledge the different ways colonialism has affected communities.
I love this because, an uninformed person might quickly read these steps and be like huh?? why must I do these things?? But upon deeper reading, each of these steps have legitimate, compassionate reasons that stress how historical legacies have such a huge affect on today’s world in a compact 300ish word response. Loooooveee.
This is a nice summary, and I have a question: how do you engage this? What are your takeaways?
Teves and Arvin mentioned “moves to innocence” which are ways in which people claim allyship without acknowledging the history and politics of different Indigenous people. I think people commonly attach a white face to settler colonialism, however, as Americans, people continue to participate in settler colonialism. Meaning, that even people of color participate and may be complicit in settler colonialism. I think many people do not even realize how they perpetuate settler colonialism. Therefore, we must first recognize that colonial impositions have affected our ways of being and knowing. To participate in more effective allyship, everyone should actively apply a decolonial framework to their understanding of themselves and others. Thus, people must be more mindful of the ways they try to show allyship.
Thanks!