Racism from the view of a young teine uli - half Samoan half black American living in Savai’i

By Datia Wilson 

It is so weird when the term racism comes to my attention. As I gather my thoughts, I don’t even know where to start. I come from African/Native American, Samoan and Welsh descent. There is nobody I know who hasn’t experienced some sort of racism - including myself.

Growing up my father would try to educate me about slavery, Black history, and some of the struggles they had to experience due to the colour of their skin. Privileges and opportunities that were taken away or fought harder for because their complexion was darker.

My grandfather came 3rd out of 100 applicants for a role at NASA (his dream job) but was passed over because he was black. I also remember a time where my father and I waited for over an hour to be served by a European lady, but there was no line.

This discrimination needs to stop. The thought and the feeling of your worth being inferior to others is not nice at all. We all should be treated the same regardless of who we are, what we look like and where we come from.

There is no such thing as being immune to racism. We are all human and deserve the same human rights and equality.

Hearing about the racism issues we are facing today is extremely emotional as it has been a fight for many years; going back centuries. It makes me think about my ancestors who walked the trail of tears. My ancestors who were slaves. I fear for my family in America. As them fearing for their lives has become a common topic on the dinner table. Expressing how defenceless they feel when being pulled over by the cops. Their life is as fragile as ours.

Even though I am currently residing in Samoa, my heart is heavy. We Polynesians are people of colour. We also have a history of racism and it shouldn’t go unnoticed.

Being raised in Samoa with thick brown hair and light skin I have always been judged based on my appearance, so it’s not foreign to me. Getting teased about my African hair or getting called ‘palagi toy’ and being bullied at school. Times where I’ve had to stand up for myself because I’ve overheard people talking about me in Samoan, thinking I don’t understand them. I’ve experienced attempts to rip me off and overcharge me - because I look ‘palagi’ they automatically assume I’m privileged.

I believe the colour of my skin doesn’t differentiate me from any other Samoan citizen here in Samoa. We can help by being conscious of the terms we refer to dark people. Replacing ‘mea uli’ to ‘tama uli’ or ‘tagata uli’. Being more mindful in general to ensure we are sensitive and aware of human rights.

This is why it is important for people of all colour to fight for justice and equality. Important for us to have an understanding and educate others and our children about human rights. Every voice counts.

It is crucial for us Polynesians to fight for what is right and become a part of powerful movement happening in the world. Let this generation make and be the change. Our future is in our hands.

Black culture has endured slavery, racism, lynching, the last hired and first fired. But still overcome and excel.

“We don’t fight with racism, the best way is to fight with solidarity" - Black Panther co-founder Bobby Seale