This resonates with me so much. Your words have helped solidify some of my own thoughts and feelings about capitalism. Also, I’ve been fortunate enough to get to spend a week in Waikiki with my mom and our hula friends during the past two years - both times during the week of Mother’s Day. The only reason I could afford to go is because my parents paid for my plane tickets. Before that, I hadn’t flown anywhere since 2004. I was traveling with a group of women who are older than me and who have much more money than I do, and I couldn’t believe how much stuff they bought! One woman even had to buy an extra suitcase to bring all of the new purchases home. It’s nice to know I’m not the only one who thinks that’s crazy. “Hungry Ghosts” is such a good term for what capitalism does to us. Also, while I completely understand the comment about what tourism costs the natives, I also have been astounded by the Aloha spirit that has been gifted to us by local musicians and hula dancers while we’ve been there. There’s so much love to be shared. I ♥️ Honolulu!
Thank you for this reflection, Bree. I totally relate to all of it. If I didn't have a teaching job that made the plane ticket worth it, I'd never be able to go to Hawai'i. And the Aloha spirit is incredible- there is a real Ohana for people who respect the islands and treat the locals and natives with the respect they deserve. <3
Fantastic piece of writing, with so many things in it that resonate with how I'm currently trying to understand my role as a former shopaholic and an anti-capitalist in a profoundly consumerist world. I'm so glad to have found your Substack!
It’s strange to read a piece critiquing capitalism, that mentions you’re traveling to Hawaii, without mentioning how native Hawaiians are asking people not to visit because of how tourism negatively impacts their ancestral land.
Thank you for pointing this out. You're right- I should have mentioned something. I am here teaching a course at an established island school (where I've taught for half a decade), and very familiar with the island and these issues. I will revise this piece to mention this- but I also want to say that Native Hawaiians are not a monolith, and there are very varied thoughts and opinions about tourism and "visitors" and locals and haoles throughout the islands. It's a deeply nuanced conversation and can't be summed up in "don't visit here." Nonetheless, I appreciate you pointing this out. Thank you.
Thank you so much for sharing this, River! A lot to think about. I especially loved this part: "Nothing I own or do not own makes me better or worse than anyone else." This is so important and I'd love to internalize and believe it more.
your writing always helps me take a breath.
this is one of the highest compliments, in my opinion. Thank you. 🦋
This resonates with me so much. Your words have helped solidify some of my own thoughts and feelings about capitalism. Also, I’ve been fortunate enough to get to spend a week in Waikiki with my mom and our hula friends during the past two years - both times during the week of Mother’s Day. The only reason I could afford to go is because my parents paid for my plane tickets. Before that, I hadn’t flown anywhere since 2004. I was traveling with a group of women who are older than me and who have much more money than I do, and I couldn’t believe how much stuff they bought! One woman even had to buy an extra suitcase to bring all of the new purchases home. It’s nice to know I’m not the only one who thinks that’s crazy. “Hungry Ghosts” is such a good term for what capitalism does to us. Also, while I completely understand the comment about what tourism costs the natives, I also have been astounded by the Aloha spirit that has been gifted to us by local musicians and hula dancers while we’ve been there. There’s so much love to be shared. I ♥️ Honolulu!
Thank you for this reflection, Bree. I totally relate to all of it. If I didn't have a teaching job that made the plane ticket worth it, I'd never be able to go to Hawai'i. And the Aloha spirit is incredible- there is a real Ohana for people who respect the islands and treat the locals and natives with the respect they deserve. <3
Such a powerful piece of writing. I loved the lines about the bag. Thank you for putting this out there
Thank you so much for reading ❤️
Fantastic piece of writing, with so many things in it that resonate with how I'm currently trying to understand my role as a former shopaholic and an anti-capitalist in a profoundly consumerist world. I'm so glad to have found your Substack!
Thank you so much, this means a lot to me! 💕
It’s strange to read a piece critiquing capitalism, that mentions you’re traveling to Hawaii, without mentioning how native Hawaiians are asking people not to visit because of how tourism negatively impacts their ancestral land.
Thank you for pointing this out. You're right- I should have mentioned something. I am here teaching a course at an established island school (where I've taught for half a decade), and very familiar with the island and these issues. I will revise this piece to mention this- but I also want to say that Native Hawaiians are not a monolith, and there are very varied thoughts and opinions about tourism and "visitors" and locals and haoles throughout the islands. It's a deeply nuanced conversation and can't be summed up in "don't visit here." Nonetheless, I appreciate you pointing this out. Thank you.
Beautiful
Thank you so much, Sandra <3
Thank you so much for sharing this, River! A lot to think about. I especially loved this part: "Nothing I own or do not own makes me better or worse than anyone else." This is so important and I'd love to internalize and believe it more.
Thank you so much, Rey! Me, too.
i resonate so deeply with this. thank you for sharing ❤️
thank you so much for reading ❤️
Thank you for this thought provoking piece🌺
thank you, Sharon. 💕
This is such a powerful and important piece. Thank you for sharing your thoughts))