Abstract

"Racial Aloha" in Hawaii

A bill to grant statehood was passed by the House of Representatives in the U.S. but failed to reach the floor of the Senate before the spring adjournment. Another investigation has been announced to begin in Honolulu November 23. Advocates of statehood meet the fears of those who may feel that "sinister" racial elements in the islands might somehow work against American ideals, by pointing out that Hawaii has actually given the world a remarkable example of how the problems of inter-racial democracy can peacefully be solved. Lynchings and race riots are unknown in the islands. A resident's ancestry is often referred to here, but seldom derogatorily. Islanders are proud of their democratic spirit and have given it an indigenous name: "racial aloha."