Entangled Objects 3/2

Once you get past the initial academic dryness of the Thomas piece he actually recorded an interesting quote that I think is up for debate, AM Focart was disgruntle about the use of native Fijians asking questions about the dynamic of the island landholding system, he said, "When will govts. realize that a native is not the best authority on native customs?" When I read that an immediate red flag went up. I thought to myself who is this pompous European man to come to a foreign territory and insult the native people about their position in ethnographic power? Is his point of reference not a bit skewed? How is a recent immigrant the best authority about anything besides his homeland? This is a certain degree of bias with every human being because we all have different memories and traditions that shape our perception of the world around us and the people outside our comfort zone. This difference does not exclude one group from becoming aware and culturally acute of another, nor does it mean that the native group can't teach any newcomers about themselves. But, I feel very strongly that the native group are the best experts on themselves. Can one really understand and devour a non-native tradition and become an expert unless they've immersed themselves in that tradition. Unless you are an honest to God, true blue Fijian or have tried to respectfully put yourself in the shoes of a Fijian I doubt your authority on the peoples of Fiji. The natives are the ultimate authority of native customs, they invented it, didn't they? Are you going to tell a chef how his utensils work? In his own kitchen no less. Immersion and cultural prowess isn't mocking the native society or "trying to be down," when it's painfully obvious you come from a different walk of life. Immersion is acknowledging the difference but not letting it impede on your quest to become an expert. Immersion is putting yourself in another person's shoes without simultaneously keeping a ten foot pole between your culture and their's. And that is Hocart's problem, probably without knowing it, his undercover racial remark is both offensive and takes off points for the earnest white man who is trying to become an authority on native custom.

--Jewel Brooks