Hapa

In Takaki, there is mention of a "post ethnic society" which is identified as, a "society of cosmopolitan and multiple identities for groups and also individuals (Takaki 504)."  It then goes on to talk about the multi-racial baby boom that hit the country and the mention of hapa's.  Hapa Haole is a Hawaiian term which initially meant half Hawaiian and half Haole (white) in the days when many children were born with one parent being Native Hawaiian and the other being a missionary.  Since then it has evolved into a term in which one is part Haole and usually Asian or a mixture of various ethnicities.  Further in the reading Takaki says, "This fusion of races and cultures is being played out at family gatherings (Takaki 505)."  Since Hawaii is known as the "melting pot of the Pacific", there are many cultures that blend to form our unique culture.  A simple example can be a family potluck or party.  Within an extended family there may be a huge range in ethnicity.  With each family bringing a dish, there may be Hawaiian, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, etc.  An example of a plate made at these parties could be, rice, kalua pig (hawaiian), teri chicken (Japanese), Chow Fun (Chinese), Meat Jun (Korean), and possibly even spaghetti.  An example of the fusion of cultures can be seen at some funerals, although the deceased may be cremated it is not a Buddhist funeral.  There are many funerals that have a Christian service yet the deceased is cremated.  Some saw mixed races and fusion of cultures in a negative light as they "represent the extinction of the community."  However, there is a beauty in the mixing of races and fusion of culture.  People are able to see different walks of life and may become more tolerant of one another and their respective cultures.