The Significance of Democratic Participation

Written and Read by Mayasonette Lambkiss

as Episode 9 of SPACESUIT MADE OF FLESH

on 1/13/2024

Radio On Demand of The Institute of Universal Human Rights - Hawaii

For today's topic of democratic participation an old saying comes to mind recorded somewhere in the universe: 'Those who live together, eat together, and those who work together, sing together'. I chose this very popular hula song 'Over the Rainbow' to introduce my show today followed by Polynesian rhythms because hula are cultural community events where most local civic involvement takes place. Just as music is a natural expression of every culture, the same way the characteristics of their community participation, leadership style, sense of democracy will be different, yet remarkably just as beautiful in every culture. Just as every voice has a harmonious part to sing, every instrument knows when to join into the play, and each dancer naturally moves in harmony, so is a healthy community, a healthy democratic participation in public life. Not effortless is performing arts, and it is live, so won't be flawless, but it exudes love and beauty into the life of those participating or witnessing. When will our shared lives on local and international level be as harmonious as our artistic expressions?

The local civic participation in Hawaii where I live is controversial with varying intensity from decade to decade. The Big Island Sovereign movement never ceased, but slows down from time to time, but every so subtly and powerfully present. The Anthem of Hawaii an almost all national songs are rather unwelcoming of the foreigners even today, promoting loyalty to the chief who protects its people with spears. Will not enter this topic any further today than describing the local Hawaiian attitude for community participation. There is much to observe here. Local Hawaiians have distinctly different social norms from island to island that can still be very strongly felt when isolation is significantly less now than was in historical times. The most generous care for the broken, destitute, hungry is shown daily by the locals. They take visible pride in giving generously, food, smile, entertainment, sharing their culture with foreigners and local equally. None-the-less, when it comes to the affluent, wealthy, capable foreigners should watch their back. Nature provides just enough for the dwellers of the land, so surplus cannot be trusted. Hawaii is not only an expensive luxury tourist state for the visitor, but just as expensive for the locals, who do not have equal resources than tourists. Even if the business thrives, envy remains. So, how do they engage in civic activities? Decades old resentment still fuels a subtle but powerful resistance called sovereignty movement, passing down traditional culture to the new generations, and fostering the solidarity of the older ones.

“the American states with the highest levels of social capital are precisely the states most characterized by economic and civic equality.” (Putnam: Bowling...