“Making Sense of Micronesia…” – Talk by Francis X. Hezel, SJ

MU-BI is co-sponsoring with the East-West Center and the Pacific Islander Student Center at UH Hilo the public lectures / discussions led by Fr. Francis X. Hezel, SJ – Jesuit scholar, author, historian on Micronesia, and Adjunct Senior Fellow at the East-West Center at UH Manoa. The visiting expert on Micronesia will conduct two free public lectures / discussions (see abstracts below) for anyone interested .

Wednesday, March 19, 2014
University of Hawaii at Hilo, 200 W. Kawili St., Hilo
Campus Center 301 (campus map)
Register Now

  • 1:30 – 3:00 pm  – “Making Sense of Micronesia: The Logic of Pacific Island Culture”
  • 5:00 – 6:00 pm – “Women’s Roles in Micronesia: Then and Now”

francis-hezel-sjABOUT THE SPEAKER

Former director of the Micronesian Seminar and currently serving as Adjunct Senior Fellow at the East-West Center, Fr. Hezel has published a half dozen books and well over sixty articles on Micronesia and his influence on Micronesian studies has been described as formidable. He is frequently consulted within and beyond Micronesia by government officials, educators, researchers, and development specialists. He has received honorary doctorate degrees from the University of Guam and Fordham University, his alma mater. Most recently, Hezel has been conducting research with Micronesians now living in the United States. His latest book, “Making Sense of Micronesia: The Logic of Pacific Island Culture” was published last year by UH Press. His other books include The First Taint of Civilization, Strangers in Their Own Land,  The New Shape of Old Island Cultures, and The Caroline Islands: History of the Diocese.

Lecture 1:

MakingSenseMicronesia_BookCover“Making Sense of Micronesia: The Logic of Pacific Island Culture”

(Co-sponsored by Micronesians United – Big Island)

Abstract: Who are these Micronesians in Hawaii? Why are they here? Why do Micronesian women and youth seem so silent? Why do these people, unfailingly polite for the most part, laugh openly when others embarrass themselves? What does a smile mean to an islander? What might a sudden lapse into silence signify? Why are they so lavishly generous with food and material possessions but seem guarded or event absent from school functions? These questions are common in encounters with an unfamiliar Pacific Island culture. This talk is intended for Americans who find themselves in contact with Micronesians—as teachers, social workers, health-care providers, or simply as friends—and are puzzled by their island ways. It is for anyone struggling to make sense of cultural exchanges they don’t quite understand. 

Lecture 2:

“Women’s Roles in Micronesia: Then and Now”

(Co-sponsored by the HIST 411 – Family & Gender in Oceania class at UH Hilo; Prof. Kerri Inglis)

Abstract: Women’s power was once real but understated. Because of changes in the family brought on by monetization of the economy beginning in the 1960s, women’s power has been diminished and they today face serious abuse problems they had never faced before.

(Remember: March is Women’s History Month! learn more>)

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