The dialectic of indigenous identity in the wake of colonialism: The case of Chamorros of Guam [microform]
- Bib ID:
- 3283736
- Format:
- Book and Microform
- Author:
- Perez, Michael Peter
- Description:
- 303 p.
- ISBN:
- 0591540428
- Summary:
-
This dissertation explores the long-term and ongoing impact of colonialism, homogenization, and Americanization on contemporary Chamorro identity. Chamorros are the indigenous inhabitants of the Mariana Islands while Guam is the Southernmost of the Marianas chain. In the context of postmodern identity politics and Fourth-World indigenous movements, various sociological, ethnic studies, and social psychological perspectives are integrated to capture the nuances of the Chamorro experience and serve as a framework for empirical investigation. Incorporating comparative analysis, historical literature, census data, semi-structured interviews, and in-depth interviews, this dissertation specifically examines contemporary Chamorro identity on Guam, as a case of the Pacific Islander and indigenous experience. Data is collected via snowball sample of 25 Chamorros, and two Chamorro leaders/advocates.
Focal questions underlying this work include the following. How are the micro consequences of the historical and contemporary experiences of Chamorros manifested in their perceptions of self (i.e.false consciousness, identity crisis?).
In light of historical and contemporary contexts, how do Chamorros perceive and feel about their racial and ethnic identity? Do they identify with a personal assimilated American identity or an in-group communal ethnic/indigenous identity? How do they express their ethnic identity (i.e.cultural and political expression)? What are the strategies of organization, expression, and self-determination (i.e.cultural, panethnic, nationalist)? In general, this study is concerned with exploring the question of whether Chamorro identity is approaching sociocultural extinction through identity crisis, or whether Chamorros are reconstructing their identity through the cultural expression and political reconstruction of racial and ethnic identity?Findings indicate that in spite of the oppressive colonial legacy and contemporary assaults to Chamorro identity in the context of neocolonialism and Americanization, Chamorro identity is by no means extinct.
Despite some evidence of identity crisis, respondents clearly revealed cultural resilience in their everyday life behaviors, values, and cultural attitudes. With respect to political contestation, a significant level political consciousness was noted. Various political organizational strategies were also uncovered via interviews with Chamorro advocates. Therefore, resistance has endured as manifested in ongoing cultural and political struggle. As part of a broader movement in race and ethnic studies to develop indigenous cultural paradigms, the larger purpose of this project is to develop a theoretical and research framework applicable to other colonized and indigenous minorities.
- Notes:
-
- (UnM)AAI9804276
- Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 58-08, Section: A, page: 3318.
- Chairperson: Adalberto Aguirre, Jr.
- Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of California, Riverside, 1997.
- Reproduction:
- Microfiche. Ann Arbor, Mich.: University Microfilms International.
- Subject:
- Sociology, Ethnic and Racial Studies
- Other authors/contributors:
- University of California, Riverside
- Copyright:
-
In Copyright
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Copyright status was determined using the following information:
- Material type:
- Literary, dramatic or musical work
- Published status:
- Unpublished
- Creation date:
- 1997
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