An Explanation About Interviews

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As I contemplated doing this year-long project, my initial thought was to focus on something I was good at: Interviews.  

 

In prior communities and jobs, I used to interview people for newsletters, publicity, news outlets, and blogs.

 

 My initial plan was to feature the People of Waipahu.

 

As I talked about the ideas with a handful of people, it was my father who helped me shift my thinking.  

 

He wondered if interviews, and personal attention in general, were part of Asian cultures.  

 

And for that matter, Polynesian cultures.  There is a Hawaiian value Ha'aha'a, which has many meanings in English.  It refers to humility and modesty.

 

As I read some more, I realized here was perhaps a major cultural difference.  

 

In my Midwestern background, interviews were perfectly acceptable.  It was an honor to be featured for one's individual achievement.

 

In other cultures, this value is different.

 

Individual achievement does not have the same place in people's psyche.

 

Thus, my first few months of this blog will likely be filled with non-personal stories.  Or ones that are told solely from my experience.

 

Before I go live with interviews, I am going to thoroughly investigate how to do it the right way in Waipahu.

 

In case you are wondering, I have already met hundreds of very interesting people in this town.  Many of them would make excellent interviews.  But in their honor, I need to approach such a subject the right way.

 

Please have patience while I adjust.