To be clear, I would have given this novel and it’s author equal levels of enthusiastic support if it had been transparent in the writing and the marketing of it, that this book was by and about non-native POC in Hawai’i, and if it was about the complexities of that identity. I would like it to be known that I would not have organized this event, held the conversation in this manner, or demonstrated support for this novel at all, had I known it was a work of cultural appropriation. However, I have opted to post this recording for the purpose of accountability. I wish to withdraw my support of this novel, as I view it as a harmful work of misappropriation. As you can see, if you were present for this conversation or are viewing it now, many of my questions centered around the notion that we had a shared cultural history and heritage, as I myself am Kanaka Maoli. This conversation was conducted around my belief that Kawai Strong Washburn was Kanaka Maoli, or Native Hawaiian, and it has been brought to my attention that he is not. A note from Serena Morales, Books Are Magic’s Events & Marketing Associate:
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