Who is racist on Saipan?

On Saipan, it`s not only a few Chamorros who have hatred of other races, colors, or even religion, although they are at the top of the list. The Tao Tao Tano group, while initially having some credibility in advancing community`s interests like the skyrocketing utility costs, has lost all that by being racist, by telling a group of long-term alien workers to go home because this is "our land."

But like I said, it`s not only the TTT or a few Chamorros.

Some examples of how some people treat each other on Saipan:

A journalist was yelled at by a Chamorro man for using the main entrance to the Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe to attend a hearing early this year. The man told the journalist that the Chinese should use the side entrance. The journalist told the man: I`m here to cover the hearing. The man, shocked that the woman infront of him could actually communicate humanely, in English, said, :"Oh I`m sorry I thought you`re Chinese," and allowed the reporter to use the main entrance.

Every year at the Fourth of July parade, many Chamorro men and women yell at `other` parade spectators. When these so called locals see Asians blocking their view, they yell: "Hey, Hey! Go Go!" or "Go away," coupled with hand gestures suited for getting rid of flies and other insects. That`s why it`s a joke every time Liberation committee members or emcees talk of `unity in diversity` or friendship` etc. when, during the parade and they are seated comfortably on the main stage, they yell at non-locals, Caucasians included, blocking their view.

An Asian man was in a souvenir shop in Garapan. The Korean/Chinese saleslady told him that people like him want to just look at the merchandise but dont buy at all. the man thought to himself, maybe the reason why customers don`t buy from you is because of your attitude.

An Asian CUC customer patiently waited in line to pay their utility bills. After more than 30 minutes of waiting for her turn, the customer noticed that a local woman who just came in went straight to a `side` window where she was promptly attended to by a CUC employee. this happens all the time in other government agencies.

I have to mention how even elected officials and caucasian males lambast Asians, when in fact their children are half-Asians because guess what, they`re married to Asian women.

A woman walked past two Chamorras who are way too big for the typical islander. Within earshot, the woman could hear the other one told her friend: "She`s not Catholic. She`s so thin." Go figure.
(To be continued)