Making Sense of Micronesia: The Logic of Pacific Island Culture

by Francis X. Hezel

Why are islanders so lavishly generous with food and material possessions but so guarded with information? 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? These questions are common in encounters with an unfamiliar Pacific Island culture. Making Sense of Micronesia is intended for westerners 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.

The author focuses on the guts of island the importance of the social map, the tension between the individual and social identity, the ways in which wealth and knowledge are used, the huge importance of respect, emotional expression and its restraints, island ways of handling both conflict and intimacy, the real but indirect power of women. Far from a theoretical exposition, the book begins and ends with the real-life behavior of islanders. Each section of every chapter is introduced by a vignette that illustrates the theme discussed. The book attempts to explain island behavior, as curious as it may seem to outsiders at times, against the over-riding pattern of values and attitudes that have always guided island life.

Even as the author maps the cultural terrain of Micronesia, he identifies those areas where island logic and the demands of the modern world the “dilemmas of development.” In some cases, changes are being made; in others, the very features of island culture that were highly functional in the past may remain so even today. Overall, he advocates restraint―in our judgments on island practices, in our assumption that many of these are dysfunctional, and in leading the charge for “development” before understanding the broader context of the culture we are trying to convert.

200 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2013

Reviews

[Sylvester Francis Alonz · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a Micronesian reading this text, I heeded his warning that I may react unfavorably to some of his observations. I appreciate that and thank Francis X. Hezel, SJ for his committed service to academia and ministry in Micronesia. As a young Micronesian in higher education, I have goals for the future of my country and culture. I would like to note that I am a feminist, human rights advocate, LGBTQ+ Ally, as well as an opponent of corruption, withholding of public information, misuse of funds, an invisible hierarchy of inequality, dismissal of women to "invisible influence," kin favoritism in government and business all while being a Micronesian of the Republic of Palau.

I recommend fellow Pacific Islanders to read the text first and for people who have visited that part of the world to read the text, it is a collection of personal observations by Francis Hezel, and I cannot dispute his experiences. If you are curious, read it with an open mind that we as a people are capable of adapting and preserving our heritage and dispensing the ideals of equality and equity.

[Ladybug33 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book if you are living in the Pacific as an expat. It gives great insight into Micronesian culture with direct comparison to Western culture. It is well written and very easy to read, covering a lot of interesting topics.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent (if generalized) primer in Micronesian culture--highly recommend for anyone with an interest in or travel plans to the region.