American Samoa Politics: Performing SĀMOA

After identifying the ways in which "teu le vā" is misapplied in American Samoa politics, important analysis and discussion of the overall culture that perpetuates damaging and ineffective cycles is appropriate. This conversation includes further discussion of "teu le vā" and a direct challenge of the concept of respect in Samoan culture. In this episode, with the help of Dr. Kai'ili, Chief Tauaisafune, Mrs. Mata'u, and Dr. Tapa'au, I highlight potential areas for changes in American Samoa and discuss the importance of keeping Samoan culture in American Samoa. | Music produced by Bradley Moon.

The overall analysis of Samoan culture in American Samoa government involves identifying and defining the different cultural components that are at play. In this episode, Chief Tauaisafune describes the parts to a traditional Samoan speech and Dr. Tapa'au describes campaign culture and events. In making connections between cultural components and the concept of "teu le vā," Dr. Ka'ili further helps me illustrate and highlight the misapplication of the concept "teu le vā" in American Samoa government. | Music produced by Bradley Moon.

The growing number of issues in American Samoa today are a direct result of the presence of Samoan culture in every sphere- especially the government. In this episode, Dr. Tapa'au, Chief Tauaisafune, and Mrs. Mata'u describe the original Samoan form of government, the matai system, and explain the importance and purpose of the journey taken by High Orator Chief Mariota Tuiasosopo I to keep culture in American Samoa government and Samoans in leadership positions. Dr. Ka'ili defines and introduces the Tā-Vā Philosophical Theory of Reality that I apply in my analysis of Samoan culture in American Samoa government, with a specific focus on the concept of "teu le vā." | Music produced by Bradley Moon.