Award Date

5-1-2021

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Journalism and Media Studies

First Committee Member

Benjamin Burroughs

Second Committee Member

David Nourse

Third Committee Member

Linda Dam

Fourth Committee Member

Michael Borer

Number of Pages

37

Abstract

American Samoa as a self-governing U.S. territory located in the South Pacific is fortunate to be able to maintain their cultural traditions, language, and lands in all aspects- including their government. However, when the community suffers from a number of growing issues that affect the health and safety of its citizens, an analysis of the culture and leadership is fitting. I interviewed Jacqueline Tuiasosopo-Mata'u, Dr. Tapa'au Daniel Aga, and Chief Tauaisafune Niualama Taifane to gain insight into American Samoa government history, American Samoa government and community in the present, and to describe cultural practices and traditions that are in place. In critically analyzing the insight gained from these interviews, I discussed the Tā-Vā Theory of Reality and the Samoan concept of “teu le vā,” nurturing relationships, with Dr. Tevita Ka’ili. While American Samoa’s frustration with their government leaders is warranted, I found that the issues stem from the entire American Samoa community’s unspoken understanding of culture and its demonstration. Both leaders and citizens, and in spaces beyond the government, American Samoa values superficial peace and positional power over dealing with the actual issues.

Keywords

American Samoa; Government; Moana; Pacific; Samoa; Ta-Va

Disciplines

Broadcast and Video Studies | Journalism Studies | Political Science | Sociology

File Format

pdf

File Size

497 KB

Degree Grantor

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Language

English

Rights

IN COPYRIGHT. For more information about this rights statement, please visit http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

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