halafihi:

Just some thoughts surrounding the conversation around sub-regional labels within the Pacific:

It is important to recognize our differences from one another. I do think the labels of Polynesian, Micronesian, Melanesian are important aspects of distinguishing ourselves from one another and understanding our differences to an extent. There in fact can be solidarity amongst people with characteristic variations. This is especially fundamental when combating anti-blackness within the Pacific and continually acknowledge and that there are Black Pacific Islanders – Melanesians, in which we can understand why West Papua is in genocidal and colonial conditions at the hands of Indonesia. The ocean unites us, however we are all unique gems within the Pacific’s beautiful crown.