Tokelau is a small pacific nation that is still going through changes in its society. These changes occur because societies outside of Tokelau such as New Zealand and the rest of the world will never be done changing, really. To be honest change is inevitable and its bound to happen, everywhere you look change is occuring. However in relation to Tokelau we see in the documentary 'Our small world' 2 key concepts being introduced - Modernisation and Westernisation. Some people believe it means the same thing but I would have to disagree with this notion because they have two different meanings. Modernisation refers to adopting modern methods or techniques, where as Westernisation refers to becoming more like the Americans and Europeans in their beliefs, customs, practices even ideas.
So in saying this;
Are Tokelauans struggling with Modernisation and Westernisation in their small pacific nation?
1 comment:
Well, after watching the documentary "Our Small world" and reading a few extracts on Tokelau, I conclude that "no", Tokelau is not struggling with Modernization as much as Westernization. The reason for this is, if you watch the documentary, you can clearly see changes that have occurred there to do with modernization, which the Tokelauan people have no problem with. A few examples is the structure and designs of buildings and also equipments such as aluminum boats and plastic buckets which are seen throughout the documentary. As far as I am concerned, Tokelau is doing well with modernization. However, westernization in Tokelau is another story. This is due to Tokelauans willing to continue traditions so as not to lose their culture. If westernization is occurring in Tokelau, I can only presume that it is happening at a slow rate. Although westernization is spreading quickly in societies around the world, such as U.S.A, Britain and France, it is happening at a slow pace in remote countries such as that of the Pacific Islands where people find it hard to cope with all these new terms and clothing and etc...
So, to finally conclude my answer, I will have to say Tokelauans are coping well with Modernization as their lifestyle becomes much easier although they are still in doubt of whether to become more westernized as much of the westernized ways can be offending to their culture which their generations have lived through.
NB: The following comment(s) were of my own prior knowledge and it not to be judged harshly.
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