Time of famine, time of transformation: hell in the Pacific, Palau

Nero, Karen L.

essay

Time of famine, time of transformation: hell in the Pacific, Palau

pacific theater : island representations of world war ii • Honolulu • Published In 1989 • Pages: 117-147

By: Nero, Karen L..

Abstract
This article examines some of the important changes that occurred in Balauan culture and society in the context of foreign occupation and war-caused famines. It shows that the Balauans regained their sense of national worth when the Japanese, who treated them as second-class citizens in their own land, lost to the Americans during WWII. This regained identity was reflected in stories which tell how the Belauans survived war-caused famines by sharing food and taking care of each other, while defeated Japanese soldiers presumably continued to prove their 'inhumanity' by stealing and killing for food.

External relations

Aftermath of combat

Cultural identity and pride

Research and development

Eating

Mutual aid

Community structure

Acculturation and culture contact