Video, Lesson Plan Hawaiian Culture and Traditions: Māhu and Aloha
- Grade Level 3rd-5th Grade
- Date Published Mar 2015
Introduction
Video Documentary: The short film, “A Place in the Middle,” depicts the struggle to maintain Pacific Islander culture and values within the Westernized society of modern day Hawaiʻi. It is the true story of a middle school student who aspires to lead the boys-only hula group at her school, and a teacher who empowers her through traditional culture. It is told from the perspective of a Native Hawaiian who is both a proud and confident māhū, or transgender woman, and an honored and respected kumu, or teacher, cultural practitioner, and community leader.
The educational film promotes critical thinking and discussion about the values of gender diversity and inclusion, the power of knowing cultural heritage, and how to prevent bullying by creating a school climate of aloha.
VIDEO: A Place in the Middle https://vimeo.com/121840165
LESSON PLAN: A Place in the Middle https://aplaceinthemiddle.org/uploads/websites/675/wysiwyg/A_Place_in_the_Middle_Hawaii_Teachers_Guide.pdf
Essential Questions
How have some aspects of Hawaiian culture been lost and others preserved?
How did contact with Westerners affect Hawaiian culture and beliefs?
What does māhū mean and how does it explain the gender system of early Hawaiians?
What are some of the meanings of Aloha and how have they changed over time?