american samoa

We talk about our personal experience with depression, suicide and anger, to raise mental health awareness in our Polynesian community and normalize conversations about this topic. 

988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (now known as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.

We discuss factors contributing to mental health problems (i.e., depression, anxiety, suicide).

988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (now known as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.

Samoan tattoos play an important part in a Samoan's identity, status, respect, and pride. Should anyone receive the tatau? We discuss the traditional Samoan pe'a worn by men and the malu for women.

988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (now known as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.

We address the question, "Do you have to speak the Samoan Language to be considered a 'real' Samoan?

988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (now known as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.

We continue our discussion on the Samoan fa'alavelave, an event that interferes with the daily life and requires traditional gift giving, such as a funeral, birthday, or wedding.

988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (now known as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.

We give our perspectives on the meaning of the Samoan fa'alavelave, an event that interferes with the daily life and requires traditional gift giving, such as a funeral, birthday, or wedding.

988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (now known as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.

Get to know the team members of Behind the Lavalava.

988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (now known as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.

Does Racism exist in American Samoa? Is it okay for Samoans to use the N word? We discuss the topic of racism in American Samoa and the meaning of the word "Meauli".

988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (now known as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.

Pacific Islanders and Native Hawaiians have historically been the most overrepresented demographic in the U.S. Military. This week, we speak with Gabby Langkilde, an American Samoan, about her experiences growing up near an army base and dealing with military recruitment in high school. Then, we discuss the military’s role in colonialism and citizenship, as well as the pitfalls of grouping Pacific Islander Americans with Asian Americans.

Our guest this week was Gabrielle T. Langkilde, an American Samoan and recent graduate from Harvard University with a degree in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. Her biweekly column “Pasefika” appeared in The Harvard Crimson in 2019 and 2020.

Mentioned in this episode (and more):

• “The Militarization of the Pacific” by Gabrielle T. Langkilde (The Harvard Crimson)
• Island of Warriors, from the docuseries America By The Numbers (PBS)
• “Why it’s time to retire the term ‘Asian Pacific Islander’” by Naomi Ishisaka (Seattle Times)

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