‘Rainbow Kids’
hails beauty
of Hawaii
The answer to the problem
By Stephanie Kendrick
of race relations is
in the mix
(Romanian, Czech, Swiss, English, Blackfoot)
Assistant Features EditorRICHARD Fassler has created a rainbow that beats any pot of gold."Rainbow Kids: Hawaii's Gift to America" is a photo essay on the chop suey mix of races evident in the faces of many of Hawaii's children. Each child's picture is accompanied by a list describing his or her ethnic heritage.
Fassler's premise, which is supported in an eloquent preface by Frank DeLima, is that the rest of the country has much to learn from our state about how different cultures can live together. DeLima writes, "We are blessed with (Rainbow Kids) because the people who are native to these islands and those who came here from cultures and lands far away did more than respect each other, or appreciate and admire each other. They fell in love."
The book is well timed in an era when Hawaii seems to be learning from the advocates of political correctness, who would have us believe racism will vanish if we silence racists, instead of teaching them another approach.
DeLima has borne the brunt of critics who would silence his ethnic humor. So why did Fassler have him write the forward for this book? Well, because of DeLima's ethnic humor, as well as his tireless work with Hawaii's keiki. "When I went to him with the book it was a slam dunk, there was no question at all that he would do it," said Fassler.
Though "Rainbow Kids" is a photo essay, it is not about superb photographic technique. It is filled with snapshots. Any trigger happy auntie or uncle could pull such a collection of photos from albums and boxes at home. That's the point. We know these children. We were these children.
Fassler is optimistic about race relations and he hopes his book will help. "I think this country has been hiding from the fact that it is becoming more mixed." And racial mixing is a trend Fassler thinks is good for the country as long as we remember and celebrate the cultures we inherit. "As we have more people of mixed race, we'll have fewer conflicts.
"How can you be against blacks when you are black? How can you be against Chinese when you are Chinese?"
Though so far the book seems to be doing best among the families of the Rainbow Kids and Hawaii expatriates, Fassler hopes it will draw a broader audience. "I would like to think that this book could be used as an educational tool on the mainland."
Book signing
What: Richard Fassler will sign copies of "Rainbow Kids: Hawaii's Gift to America." Many of the Rainbow Kids are expected to attend
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