Mottos and slogans
A motto is a short sentence or phrase chosen as encapsulating the beliefs or ideals
guiding an individual, family or institution. A slogan is a brief attention-getting phrase used in advertising or promotions.
If you believe in Hawaii’s state motto,” Ua mau ke ea o ka aina I ka pono,” “The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness” then you should know that it was born out of strife on July 31, 1843, at a time when the liberties of the aboriginal people were being threatened. The words were uttered by Moi Kauikeauoli in response to regaining the Hawaiian Peoples sovereignty over Britain.
Today, we hear the words aina and pono over and over again to describe a lifestyle “Malama aina,” “Malama pono.” These concepts have been widely adopted in Hawaii not only as a cultural norm but more importantly as a social, pragmatic and practical norm. So if we believe that the state motto captured the resolve of its native inhabitants so many years ago and if today it retains its life and meaning then how do we set that motto in motion or should we just ignore it and call it a slogan.
“In God we trust” — America’s motto, “Gold and Silver” — Montana’s motto, “Hope” — Rhode Island, “Friendship” — Texas, “God enriches” — Arizona, “Equal rights”— Wyoming, “Eureka” — California. You can Google all of the State’s motto’s as I did but I challenge you to find one that has more meaning and relevance in this very moment in this place.
Aina, that which feeds us, our families and humanity. Pono, that which guides our actions towards ourselves, our families and humanity.
And so, “The Election was rigged,” “Hang Mike Pence,” “Kill Nancy Pelosi,” “Trump won” — mottos or slogans. Are these the themes that will feed us, our families and humanity? Are these the themes that will guide our actions towards ourselves, our families and humanity?
So for me it comes down to whether I’m a motto or a slogan. I am both, and you?
Charles Young
Honaunau
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