CHONNEK GUATU, HALLA MAGI

Guam's relationship with the United States is an ambiguous and uncertain one, but far more serious relationship which isn't discussed as much is the Chamorro people's relationship with the United States, in particular from the standpoint of Chamorros on Guam. While many would be quick to respond that our passport, or the Organic Act answer all those questions, upon further thought and consideration they really don't. What they have done is moved us from third-class citizens at the beginning of the century, to second class citizens to the present day.

    The hope of this article is to trace the movement of Chamorros closer to the United States as well as further away since 1898. How has Chamorro identity been pushed closer to the United States through events such as World War II, or pushed away from it, through events such as the tyranny of Governor Gilmer, or the English Only Educational system. The title Chonnek Guatu, Halla Magi, refers to this push and pull relationship.

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