Pipe Dreams, Pipelines: Militarization of American Samoa
05/26/21 • 35 min
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)
Support our work on Ko-Fi
Instagram (@azi.media)
Twitter (@azidotmedia)
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)
Support our work on Ko-Fi
Instagram (@azi.media)
Twitter (@azidotmedia)
Previous Episode
Indian Farmers’ Protest: The Largest Protest In The World That’s Still Unfolding
The Indian farmers’ protests began late last summer and are still ongoing, even as coronavirus has worsened over the past month. Sylvia, Janrey and our reporter Sahil begin by explaining the legislation that has put about 50% of India’s population, small farmers, at risk while benefiting corporate interests. We explore some of India’s agricultural history—from British colonial rule to the Green Revolution—and the present day economic impacts. Finally, we discuss how the protests are connected to democracy, revolution and international solidarity.
Our guest this week was Chairman Gurinder Singh Khalsa of SikhsPAC.
Mentioned in this episode (and more):
- List of organizations and grassroots efforts fighting COVID in India
- Jakara Movement Letter in Support of BLM
- SikhsPAC on Facebook
Support Us on Ko-Fi
Next Episode
Asians Against Yang: A Movement in NYC
After gaining much attention and popularity during his presidential bid, Andrew Yang is running for mayor of New York City. We delve into the concerns brought up by Asians Against Yang, a coalition of community members, organizers, and activists who are opposing Yang’s bid to be New York’s next mayor. Then, our producer Cynthia, co-host Janrey, and guest James Boo discuss their reactions toward Andrew Yang, the mayoral election, and the current state of NYC politics.
Early voting began June 12th, and Election Day is next Tuesday, June 22nd. For more information, visit the NYC Board of Elections website.
Our guest this week was James Boo, member of the 52nd Assembly District of New York State, elected member of the Kings County Democratic County Committee, and resident of Brooklyn for the past 13 years. James is also the managing producer of Self Evident, a podcast that tells Asian America’s stories to explore what it really means to claim America today. If you enjoy listening to our podcast, definitely check out Self Evident too!
This is the last episode of our first ever season of ATM! We’ll be on a brief hiatus, so be sure to catch up on all of our old episodes in the meantime.
Mentioned in this episode:
- Petition by Asian and Pacific Islanders New Yorkers Against Yang
- Our past episode “What You Need to Know About Anti-Asian Violence” where we challenge calls for increased policing in response to anti-Asian hate
- Read Yang’s stance on affordable housing and other policies
- Coalition for Asian American Children’s APA Education Equity Campaign
Support our work on Ko-Fi
Instagram (@azi.media)
Twitter (@azidotmedia)
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