_They then fail ending supply of wealth in the eyes of someone with so little. to understand howthe doctors can refuse them food, saying it is too expensive when the "richness" of the program abounds. They cannot understand how the doctors can refuse to discuss important but sensitive issues at meetings. The Marshallese operate on a different time frame than Amcricans and it is difficult for a time conscious American to understand. done by the clock in Marshallese society. Nothing is "Marshallese time" is loaked on as a joke and causes the time oriented American only exasperation when his plans are delayed. Yet when one understands Marshallese time in the perspective of the culture, it becomes an important part of understanding the people. | ! Rigid time schedules are unknown in this society. When a visitor arrives on the island, it is expected he will spent time in greetings and stories — being friendly - rather than rushing around getting work done, Meetings are never expected to start on time. After all, what is time to these people on their isolated island - it has no meaning, no necessity. When all the people have gathered after finishing all their work, only then will the magistrate say the meeting is ready to begin. A criticism from the people is that the Americans always start meetings on time and many People miss what is occurring.’ Similarly, one must be patient and endure long silences at meetings. Usually it will be found that criticisms and problems come up only at the end. Jt is the idea of a time conscious American vs. a time independent Marshallese. Another area of culture concern is the male-female relation in health matters. A male family member is not permitted by custom to be in the room when a female family member is being examined. Similarly; when a person is sick, it is the females who tend to the needs of the patient. Women who have returned to the United States feel that a female interpretor should accompany them for this reason. The idea of an interpreter is important because in the past people have traveled to the United States without a guide for the entire trip whe can help them. Not knowing English and the shock of the cultural change makes the sudden exposure to the United States frightening to the people. The people of each atoll have some individual criticism of the program that needs to be examined. The islands of Utirik and Rongelap have recently written separate letters indicating the mood of discontent that exists. (Appendix) Their feelings expressed in the letters are genuine and on close questioning, these feelings have been present for many years. However, in the past, the people have felt afraid to openly verbalize their feelings. ‘The fear grew out of the people's perception of the United States as the authority and provider, as discussed earlier. They thought that criticism would mean discontinuing the contact they have with the program. 2. Utirik. March of 1976. The distrust forthe program at Utirik first surfaced openly in Ata village meeting, various people thoughtit time to express what they have been thinking for so long. Soro 9011393 An open distrust for