While this may seem superfluous to Micronesian readers of this report,
it is mentioned here for the edification of those uninformed or unaware
non-Micronesians who are connected with the activities described in
this report, or who simnly may read it.
Micronesian custom,
It is a generally practiced
like that of people in Asia in general, not to
give offense when directly confronted by a person or a situation.
This
results in situations where Micronesians will give a positive answer
to a question in order to avoid giving offense to the questioner; or
will avoid directly making an immediate decision concerning a problem
either to avoid possible conflict,
or in hopes that the problem will
resolve itself without personal involvement.
Non-Micronesians,
especially
Americans, are wont to ask questions which to Micronesians already indicate the kind of answer expected.
Questions like “Isn't it a nice
day?", or "Don't you think this is a good idea?",
with an affirmative,
"Yes,"
person being querried.
are invariably met
regardless of the true feelings of the
Thus while it is customary not to give offense
by contradicting the views of another person, it is also customary
to expresa one's views either indirectly or directly concerning a
person or activity after the questioner has left, or the activity
ceased.
Thus, a non-Micronesian in dealing with Micronesians may
leave with the impression that he made quite a hit with the people,
that he was well liked and his ideas well received and accepted.
He may be quite amazed to learn later that they are actually in opposition to his ideas,
that the people did not like him or the manner
in which he conducted himself.
To the American,
it may appear that
the people are "two-faced" or have "talked about him behind his back"
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