Gridiron-to-School Pipeline: Polynesian Style

The school to prison pipeline has affected many students on a national level. I would like to point out the impact it has on Polynesian youth in Utah schools. I would also like to propose how football can be an alternative pipeline for Polynesian males. In recent years, Polynesians have been greatly noticed for their feats and contributions in all levels of American football, specifically in the media. Polynesian males in regards to football are known for the size, strength and quickness. These are abilities needed to be a successful football player. Not only are their physical attributes used in football, but their culture. Football and rugby teams that obtain players of Polynesian ancestry perform Polynesian war dances as a method of mental preparedness and identity.  Many Polynesian and non-Polynesian sports critics, journalist, academic scholars and students have investigated the connection between American football and Polynesian cultures.  Despite the success Polynesian players have gained through football, there are many issues Polynesian players and communities face that are marginalized. Polynesians are seen to be recent migrates to the U.S., even though Hawaii is a U.S. state.  This is largely due to the influence of the LDS faith, the pursuit of economic and educational opportunities. Once in the U.S. majority of Polynesians reside in areas of low socioeconomic status and communities of color, specifically African American or Latino communities. With these new and non familiar ways of living, Polynesians experience a clash of cultures between their heritage and traditional American school curriculum.  As a new population of minorities amongst minorities, Polynesians face the same inequalities that their minority neighbors do.  In my next posting  I will attempt to describe these clashes of cultures, identity issues and inequalities Polynesians face in the realm of education within the state of Utah. I will also make notion of how football can disrupt the school to prison pipeline and create a different pipeline for Polynesians.  I will investigate these issues using various genres of references alongside my narrative as a Tongan male and ex-collegiate athlete.