Xuenou > Movies > Native Hawaiians Are Calling Out Jason Momoa For “Prostituting” And “Commodifying” The Culture, And It’s An Important Conversation
Native Hawaiians Are Calling Out Jason Momoa For “Prostituting” And “Commodifying” The Culture, And It’s An Important Conversation
Native Hawaiians Are Calling Out Jason Momoa For "Prostituting" And "Commodifying" The Culture, And It's An Important Conversation,"Our culture is rich and beautiful — it should not be diminished for you to make more money."

Native Hawaiians Are Calling Out Jason Momoa For “Prostituting” And “Commodifying” The Culture, And It’s An Important Conversation

For years, Jason Momoa has repped his Native Hawaiian culture in Hollywood. His background influenced roles like Aquaman, and he’s proudly discussed his heritage during interviews. He protested the TMT construction atop Mauna Kea and raised awareness for the issue on social media. His identity also informs his passion for combating ocean pollution and single-use plastics.

Yinyang / Getty Images

Knowing this, some Native Hawaiians jumped to Jason’s defense and called out the sexualization of an Indigenous man wearing traditional clothing. One person said the “hysteria” was “laced with racism.”

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ABC / Via youtube.com

He turned in a circle to give the audience the full view, gave a little bow, and jiggled his butt in Jimmy’s direction.

ABC / Via youtube.com

Many Native Hawaiians condemned Jason’s behavior. One person called it “the most disgusting display of pick-me behavior I’ve seen from an Indigenous person in Hollywood to date.”

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Jason Momoa / Instagram: @prideofgypsies

Most of the commenters were appreciative and joked about how many times they watched the video.

Jason Momoa / Instagram: @prideofgypsies

But some Native Hawaiians criticized Jason. One person called him a “wannabe” and told him to “get the hell out” of the Hawaiian Kingdom:

Jason Momoa / Instagram: @prideofgypsies

Another person called him a “sellout,” writing that the culture “should not be diminished” in order for him to “make more money.”

Jason Momoa / Instagram: @prideofgypsies

Of course, not all Polynesians are disappointed with Jason. There are many who aren’t bothered by his recent behavior and still support him.

Jon Kopaloff / Getty Images

This person shared that they’re grateful for the representation he offers Native Hawaiians.

??ANZULIA?? @Anzulia_Art @WhackNicholson I’m native Hawaiian and I don’t care, I’m glad he’s representing us because we don’t get any

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Twitter: @Anzulia_Art

And this person insisted there’s “nothing but good vibes” from Jason.

TupouSii @tupousii Brah. Now woke Hawaiians going after braddah Jason Momoa. Cause he showed his Malo on jimmy kimmel. And everyone checking him out. Prostituting hawaii? That’s what Hawaiians wore back then. Let the braddah go. There’s nothing but good vibes from him.

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Twitter: @tupousii

Since I’m Samoan, I don’t want to speak over the voices of Native Hawaiians. But for every culture, I believe there’s a fine line between honoring your heritage and exploiting it. Where exactly that line is will likely differ depending on who you’re talking to, so reflecting on these issues and discussing them with other folks in your community can only be a good thing!