Why SPAM Is So Popular In Guam | AJ+

There’s a growing movement of young people on Guam who envision a sustainable future for the island. They want to end the island's dependency on imported processed foods, which has been ongoing since World War II and has led to high rates of heart disease and diabetes.

Archival photos courtesy of Hormel Foods.
1929-1931 - Guam Proclamation, Governor Willis Winter Bradley Jr. Papers, MSS960, The Richard Flores Taitano Micronesian Area Research Center, University of Guam. Mangilao, Guam.
1929-1931 - School Drills and Parades, Governor Willis Winter Bradley Jr. Papers, MSS960, The Richard Flores Taitano Micronesian Area Research Center, University of Guam. Mangilao, Guam.
Music tracks courtesy of APM and Audio Networks.

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[rickywolf]

I was stationed on Guam in the 70’s. I have yet to meet a friendlier culture of people. They opened their homes and events to us. I was completely unaware of American impact on their culture and way of life. Once again I am ashamed of my country’s policies and impact on the world, but I am in awe of these peoples fight to reclaim their way of life. It is my profound hope that both of us can rescue our cultures by changing our own lives, living by example, and being of service to others.

[mikaylabansie]

I love it when young people fight to reclaim their a healthy future. Teach us a better way💜☺

[AwokenEntertainment]

It's hopeful to see the youth educating themselves and putting the power back into their own hands.. ❤‍🔥

[rlemona]

I am a Chamorro living in the United States deep in the South where nobody understands or knows much about Guam or it's culture. This is extremely important. It is amazingly beautiful and empowering to see people who are taking action AND to see those who are trying to educate the rest of the world about things that are never talked about! Grateful for this video. :) DECOLONIZE GUAM!

[GustavoRodriguez-qrpo]

People of Guam.
The people of Puerto Rico support you. Our farming techniques have given us independence we grew tobacco, coffee, sugarcane, and platanos plus many other natural foods. just like you, we use a lot of Pork in our diets. the people of the caribbean and latin america support you.
oh and hawaii you too.

[rosewatersaffron]

So refreshing to see these young people take matters into hand and stop getting themselves pushed around. Especially the girl talks very wisely. It's really sad to see how governments poison people with lowest quality of meat and hazardous pesticides but the worst is the crime that has been done to mankind with invention and development of the atomic bomb.

Now I would like to see another video on Iran about how traditional clay fridge houses, fresh water supply through ancient canalization and techniques for air conditioned architecture without use of electricity got destroyed so the west could sell their electric fridges and air conditioning to us. Iran has a major power supply issue and they really have to go back to their roots and depend less on gadgets when they have their own indigenous ways. (Leave me a shoutout if you actually do this kind of video so I can come back and watch it)

[possrii]

My grandfather is Chamorro (Mendiola), he came to the mainland United states after being in the military 35 years ago. I never knew much about traditional Chamorro culture or the impact of US colonization because my mother was raised to be a traditional mainland American. I am so happy to see this series talking about the forgotten colony of Guam. Thank you for taking the time to interview the natives and shead light on the social, political, and economic issues they face. This is by far my favorite series on this channel so far, although I admit I might be a little biased Haha 🐟💕😁

[kirihehm]

Hila’an is freaking gorgeous! This was a great and informative video, looking forward to more

[DrawnByDandy]

Man. As someone from the Philippines who's heard other Filipinos romanticize the idea of being part of the US, I'm glad we got our independence. Our history of colonization under the Spanish and Americans sounds so similar to Guam's, it makes me emotional to hear how Guam's continued colonization is affecting them. I hope they get more independence too.

[Jasongy]

So proud, glad these younger people are taking g into their own hands, and most importantly preserving their culture and identity.

[blacklistertube]

She's the real 'Moana' from disney's movie. Love the island, love the culture, and want to keep it sustainable.

[geraldklump]

I was in the marine corp in Guam from 88 to 90. The local food was the best. I still to this day cook some local dishes.

[jonathanbolinao]

it's hurts how beautiful hila'an is 😭😭😭

[noeminoemi]

such similar history as the PHilippines, the love of Spam and US canned goods the military air dropped became part of the local diet, the only difference is corned beef which is loved as much as Spam.

[charlesbrown]

They are such a beautiful couple. I applaud their efforts to educate people to their true culture and a healthier diet. It's a good example for all of us.

[AndySabola]

Guam had like 10, 000 people when the American's took it in 1898. It's good to appreciate your culture and eat better ... but there is no way this tiny island can support it's current population of 170k people 'living off the land' in a traditional manner.

They'd need to strip the island and build massive farms or something which is just as culturally transformative as what already happened.

[Piasays]

The prices for basic things like milk and butter!! Wow that’s really crazy!!!

[krissym]

My dads side of the family is Chamorro, I’m 25%. My grandma doesn’t talk much about her home so I always find it interesting hearing/reading about Guam. Would love to visit there one day. Though my father and I can’t stand spam, my grandma loves it which goes to show the period of time she grew up in.

[crimsonstar]

My old coworker is Chamorro, and she said that the big reason why spam is so universally loved on Guam is because canned meats will stay good even when weather causes power outages. I can see the appeal of processed trash food when the alternative is going hungry or the risk of food poisoning.

I don't doubt that there's a convenience factor as well. I know that I don't grow, hunt, or gather any of my own food, and I wouldn't know where to start if I needed to. Maybe if we want these remote Pacific islands for strategic military operations, we should at least compensate by building infrastructure that can withstand regularly occurring weather patterns, especially if we're going to keep enforcing the archaic and actually market stifling Jones Act.

[charlesmartin]

I'm in love with this young couple they have brought tears to my eyes .I'm seriously listening and understanding everything you are speaking about process food's are killing FORT WORTH TEXAS and many others. Blessings and more Blessings