Why the People in Guam Might Hate You!

I can't tell you how many times I've heard someone suggest the native people of Guam don't like Americans.

Having lived here for two years, I want to talk about whether or not that rumor is true.

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[testikoles]

Hit the nail right on the head, man. Of course, there’s some Chamorros with a predisposition against mainlanders but it’s usually because of a bad experience with one or two particular people. For the most part, we’re very accepting regardless where you come from. Just respect the land, people and culture and you’re good.

PSA: This goes for my fellow Chamorros too. I’ve seen some people go to Japan, Korea, and even the mainland and disrespect their culture. Practice what you preach.

[ShanaBee]

Moving to Guam in January. I cannot wait to explore this beautiful island and learn all that I can about the culture and it’s history. Respect is important.

[anthonybonino]

I lived on Guam for two years. I found the locals to be very helpful, and friendly. I embraced the culture, and tried to blend in. It mostly comes down to respect. If you treat people poorly expect to be treated the same. I wish that I could move back. Coming back to the states have been an adjustment, and I mostly miss the " we attitude" of the island rather than the selfishness of the states.

[mrcu]

You are right on !!! I was stationed in Guam from 1987 - 1990 and loved it ! My supervisor was a Chamarro . He welcomed me into his family and extended family and it was a great experience ! I loved the island, sea, mountains, people, food...etc ! t was the best military assignment I ever had !!!

[bkdexter]

I was stationed at Andersen AFB from 94 - 98. I LOVED it here! In fact I tried to retire here but the military had other plans. All these years later....here I am on Guam again to work and stay 2 more years. Guam is unlike anyplace else. But don't come here thinking you're going to change the place...Guam operates on "Island time". Just except it. Embrace it. Slow down and enjoy the people, the scenery, the ocean, etc. I love this place!

[sporty]

As an indigenous person of Guahan I really appreciate your perspective. My people are a very welcoming and loving people. The misunderstandings between all people exist that will never go away but your perspective is spot on with how we feel about other people.

[RubyGonzales]

THANK YOU! I have nothing but deep gratitude to you for explaining this topic. I am a Filipina who spent 20 yrs of my life on Guam. Obviously, the length of my stay would tell the world that I was very happy there and found the island as the sweetest home I could ever live. Guam and its people have been nothing but nice to me. I truly believe that I l'm a better person inside out because of this place and the people I've met here. My life was simple, sweet, I was able to focus on the best things in life that are priceless and often missed by many. If not for the military orders of my husband, I would never leave Guam. And yes, my husband and so as many of my close friends are in the military. And unfortunately, you're also right about some other military and their dependants who have been disrespectful to the island. When I was still there on my early months of marriage and newly dealing with the other military dependants from off island, I didn't immediately caught that the reason why I had this nasty feeling to this new group was because they were showing superiority complex towards Guamanians and like what you said, ranting about things such as how their package don't arrive after a few days, the limited places they could go, how Guam was so hot and humid, how people were so chill, slow and non-challant yadi-yadi blah blah blah basically things that I really don't care to hear about, omg !!!

We left the island about 5 yrs ago, I cried for weeks when we did. And until now, it's still the best place that I know. I could go on and on about all my reasons and my feelings why Guam will always be home to me. Again, thank you for putting this on YouTube. Blessings to you and your family. More power!

[flowersnpearls]

I am a local grandmother who’s lived here all of my 67 year old life. I happen to be married to a white American for close to 40 years and have spent time with his family in the states. I have come to understand some of why there is tension between Guamanian and American cultures. (And yes, I know Guamanians are Americans. Bear with me!) Clashes between cultures and peoples stem from different perspectives and unmet expectations each group has of the other. Guamanians are sensitive and tender hearted, generous, and relationship focused. Americans are honest and direct, practical minded, and goal oriented. Both cultures have great virtues, however, under certain circumstances, they can come across as annoying and offensive. It takes a bit of grace and wisdom to see where the other party is coming from, and to make the effort to think the best and not the worst of people. Those who have been brought up to be respectful and courteous will get along despite unmet expectations. This video has been a huge help. Thank you for posting.

[RissAndCo]

Si Yu’us Ma’åse, as a native of Guam I can confirm that what you are saying is true… you nailed it! Outsiders are a guest, you give respect to the people and their land, you will get the same respect in return. It’s such a common sense rule that most practice while traveling, Guam is no different.

[karlporath]

I was stationed there at Anderson. I had a great experience. Be polite, be curious, actually listen and learn, and be the guy that showed up in the Howlie shirt. Worked for me.

[erwinbordallo]

You nailed it. I was born on this island and left when I was only 8 years old. I lived in the States most of my life (40 years). My parents wanted so much for us to be able to fit in and learn the American culture that they never taught us our own native language. I've since graduated, went into the Air Force and was stationed in CO, NM, FL and Bitburg AB, W. Germany. When I got out I worked 12 years for United Airlines and was able to travel wherever I wanted. In 2001, I decided to move back to Guam and give my home island a chance. I've never left back to the US mainland since, and I really have no incentive (except for relatives living there) to ever go back. I'm married to a Filipina and the one thing I can share with you, are the same people you are talking about (who disrespect the island), come here with an attitude of extravagance, like if they could buy anything they want and that they are a highter breed of humans than the rest of us. I'm actually ashamed to be a part of that culture, but I do see it. The USA may be the best in the world for everything, just remember what the Bible says about pride and humility and where everything comes from. I thank you for putting out this segment as well as addressing it. God bless you!

[jlangster]

Been living here for 2 years and I have had my own anxieties of feeling like an outcast like i don't belong. Being away from family has been the worst because of it. I love this island. Most of the island people are amazing and so super sweet and welcoming. I am glad this was the duty station we got.

[soterac]

Bottom line = treat people the way you would like to be treated! You continue to provide excellent videos of the island, people, and culture! Keep up the great work Taylor, much respect!

[wp]

As a local resident, great video brotha. It just takes some mutual understanding and a lil bit of the golden rule. 👍

[chokai]

100% accurate my guy! Respect for doing such a video. I was one of those locals bro and let me tell you I had to open up my mind to understand other people! Goes both ways for sure. Some of the locals are really just to prideful and take it way to serious 😂 those are the punks

[leroydelossantosvalleyhs]

I really appreciate your insight and open-mindedness. My family and I moved stateside about 14 years ago. The mindset I have, which I provided to my children was "you don't have to accept another person's ideals or beliefs, but you should RESPECT it!" For my children and I, this has helped us understand and assimilate to the culture in the continental U.S. and yes --- aside from popular belief, their exist "American culture" that is "equally" rich and beautiful as my Chamorro culture and heritage.

[jaeleenoden]

I love this!!!! Since moving to the states in 2017 I often find myself talking to others about how great the people back home are. We are very proud & passionate people when it comes to our culture & land! The only thing we ask for is Respect. Everything else doesn’t matter! If you have respect, the locals will welcome you like you’re family!!!

[ShowseeTravels]

I was stationed there in 1992-1993 and loved it. I lived with locals and never had a single issue. I think the rumors set an unhealthy standard before you ever arrive in Guam.

[giper]

I appreciate you and this video. Guam is beautiful and it’s people, even more. RESPECT in any country is a MUST! You certainly hit the nail on the head with your statement. THANK YOU ❣️❣️

[woowoo]

Thank you for the awesome video. Guam is still on my top list of where I want to move to within five years. Keep the awesome videos coming