Haole is a very racist word.

Theresa Nakata,
San Diego,CA

Growing up a “haole” girl in rural Kona, Hawaii, every school year I was bullied for the color of my white skin and the shape of my nose. As I got older and experienced other cultures, the personal shame and pain I felt about being white in Hawaii was replaced with understanding and joy from living in the islands — a melting pot of culture where diversity is ultimately celebrated and valued.