DISJUNCTURES IN DISCOURSE: EMERGING IDENTITIES AFTER THE 2000 COUP IN RAKIRAKI, FIJI

Authors

Karen J. Brison, Union CollegeFollow

Abstract

This essay examines the way the coup of 2000 crystallized a new ethnic identity among Rakiraki villagers based on opposition to dominant groups within the Fijian ethnic community. The most obvious source of support for the coup was fear and resentment of Indo-Fijians, and it was evident that the coup both drew on and catalyzed such resentments. However, listening to villagers' reactions convinced me that they also supported the coup because they saw it as an attempt by a western Fijian (Speight, whose mother was rumored to be a Ra woman) to overthrow a Bauan-Lauan monopoly on government power, as represented by Ratu Mara. Villagers resented Ratu Mara's attempts to stop the coup and commented that he was more European than Fijian. They embraced Speight as a true Fijian son who exhibited qualities of strength thought to be central to Fijian identity. The essay suggests that, at least in the west, the coup increased existing resentment of the national chiefly structure and strengthened local identities within the Fijian community.

Recommended Citation

Brison, Karen J. (2002) "DISJUNCTURES IN DISCOURSE: EMERGING IDENTITIES AFTER THE 2000 COUP IN RAKIRAKI, FIJI," Pacific Studies Journal: Vol. 25: No. 3, Article 4.
Available at: https://digitalcollections.byuh.edu/pacific-studies-journal/vol25/iss3/4