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i expressed to a colleague how awkward it was for me to offer chamorus money for participating in my study. we all know how we are w/ money (nåya ta back-and-forth). my colleague advise me to decolonize my methodology next time. i’m so mad that i didn’t think of it beforehand.
in other words, does my compensation method align w/ the cultural values of my participants? what cultural norms dictate a more appropriate compensation method? my colleague advise offering food next time. i thought that was genius because what chamoru doesn’t love free food?
so to any of my participants reading this: i am deeply and truly sorry if i made it seem like your participation was merely a transaction and that i could somehow place a monetary value on your knowledge/qualities. that was never my intention.
i want to reiterate how deeply appreciative i am for all of you participating and sharing your knowledges with me, and how much i value your willingness to help me achieve my goals. there is no amount of money in the world that could equal the value of all you have done for me.
i hope my transgressions have not painted me as indifferent or unaware of the sensitivity that comes with collecting cultural data. at this point, all i can offer is that i’ve recognized my faults and learned from them, i know better now, and i’ll do better in my next study.
