"The team was/is very divided, culturally. The Polynesians act entitled"

This strikes at the heart of a lot of the subtext that exists on this board.

Far more than any "cultural" (might as well read "racial) "divide" on the team or on the coaching staff, it exists in this fan-base.

It is extremely disappointing, discouraging, and even bewildering.

It's time for the fan-base on this board to take a hard look in the mirror. Do you really understand or appreciate Polynesians (or people of any other race or "culture" for that matter)?

Your mission "trips" somewhere other than America don't give you a free pass. Forget acquaintances. Do you have dear friends... people you chose to hang out with during casual times *and* important events in your life that are Polynesian (or just even aren't white)? Do your kids hang out with and have best friends that are Polynesian?

Make whatever excuses you want... but ask yourself... other than appreciating the athletic prowess of some Polynesians, do you really understand or relate to them on any meaningful level? Be honest with yourself.

If you are of the apparent tiny minority that can honestly answer these questions in an affirming way... good for you. The rest of you have a lot of work to do... and I simply ask you to be more thoughtful, reach out of your comfort zone, make some friends you normally wouldn't, and just become more understanding of others and become a better person.

I for one am committed to doing that. And before you rage against how preachy, biased, etc. this post sounds, just appreciate the truth of it and the spirit in which it's written.