Popular Culture Review 30.2
bility to learn and understand their Pacific Islander identity and the importance of preserving the culture and aina . At the outset , Moana questioned her own identity , and her purpose within her tribe . Her father keeps telling her that no one travels beyond the reef�that the island would provide all that is needed for her and her people . Her calling , according to Chief Tui , was to follow his footsteps and lead the people of Motuni . Nevertheless , an inner inkling tells Moana that she was meant to do more . She was to go beyond the reef to find her identity and her true calling . This tension between being the person her father wants her to be and trying to find out who she is meant to be is displayed in the song that she sings , “ How Far I ’ ll Go ”:
I know everybody on this island seems so happy , on this island Everything is by design I know everybody on this island has a role , on this island So maybe I can roll with mine I can lead with pride , I can make us strong I ’ ll be satisfied if I play along But the voice inside sings a different song What is wrong with me ? See the light as it shines on the sea ? It ’ s blinding But no one knows How deep it goes And it seems like it ’ s calling out to me
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