Barbarian Days: A Surfing Life

How were Finnegan’s formative years impacted by the political and social climate of the 1960s and 1970s? How does he look back on this time now? Explain, referencing the text.

Although Finnegan’s parents encouraged his interest in surfing, he found that his obsession with the sport caused him to feel more distant from his family. How does he frame surfing and the ocean as an escape from land, family and society generally? Explain in detail, citing passages from the text.

Finnegan recalls how his schooling at Kaimuki felt “racially constructed” and describes the racial tensions in his community and Hawaii in general. Compare and contrast the social settings of surfing and school in regard to race.

What dangers did Finnegan face in his travels throughout the South Pacific? How did he feel about them at the time? Reference passages from the text.

How is Finnegan reflective, and sometimes critical, about his own past behavior? What impression does this create? Explain, referencing the text.

How does Finnegan grapple with his privilege as an American tourist in countries around the world? In what ways is his identity a drawback?

As a surfer and a journalist, Finnegan used participant observation to learn about local cultures as he traveled. Choose one of his experiences abroad and explain how he tried to learn and involve himself in the local community. How does he regard these efforts in hindsight? Explain in detail.

What role did surfing play in Finnegan’s friendships, and conversely, what role did his friendships play in surfing?