The director of Samoa's Nu'u Cultural Centre says the disconnect with traditional Fa'a Samoa culture among the diaspora in other countries is causing a dangerous friction with people at home.
Maulolo Tavita Amosa says the arrest of the Australian blogger - known as King Faipopo - for his social media attacks on Samoa's prime minister is an example of this.
Maulolo, a former lecturer in Samoan studies at the country's National University, says the incident last year where a pig's head was thrown at the prime minister is an unacceptable breakdown of ava fatafata, or mutual respect.
He told Dominic Godfrey that family and village leaders need to engage more with their aiga overseas.
Samoans walking on the waterfront in Apia. Photo: AFP
