Editorial: The damage done by racism

OPINION: The Shorter Oxford English Dictionary defines racism as prejudice, discrimination or antagonism based on "the theory that all members of each race possess characteristics, abilities, qualities etc, specific to that race".

Only Te Tai Tokerau MP Hone Harawira knows whether he is actually a racist, or simply using racist rhetoric to cloak unacceptable behaviour. However, his emailed exchange with former supporter Buddy Mikaere last week undoubtedly expressed racist sentiments.

Any tempted to excuse his outburst should substitute the word "brown" for the word white in his angry response to being asked who paid for his wife, Hilda, to accompany him on a parliamentary jaunt to Europe. "White motherf...ers have been raping our lands and ripping us off for centuries," he said. The remark was intemperate, offensive and racist.

However, there is no point in the Maori Party compelling him to apologise, as it appears intent on doing. Mr Harawira has already expressed regret for his choice of language, but not the sentiments. Those sentiments would appear to be that New Zealanders of European descent have been stealing from Maori for centuries and that, as a consequence, he is entitled to use his position for personal benefit. In addition, he should not be held accountable for personal expenditure of public money – "puritanical bull....", in his words.

Intellectually, his argument is on a par with those of rednecks who argue that all Maori are lazy. Ascribing characteristics to individuals on the basis of their skin colour is not only wrong, it is stupid.

Personally, his conduct represents the height of self-indulgence. He has put his own interests ahead of those of his constituents. How effective an advocate can he now be on their behalf?

Politically, his outburst is calamitous. Maori Party co-leader Pita Sharples has spent the past few years reassuring non-Maori that they have nothing to fear from Maori taking greater control of national resources. In one foul-mouthed swoop, Mr Harawira has undermined his work. Those suspicious of Maori claims to the foreshore and the seabed will see Mr Harawira's comments as the real, unstated, view of the Maori Party and of Maoridom in general.

Prime Minister John Key will also be more dismayed than he has let on. He has tested the tolerance of National Party supporters by reaching out to the Maori Party and countenancing initiatives with which conservative voters are uncomfortable. Mr Harawira has made it harder for him to sell future initiatives to the public.

Mr Harawira has attempted to suggest his outburst was part of a wider struggle to advance Maori interests. It was not. Put simply: in four short years, he has developed the overblown sense of entitlement that it takes most MPs at least a decade to acquire. Caught out, he has resorted to racism.

Maori Party leaders have a tough choice to make when they meet Mr Harawira in his electorate on Thursday. Keep him within its ranks, and the party will be a less effective advocate of Maori interests. Kick him out, and it risks losing the support of young Maori radicals who identify with him.

- © Fairfax NZ News