Racism is more than just personal abuse

OPINION: Over the past few days I have received many responses to my comment that Labour leader Phil Goff played the race card in recent speeches, writes Rahui Katene (Maori Party) in this week's From the Beehive.

Racism, racial divisiveness and apartheid have been like red rags to a bull for some New Zealanders. It seems that a few New Zealanders have still not moved on from the 1970s when it was okay to protest against racism in the United States and apartheid in South Africa, but an affront to acknowledge that racism existed in New Zealand.

And it appears that some New Zealanders do not understand what racism is. Krichbaum (1973) described racism as "when one group views its cultural values, lifestyles, and socio-economic self-interests as superior to those of other groups and then (overtly or covertly) implements these assumptions through societal norms and institutions".

Here in Aotearoa, the Day Break Report, Puao-te-ata-tu, described three main forms – personal racism, cultural racism and institutional racism.

Personal racism is when an individual is directly put down or discriminated against on grounds of their race. An example is the type of playground abuse too many of our kids suffer.

Cultural racism is less obvious. Its most obvious focus is the assumption that Pakeha culture, lifestyle and values, are superior to Maori world views. We believe that our world view is valuable. He taonga tuku iho. And we are keen to do things our way, for ourselves, in a way that acknowledges our own world view. The Maori Party exists to represent and promote a Maori world view in Parliament, which is kaupapa-based.

The third form of racism is institutional racism, which is a bias in our social and administrative institutions that automatically benefits the dominant race or culture while penalising others.

So when "Dan" comments disapprovingly to the National Business Review about "the continuation of the divisive apartheid-like social policies which (sic) we presently have in NZ" in relation to Maori representation on local councils, then Dan ignores that Maori wish to participate in local body decision-making processes in a way that recognises that Maori have a different world view to his, which is equally valid.

Both Phil and Dan should know: The Maori Party is a kaupapa Maori-based party. And that's something we can be proud of. It is not a cause for fear, or for hostility. It is simply and purely, proudly Maori.

» Rahui Katene is the Maori Party MP for Te Tai Tonga.

- © Fairfax NZ News

Newest First

Oldest First

Santa   #1   07:49 am Jan 10 2010

Since residing in Nanning in China then coming back to New Zealand I think we are a sad people compared to real problems over there. Continual backstabbing by not only Government here from Winz personnel to MP's is a loud call to not trust this country compared to say.......Australia/Fiji/Thailand & many others. There is a redundant thinking pattern which is not ok that stems from the old English style Government & is not suitable for our mode of living. We need to take care of everyone in our community,not just the person we see in the mirror everyday.The old Prime Minister is a good example. Not everyone is built the same with the same ideas,everyone has a choice & a right to make a decision, for over 100 years the land issues have been fogged over by words & ignorance.......deal with it. The only path is with your vote, some may say the only path to control this Govt is the treaty,but that was designed for a time & people not aware of todays needs, does this Government really have our permission to renegotiate a treaty,are they going to take the responsability for any loss from there own bad policies. All I do is work one day a week and live with little people, we all like snow & sleep a lot......whats the real problem here.

Ad Feedback