Post by Kiwi Frontline on Jul 17, 2016 8:32:18 GMT 12
Gisborne Herald 16/7/16
IMPORTANT TO LEARN FROM PAST, NOT AGONISE OVER IT
John Porter in his letter of July 13 questions whether racism is a “two way street”. In New Zealand Maori enjoy many rights and privileges that are enjoyed by no other race. Many New Zealanders believe that this constitutes a form of racism. Others see this as a recognition of the special place of Maori in our society.
I believe most New Zealanders are not racist. What they do believe in, is everyone getting a fair go, being rewarded for effort, and in public life being elected on merit not appointed. Sadly some perceive this viewpoint as racist. Too often accusations of racism are an excuse for failure, or used as a lever by those with vested interests to improve their own ideological or financial position.
While it is important to learn from the past, there is little to be gained by agonising over it. The past cannot be changed but the future is there for all who grasp it.
John Porter writes a litany on the downsides of colonisation but fails to consider the benefits of civilisation. Would he really want to give up the benefits of the modern world, puffer jackets, electricity and the automobile, for a time of violence, poor nutrition, cannibalism and slavery.
He forgets that invasion and colonisation has always been a part of the human condition. For example, England was conquered in 1066 and prior to that by the Vikings and the Romans. Two World Wars changed the face of Europe. It is what you do today to build the future that counts.
My father, who spoke fluent te reo, understood the value of education and he and my mother made sacrifices to make sure I got the best education they could afford.
John Porter sees racism in society as a 10-lane “white” motorway with a “non-white” gravel track at the side.
Throw off the korowai of victimhood. Understand as my father did that embracing education, hard work and ambition is what brings success, and provides the means to get off the gravel and on to the macadam.
R P
Tauranga
LET US ALL MOVE ON
Re: Racism a two-way street? Not really — July 13 letter.
My “tempting morsel” appeased your taste buds but all yours did, Mr Porter, was whet my appetite.
You were obviously selective in choosing your “discriminated against” subjects, as is your right. Now, here is my “opinionated” retaliation.
As a Pakeha, I personally am absolutely no better than a Maori. I am proud of our bicultural relationship in New Zealand.
But racism is a two-way street.
I know Europeans who detest our Maori people. I know Maori who wouldn’t give the time of day to a Pakeha.
Mr Porter, I enjoyed reading some of your selected historical references. However, the white against non-white you stressed with abandon lost its impact through what some of us would call “overkill”.
Your whole argument, however, fell over when your letter ended with part of a sentence stating a two-way street “would take the form of a 10-lane motorway comprising arrogant white racism”.
Mr Porter, how much of your blood is Maori and how much is white? Your blood line may just put you on the “motorway”.
I am New Zealand-born, of European descent. My grandfathers were Irish and English. Both my grandmothers were English. Am I English, Irish or a New Zealander?
I could claim various ethnic origins but my choice is simple. I am a Kiwi. I was born a Kiwi and I will die one.
You are obviously a scholar Mr Porter and I congratulate you on your knowledge. But let us all remember, Maori in New Zealand do get benefits because of their race. There are no special benefits for any other selected race in our country.
Racism from any ethnic origin is not as bad here as you suggest. You are proud of your heritage, as am I, but please, let us all move on and stop this living in the past, continually cultivating past grievances.
M M
Herald On Sunday 17/6/16
ENGLISH UNIVERSAL, NOT TE REO
I do not agree Te Reo should become compulsory in schools. This language is not used in any other country (It's Aotearoa, that's why Te Reo, July 17).
I don't know why a lot of people are valiantly trying to learn Te Reo. New Zealand is becoming a multicultural country and we have so many different people and other languages that to make a fuss over learning Te Reo seems much ado about nothing.
Let's be realistic. English is the universal language. Perhaps more importance should be placed on everyone speaking English correctly and fluently so as to meld into the rest of the world. If we are considering our children and their future we should be equipping them with excellence in a universal language.
I A
Tauranga
IMPORTANT TO LEARN FROM PAST, NOT AGONISE OVER IT
John Porter in his letter of July 13 questions whether racism is a “two way street”. In New Zealand Maori enjoy many rights and privileges that are enjoyed by no other race. Many New Zealanders believe that this constitutes a form of racism. Others see this as a recognition of the special place of Maori in our society.
I believe most New Zealanders are not racist. What they do believe in, is everyone getting a fair go, being rewarded for effort, and in public life being elected on merit not appointed. Sadly some perceive this viewpoint as racist. Too often accusations of racism are an excuse for failure, or used as a lever by those with vested interests to improve their own ideological or financial position.
While it is important to learn from the past, there is little to be gained by agonising over it. The past cannot be changed but the future is there for all who grasp it.
John Porter writes a litany on the downsides of colonisation but fails to consider the benefits of civilisation. Would he really want to give up the benefits of the modern world, puffer jackets, electricity and the automobile, for a time of violence, poor nutrition, cannibalism and slavery.
He forgets that invasion and colonisation has always been a part of the human condition. For example, England was conquered in 1066 and prior to that by the Vikings and the Romans. Two World Wars changed the face of Europe. It is what you do today to build the future that counts.
My father, who spoke fluent te reo, understood the value of education and he and my mother made sacrifices to make sure I got the best education they could afford.
John Porter sees racism in society as a 10-lane “white” motorway with a “non-white” gravel track at the side.
Throw off the korowai of victimhood. Understand as my father did that embracing education, hard work and ambition is what brings success, and provides the means to get off the gravel and on to the macadam.
R P
Tauranga
LET US ALL MOVE ON
Re: Racism a two-way street? Not really — July 13 letter.
My “tempting morsel” appeased your taste buds but all yours did, Mr Porter, was whet my appetite.
You were obviously selective in choosing your “discriminated against” subjects, as is your right. Now, here is my “opinionated” retaliation.
As a Pakeha, I personally am absolutely no better than a Maori. I am proud of our bicultural relationship in New Zealand.
But racism is a two-way street.
I know Europeans who detest our Maori people. I know Maori who wouldn’t give the time of day to a Pakeha.
Mr Porter, I enjoyed reading some of your selected historical references. However, the white against non-white you stressed with abandon lost its impact through what some of us would call “overkill”.
Your whole argument, however, fell over when your letter ended with part of a sentence stating a two-way street “would take the form of a 10-lane motorway comprising arrogant white racism”.
Mr Porter, how much of your blood is Maori and how much is white? Your blood line may just put you on the “motorway”.
I am New Zealand-born, of European descent. My grandfathers were Irish and English. Both my grandmothers were English. Am I English, Irish or a New Zealander?
I could claim various ethnic origins but my choice is simple. I am a Kiwi. I was born a Kiwi and I will die one.
You are obviously a scholar Mr Porter and I congratulate you on your knowledge. But let us all remember, Maori in New Zealand do get benefits because of their race. There are no special benefits for any other selected race in our country.
Racism from any ethnic origin is not as bad here as you suggest. You are proud of your heritage, as am I, but please, let us all move on and stop this living in the past, continually cultivating past grievances.
M M
Herald On Sunday 17/6/16
ENGLISH UNIVERSAL, NOT TE REO
I do not agree Te Reo should become compulsory in schools. This language is not used in any other country (It's Aotearoa, that's why Te Reo, July 17).
I don't know why a lot of people are valiantly trying to learn Te Reo. New Zealand is becoming a multicultural country and we have so many different people and other languages that to make a fuss over learning Te Reo seems much ado about nothing.
Let's be realistic. English is the universal language. Perhaps more importance should be placed on everyone speaking English correctly and fluently so as to meld into the rest of the world. If we are considering our children and their future we should be equipping them with excellence in a universal language.
I A
Tauranga