Post by Kiwi Frontline on Oct 10, 2019 4:24:37 GMT 12
Otago Daily Times 10/10/19
TIME FOR ‘AGGRESSIVE’ HAKA TO GET THE HEAVEHO
IT is time the haka was banned, if not entirely, then as a free-fo-rall.
This letter is prompted by what must be the ugliest, most aggressive haka, namely that which preceded the Rugby World Cup match between the All Blacks and Springboks.
New Zealand has an appalling history of violence by men towards women. The haka is about challenge and aggression: angry faces, hostile stances and threatening movements.
Given the high regard in which the All Blacks are held, this aggression then gains status and emulation. It is alarming to note that haka is now being taught at preschool level and indulged in at any opportunity.
Unfortunately, teams opposing the All Blacks are unable to respond to the ‘‘challenge’’ in any way. Imagine if the opposing team wandered off laughing and smiling midhaka. Just think how disempowering that would be for our ‘‘warriors’’.
The haka is an appropriation of Maori culture. It needs to be returned to Maori and reassessed as to its role in the 21st century.
JULIET CLARK Central Otago
New Zealand Herald 10/10/19
FREE SPEECH
True science hears all propositions and allows them to be openly contested. “Truth” evolves as more information is analysed in the light of day. So it’s concerning to have a university academic ( Herald, October 8) suggest free speech must be contained within universities.
History shows that when the ruling elite, the media or those with guns decide what ideology is and isn’t acceptable for students to hear or is to be allowed in public discussion, that society will fail.
I hope free speech is allowed back in New Zealand before that happens here.
FIONA MACKENZIE, Stanmore Bay.
Taranaki Daily News 10/10/19
SAD SITUATION
I believe the Te Runanga o Ngati Tama iwi, by leaving this Mt Messenger bypass project in limbo, is doing nothing to improve relations here in New Zealand.
Someone needs to say deal with this situation by this date or drop the project.
IAN MCALPINE, New Plymouth
sites.google.com/site/kiwifrontline/letters-submitted-to-newspapers
TIME FOR ‘AGGRESSIVE’ HAKA TO GET THE HEAVEHO
IT is time the haka was banned, if not entirely, then as a free-fo-rall.
This letter is prompted by what must be the ugliest, most aggressive haka, namely that which preceded the Rugby World Cup match between the All Blacks and Springboks.
New Zealand has an appalling history of violence by men towards women. The haka is about challenge and aggression: angry faces, hostile stances and threatening movements.
Given the high regard in which the All Blacks are held, this aggression then gains status and emulation. It is alarming to note that haka is now being taught at preschool level and indulged in at any opportunity.
Unfortunately, teams opposing the All Blacks are unable to respond to the ‘‘challenge’’ in any way. Imagine if the opposing team wandered off laughing and smiling midhaka. Just think how disempowering that would be for our ‘‘warriors’’.
The haka is an appropriation of Maori culture. It needs to be returned to Maori and reassessed as to its role in the 21st century.
JULIET CLARK Central Otago
New Zealand Herald 10/10/19
FREE SPEECH
True science hears all propositions and allows them to be openly contested. “Truth” evolves as more information is analysed in the light of day. So it’s concerning to have a university academic ( Herald, October 8) suggest free speech must be contained within universities.
History shows that when the ruling elite, the media or those with guns decide what ideology is and isn’t acceptable for students to hear or is to be allowed in public discussion, that society will fail.
I hope free speech is allowed back in New Zealand before that happens here.
FIONA MACKENZIE, Stanmore Bay.
Taranaki Daily News 10/10/19
SAD SITUATION
I believe the Te Runanga o Ngati Tama iwi, by leaving this Mt Messenger bypass project in limbo, is doing nothing to improve relations here in New Zealand.
Someone needs to say deal with this situation by this date or drop the project.
IAN MCALPINE, New Plymouth
sites.google.com/site/kiwifrontline/letters-submitted-to-newspapers