Post by Kiwi Frontline on Jan 31, 2016 10:49:00 GMT 12
Wairarapa Times-Age 30/1/16
CULTURAL ASSUMPTION FLAWED
Your editorial on ‘cultural disparity’ makes two common but flawed assumptions.
Firstly that you can classify people as Maori or Pakeha regardless of their individual background, beliefs, ideology, achievements, etc. In other contexts such stereotyping would be considered racist.
The second is that Maori culture is somehow struck in a 19th century (or stone-age to use your terminology) time warp and would not have changed or developed over time. Just think of the changes in so-called European values that have taken place during the past 200 years, not least including changes brought about by revolutions in technology and communications.
You then go on to make the non sequitur link to ‘Maori populating prisons and failing at school’. This is insulting to all those of Maori descent who have been academically successful and law abiding. Perhaps you should look at welfare dependency and treaty entitlement syndrome as more likely causes of these problems. (Abridged)
D F
D F's letter is in response to this editorial > www.nzherald.co.nz/wairarapa-times-age/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503411&objectid=11577874
Masterton
CULTURAL ASSUMPTION FLAWED
Your editorial on ‘cultural disparity’ makes two common but flawed assumptions.
Firstly that you can classify people as Maori or Pakeha regardless of their individual background, beliefs, ideology, achievements, etc. In other contexts such stereotyping would be considered racist.
The second is that Maori culture is somehow struck in a 19th century (or stone-age to use your terminology) time warp and would not have changed or developed over time. Just think of the changes in so-called European values that have taken place during the past 200 years, not least including changes brought about by revolutions in technology and communications.
You then go on to make the non sequitur link to ‘Maori populating prisons and failing at school’. This is insulting to all those of Maori descent who have been academically successful and law abiding. Perhaps you should look at welfare dependency and treaty entitlement syndrome as more likely causes of these problems. (Abridged)
D F
D F's letter is in response to this editorial > www.nzherald.co.nz/wairarapa-times-age/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503411&objectid=11577874
Masterton