Hitori, racism, anti-racism, change. Nā, Trina Baggett.
Introduction
Hirini Melbourne's song 'Purea Nei' is based on a Ngāpuhi proverb: “Hokia ki o maunga kia purea e koe i nga hau o Tawhirimatea” / "Return to your ancestral mountains to be cleansed by the winds of Tawhirimatea". Anna Coddington performed this version live at RNZ back in 2018.
This kōwae ako continues with the aim to be thought-provoking, open hearts and minds, to question to reaffirm, to learn, to unlearn. Weaved throughout this chapter are important conversations, born from our colonial heritage and one that Tangata Tiriti are needed to actively participate in to address inequity in Aotearoa/New Zealand.
Rather than rolling out the definition of racism, here's some examples of racism from tamariki and rangatahi in Aotearoa/New Zealand.
“What also puts me off are the teachers telling me to give up – saying I am not going to pass level three without even checking my credits. I sense stereotypes in my teacher’s eyes and gestures and how they act towards me makes me feel like leaving.” (Secondary school student, Samoan).
“Because we’re Māoris and the teacher might think we’re dumb, don’t wanna pay as much attention to you and focus more on the white people.” (Secondary school student, Māori).
"When you started school, is there something that would have helped you feel happy at school? “Less Racism.” (Secondary school student" /Asian/Middle-Eastern).
We acknowledge the authors and creators of the content we've drawn upon to create this chapter. It is not exhaustive and should you have other resources you would like us to share please contact Trina (t.m.baggett@massey.ac.nz).
Our hope, as you explore these chapters, you are wrapped in the korowai of aroha.
This Chapter contains approximately 3.5 hours of content. This is your mātauranga journey, while the content is all highly recommended it is in your hands to explore.
Give nothing to racism. Human Rights Commission campaign.
➡️ Next: Alice Snedden's Bad News web series.
