<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Logorrhea @ Dec 23 2009, 01:31 AM)
<{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Nickdnz @ Dec 22 2009, 12:03 PM)
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My point is that Maori as civilians shaped New Zealand to be New Zealand alongs ide New Zealand Europeans, and that ideas and customs that we as New Zealander's hold value, are a mix of values of both cultures. It isn't a case that Maori have purley had to survive in a European world, but have influenced New Zealand into an assimilated culture.[/b]
Sounds like something a politician would come out with. Completely unbelievable but a great soundbite. "Keep telling them we give a f*** and eventually they will believe we give a f***. Either way they will do what we say then eventually just give up fighting us and die off".
You dont really believe that there is a real mix do you. Even in posts here posters have said THEM, and THOSE when referring to Maori. The national language is the one you were given, the national sports are the ones you were given, your political alliegences are the ones you were given, your religion is the one you were given (I think, total guess that). Where exactly did Moari culture get integrated?
I'm not saying you havent done anything, but what has been done is like celebrating someones birthday years after they have died
(Nobody mention the J word!). A luvely though, but no one really gives a f*** and as time goes by, less peop remember.
[/b][/quote]
I prefered the post of gingergenius.
1. Because while a small percentage considers themselves Maori, many have Maori heritage in some way or another, there is a strong link between most people to Maori culture, and goverment funding in television and schools is representitive of that.
2. The claim that New Zealand European cultures isn't unique as it has essentially been "imported" from over seas is irrelevant as all cultures are ununique in that regard. Maori culture can be linked to the culture of other Pacific Island cultures, and their culture can be linked to South American and Asian cultures, etc etc.
3. The use of the words "them" and "those" has put a very negative context in what was supposed to be harmless banter. Regardless of these comments, I can truely say that this isn't representitive of a divide in race relations, but more just unfortunite wording.
4. Yes it can be argued that New Zealand's culture has been impacted more by traditional European culture and values, as the vast population of New Zealand is New Zealand European. When the settler's arrived there was an attitude of colonising, and to an extent this is true, which is why a vast majority of Maori are Christian, drive cars and speak English. That being said, an effort is made today to preserve the Maori culture, and while Maori attitudes and values have changed from traditional Maori tribalism, Pukeha's attitudes have changed from traditional European colonialism and therefore we have advanced together into, today's culture. And I can't honestly say that there is an equal imput of Maori culture as there is to European, but I believe that it is more then representational in terms of populations of Maori to Pukeha, is a system which shows the maturity of a united New Zealand, in which both traditional cultures are represented, both heritage protected, and a unified Kiwi culture developed.
5. I just want world piece.
