Written with different events in mind (i.e. Rick Sanchez’s anti-semitic rant – since apologised for – and Juan Williams being axed from NPR following his revealing ‘When I see muslims on airplanes I get nervous’ gaff) this e-postcard made me chuckle about a local situation.
The only thing worse than a public figure saying something racist is having to hear your opinion on it. (image: http://www.someecards.com click for more)
It’s true: no one likes being labelled a racist — or ‘called’ on apparent bigotry, and much worse, having people opine about it. It can be hurtful, bewildering and embarrassing when someone takes issue with one’s own words and actions in a negative way — interpreting us in a way that we hadn’t intended or predicted they would do.
Even hot, earnest, SHOUTED denials of prejudice cannot obscure the picture of us that our own words and actions create for others to see. This, despite the nuanced, complex, multi-layered image of ourselves we see when we look in the mirror. Neither, finally, does comfort provided by the cosy club of our coterie ease the pain of the miscomprehension of our core … by critics.
I’ve referred in another context to the The Animals who sang so eloquently:
I’m just a soul whose intentions are good
Oh Lord, please don’t let me be misunderstood
Most people who are accused of being racist are not racist. Even if they do say a stupid comment. You have to earn the right to be called racist, Im not saying its something people strive for, I’m’saying when I see people playing the racist card, they are usually on the loosing side of a discussion. I can tell you I’m’not racist, but I know Asian drivers are generally bad. Am I a racist? Now the comment about Muslims on a airplane does not make him racist. Lets pose this question. If you were the only person on a flight and all other passengers were Muslim and did not talk english, would you feel uncomfortable. If you do you are a Racist. Also could someone please send a email to the rest of the world and get them to look up the meaning of a Bigot.
Craig, I don’t say ‘feeling uncomfortable’ equals being ‘racist’ or ‘bigoted’.
Following George W Bush’s statement that he felt misjudged when his response to Hurricane Katrina was interpreted as racism, my post set out to empathise with the discomfort and bewilderment of those whose words and actions (mainly actions) are interpreted by others as originating in racism and bigotry — or whose effect is to perpetuate such unfair prejudice.
When traveling, I’ve been in plenty of situations where I was the only ‘white face’ in a place … and sure, it’s a novel experience, with some challenges (usually around communication). But those feelings and need for adjustment don’t delineate one as a bigoted or racist person.
My definition: someone who thinks and acts like their own culture and people are SUPERIOR or have greater entitlements and more ‘rights’ than others — particularly the ‘out-group’.
When in a position of power or administration, a gatekeeper, or in a role of influence, this common prejudice needs to be addressed or injustice — even institutionalised, systemic injustice — is often the result. Consider the South African apartheid laws as an example.
Colonial conquest infers no rights of superiority on the invaders no matter how many generations they’ve lived in the conquered land. (Nor in the case of 300 years of slavery, the kidnappers, slave traders, and ‘owners’.)
The story of Australia and the shameful, brutal, savage, fatal treatment of the Aboriginal people there by the ‘settlers’ and their so-called government, still denied by many, is another example closer to home.
I have a theory that an innate sense of self-superiority is a human trait… discussed here:
http://www.thepaepae.com/where-does-conflict-come-from/567/
I concur even if you have over simplified things a bit.
I was not saying feeling uncomfortable was been racist, Stating you feel uncomfortable is. By the Rick was employed immediatley by another broadcaster. Cannot of been seen that bad.
I just watched the Marae episode with the councilier and the locals defending the right to the Whare.
Now the only detail I have on this is the video, so I am only going on what I have seen.
From the article this councilier is not a racist! Now hes apposing an agenda that the Maori wish to reinstate. Yes. But this is a perfect example of ‘playing the race card’ because it suits.
By the sounds of it they wish to build a larger replacement Whare and its had its opposition. If they had replaced like for like it would have been done already. Question? Who was going to pay for the bigger Whare? Perhaps Locals,taxpayers?
Well, funny you should say that. I’ve just returned home from a barbecue at a friend’s house — he’s had no involvement in the Garden of Memories controversy — he said he watched the same documentary and told me he thought the councillors opposing the whare came across as ‘raving rednecks’. (I’m not making this up.)
With respect, could you be buying the latest ‘spin’? …
i.e. “We’re not racist. The whare should have been repaired, not held up for six years, it’s too small, it’s ‘dysfunctional’, it’s a waste of money, build it somewhere else…”
Craig, that’s just the 2010 edition of the pap deployed by the very ‘tag-team’ that has delayed the project for SIX YEARS … raising cavil after cavil, appeal after appeal, shifting the goalposts and effectively ignoring ‘democracy’ while waving its flag … shaming the name of ‘Historic’ Howick and its ‘Ratepayers’.
My own observation, as detailed here, is that there are certain long-term opponents to the activity of Maori culture in the Garden of Memories (some of whom are elected local politicians, no doubt ‘representing’ a constituency, all right).
The ‘bigger whare’ or the fear that it will become ‘a full-blown marae’ is just part of their fixation or FUD campaign.
As Trevor Mallard said, ‘I thought we’d moved past this as a nation.’
– P
PS To answer your question:
From my understanding, the whare is a community-owned facility. We ratepayers own it. It was insured, and the reinstatement project was voted funds by the full council of Manukau City Council — then the appeals started. The rebuilding project will also benefit from donations already made by the ASB Community Trust, as well as local schools, residents and businessfolk with a broader community vision (unlike some.)
If you are coming from middle ground there is no way from just watching the video you could claim he was a “Raving Redneck”. If anything he was the calmer than the residents. They seemed like Raving lunatics.
I’m not saying hes not a Redneck and the residents were wrong in their stand, but just from the video if you think hes unreasonable and a Redneck your friend has simply jumped on the residents side of argument immediately.
I know how the media works and have a fair idea how public perception can be manipulated, I also know that the public are quick to side with the people! Go against Authority no matter what their argument. Recent example: the Hobbit Protest. People were just against WB because 1 they are from overseas 2 make lots of money and 3 are powerful, people did not care if they did or did not treat actors fairly.
There is always 2 side to every story. And this guy is not a Racist. They simply keep ranting on that he is too break down his reputation because to be a racist is the low of low.
So just to summarize your telling me everyone in the Council does not want this rebuilt. Because it has Maori culture. Seems far fetched too me.
And I cannot help but side with the council if Rate Payers have to fork out money for a bigger replacement.
If Schools are willing to chip in thats effectively Tax Payers money also.
But If residents are willing to pay directly let the building begin.
Oh but the council probably have to approve the consent for a differing size building. Hmm problem …..
I will interested too see the outcome hopefully they just hurry up and build it!
“So just to summarize your telling me everyone in the Council does not want this rebuilt.”
No, the Manukau City Council and Mayor WANTED it rebuilt — and council voted to approve funding, and the resource consent and building permits . (And, of course, as a new public building it has to comply with the building code etc)
It’s a small group of local politicians (some on the Community Board) and some conservative/activist ‘ratepayers’ who have sought to stop the rebuilding … relentlessly, for six years since the arson attack.
“Because it has Maori culture. Seems far fetched too me.”
Agreed. Ludicrous!
But judging by appearances and constant references to/a fixation with a ‘full-blown marae’ … that’s how it looks, Craig.
“If Schools are willing to chip in thats effectively Tax Payers money also.”
I doubt that it’s govt/school funds. More likely: donations from parents/kids/staff …
“But If residents are willing to pay directly let the building begin.”
Residents & ratepayers are ‘paying’ — the opponents cost an extra $72,000 in legal expenses (not including Council staff TIME) to unsuccessfully appeal the town planning decision to the environment court, according to a report I heard delivered to the Howick Community Board this year.
Strange, the opponents grizzle about not enough MCC money being spent in Howick … yet it seems they’ve fought this project tooth and nail.
” …hurry up and build it! “
Amen, brother.
– P
(PS As my friend’s basis for his ‘raving rednecks’ comment, hey, I’m just telling what he said.)