Modern Racism

Modern Racism

Browne argues that there was and still is a predominant belief in Pākehā society that New Zealand is an open, discrimination-free nation, where anyone who really wishes to succeed can do so, regardless of their gender, ethnicity or present economic circumstances.

The concept of “Modern racism” had huge relevance to me because Maori are constantly depicted as being “pandered” by the government. The establishment of Maori Television in 2004 was a landmark for Te Ao Maori but Browne’s argument explains that some Pakeha would not understand the value Maori Television and show modern racism as Maori Television “ violate values traditional to mainstream.” The white backlash generated from the establishment of the MTS is an obvious cry for one to be educated about the Treaty of Waitangi.

A book that supports Browne’s argument is ‘Indigenous peoples, racism and the United Nations’ claiming “Despite the fact that Maori have suffered and continue to suffer as a result of Pakeha racism however, racism in Aotearoa is essentially a Pakeha problem….Pakeha have insecurities and guilt therefore…cast one in the role of victim…that any initiative designed to assist Maori is automatically detrimental to Pakeha”.

This concept was not only common during the establishment of Maori Television but when anything Maori appears rather frequently in newspapers and on the mainstream news networks. The article “Fed up with pandering to Maori radicals” is yet another example of how the media portrays and positions Maori to be more privileged than Pakeha. This depiction of the Maori culture and Te Ao Maori disadvantages Maori as they are discriminated against in the wider public. Ignorant and non-educated views and ideas come about as a result of modern racism.

The question lies on whether race relations in New Zealand have improved because there is definite evidence that it still exists (even though it may be underlying). The media continues to fuel and perpetuate Maori stereotypes, disadvantaging Maori at the same time as victimizing Pakeha.