Racial Formation on a micro (everyday) level

I am drawing on my own experience for the topic of my second blog.

I used to consider myself a non racist but not only do I now realise that this is not the case for me, no one can claim that stance sadly – there are just varying degrees of it.

The following example displays, at that time, what my own racist beliefs were and how they were couched in white supremacy and preconceived ideas of what I thought a particular racial stereotype was of the ‘other’. Interestingly enough, I think it went both ways – although I can only speculate on that and openly admit this throughout this blog. As I was proven wrong on my ignorant racial stereotypes, it further illustrates that notion of the massive emphasis on racism as ‘difference’ and how that impacts in a negative way. Much as it is hard to admit my racist beliefs in the following situation, it is nevertheless, a good example not only of racism on an everyday basis, but also inferential racism because I didn’t even realise I thought like that. The idea of being guilty until proven innocent is how racism works and in a court of law, for example, this notion is not meant to be just or fair (not that they always uphold that ideology however).

The situation was this: I (a white, middle class, single mother) was renting in Devonport and I was moving to another rental in Devonport. I found the cheapest furniture removal company (who were from South Auckland) that I could find as money was tight. When they turned up I felt a deep sense of foreboding. I felt as though my personal safety and my material goods were at risk purely because they were: all Maori, spoke ‘differently’ to me, and had imperfect teeth (as do I!!) and tattooed (as am I!!) As you can see, the double standards were rife on my part. I showed them through the house and told them what needed shifting out. Throughout this exercise there was no eye contact between us and there was definitely tension in the air. I believe this was because two cultures were meeting with their preconceived stereotypes that were quite inaccurate but deeply embedded ones - as is the case with stereotypes! I have mentioned what mine were about them and I’m assuming that the fact that I was white and living in the wealthy suburb of Devonport meant they thought I had loads of cash and felt superior to them because they didn’t have loads of cash and weren’t white. As the day wore on, and we all learned a little bit more about each other whilst working alongside each other, the stereotypes slipped away and we all ended up laughing a lot and the moving experience was actually pretty fun. They not only moved all my stuff quickly and efficiently (and why wouldn’t they?), they also plumbed in my washing machine for me. It ended up being a really positive experience for me, and once again, I can only speculate that maybe for them too. Things were not as we had all been programmed to expect. Needless to say, i was not injured in any way, nor were any of my belongings damaged or stolen!

I realise this is a simplified single example of racial stereotypes proven wrong - and it had a happy ending which is not always the case but, if it can happen like this, and on this micro level, then it does happen. This is evidence that people can change their ideas. I hope and think I have learnt the error of my ways, but on saying that, it is easy to forget the fair and just way to think and behave towards others of different races, genders etc...

I think continual exposure to models where there is equality, regardless of race, is the key to racial harmony.

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Colour Blind: Interviews with non Maori youth

Following the cartoon featured in Friday's lecture (see below) which dealt with the issue of White advantage and Black disadvantage due to slavery in the United States of America, I was personally intrigued and compelled to investigate as to whether this is a common concept within New Zealand society in regards to the treatment of Maori in comparison to non Maori. It is generally conceded by the media and non Maori (though often begrudgingly) that Maori were mistreated, oppressed and colonised against their will by immigrants from Britain. However, for many non Maori, this is simply a history which they feel is exactly that- history!

As a society seeking equality, it is the role of every citizen to accept that rectifying these wrongs must be done. However, it is perpetuated in the media constantly that Maori should be able to fix their own situation without any disruption to the advantages previously afforded to non Maori. Therefore, what is often neglected, especially in consideration of policies and the media coverage these get, is what this cartoon demonstrates so well; the oppression of Maori in the process of colonisation had further ramifications, it also allowed the non Maori population to be afforded advantages only possible to them by the disadvantages of Maori.

Over the weekend, I spoke with a group of 10 young adults between the ages of 18-21 years old. The topic was brought up in conversation which allowed them to speak freely and openly about their feelings on the topic. None of the group were Maori, there were participants whose parents were immigrants from both India, Japan and Europe though all were born in New Zealand and identified as 'Kiwi'.

"We bought them education, language, religion and medicine as well as anything else they could ever want! What more could they want from us?" (20 year old male, working as a builder)

"Sure, some people traded or took a few things from them but now they are doing the same in return... they are robbing me of my opportunities! It's not only hypocritical but racist!" (19 year old male, student of Law and Commerce)

This demonstrates both an undoubtedly Eurocentric view that colonisation was a process which benefited Maori and an attitude reflecting a want to forget history and ignore any ramifications which have carried through to contemporary society.

One female student, recently turned 18, professed that by giving Maori heightened opportunities was not helping them but instead making them "even lazier" by giving them "everything on a platter... they don't have to work for a thing." She continued to argue, despite being presented with facts on the disadvantages many Maori face, that "hand outs" would only cause further resentment and the only way to achieve equality was to begin treating everyone as equals. Furthermore, as her parents relocated from India to New Zealand, she felt she should not be in anyway disadvantaged as she was wholly disconnected from the New Zealand's past despite recognising herself as a 'Kiwi'.

The above quotes are undoubtedly shocking, especially as they all come from the age group of 18-21 year olds, all educated in New Zealand about the history and are a segment of the up and coming generation. When confronted with these personal ideologies, I was primarily concerned that it is also a common belief that racism no longer exists within our society. Even more concerning is the concept that these young adults believe they are the ones being disadvantaged and refuse to acknowledge that they have felt any advantages following the oppression of Maori in this country.

In order to justify their beliefs many referenced the concept that we are all biologically the same; the concept of race as a social construction. This argument is convincingly put forward by Omi and Winant but those questioned failed to understand what these theorists highlight as so important:

Race may be a social construction but it is not without meaning or severe ramifications for those disadvantaged or typified by their 'race'.

Unfortunately, the media plays a strong role in the perpetuation and strength of these young adults 'arguments'. When citing examples the news (especially politics and crime), films and television shows such as Police 10/7 were often referred to as well as a suprising disgust at Maori channels or the language ever featured on television. There was no comprehension that the institution of the media does not fairly represent Maori or any group accurately. Similarly, as students, many mentioned the 'advantages' afforded to Maori at University such as spots given to those of Maori descendants in Law and Medicine.

From this investigation into the advantages and disadvantages of colonisation in New Zealand it is concerning to see the resentment and lack of understand which is building among youth who are supposedly educated on such situations. When the cartoon was displayed in class, the room was filled with laughter at the ridiculousness of the white man's treatment of the black man.

However, this laughable concept is perhaps not so ridiculous when one considers the prevalence of the 'reverse racism' concept in New Zealand society.

Curry Bashing

Indians or collectively south Asians are called ‘curries in Australia. Most of them being from middle class families, leave for foreign countries to study and later to settle down depending upon their plans. However, lately the Indian media has ‘over hyped’the attacks on Indians in Australia, particularly Melbourne and Sydney. They call them racists but are they really racists or has the media just called them so ignoring the acts of Indians?

Majority of the Indian students in Australia come from ‘not so well off’ Indian families and they do not have a strong educational background too. Moreover, the educational agents in India provide them with the picture of a heaven awaiting them on the other side of the planet which lures them to migrate. Most of such students fall in the trap of such agents who receive 25% of the education fees as commission per student, and start their journey to heaven. When they get to know that most of the institutes they were told about are not more than a floor in a building, they feel disheartened. Also since education is expensive, they start finding an urgent source of earning money to send back home. In order to make most of their time, they even cross the legal 20 hours per week limit and work overnights at crime-prone spots and hence get noticed.click here for more information

On top of all that, they carry cash with them since they are paid in cash which makes them more vulnerable to attacks. On the other hand, other nationality students are better off hence they don’t become the centre of attraction.

However the media has over hyped the entire case as being the fault of Australians even atpublic forums. People do not see the fault of Indians in it but only blame one particular sector since that has been highlighted. Certainly, racial attacks are not justified but blaming one party completely for attacks isn’t wise either. Words and situations of both sides should be considered well before making it a media hype.