Wednesday, February 04, 2004
Be a political strategist, sod that, for just one day just be a New Zealander
Waitangi Day is near - and as far as the News is concerned I can see two main options:
Option one, Dr Don fronts at Te Tii and draws massive abuse - outcome - the emphasis on Maori indignation over the Seabed and Foreshore is dismissed to page 5 of the broadsheets. Then a lot of 'middle' (predominantly white) NZ say, Maori don't like Don, they don't like Helen, they have no all inclusive voice in the establishment and can't be satisfied - so sod this and them, this is all to hard. Or...
Option two, the good Dr walks away in silent protest and is promptly branded a coward. Maori protest re the Foreshore and the Seabed again consigned to the later sections of the major papers and we are still no closer to having a National identity or day.
How many countries in the world place bets over what controversy will dominate their national day? As My Rights' learned older brother (Always Right) observed, we love the All Blacks - brown or white, Maori (and Polynesian) music is at the head of our music industry, we all join in the Haka, we share some of the greatest and tragic moments in our history, and simply, my brown brothers are just that, brothers.
Racial tension is real, but to the man on the street, I believe most of it is media driven and political. Come Friday, let us spend our yearly allocation on Fireworks on this day (rather than a celebration of failure in November) and have a party - together.
Let the sparklers off and the people shall come......
