bourbon-biscuit

Lol, you get extra points for writing in rhyme

Mark Smith

As I suspected the more enlightened members of society have hijacked the thread, are closing down discussion and having the final word. Its fine to ridicule/abuse a pom on the basis of their race, as we are the villains of history.

The Weezer

I guess I'm not enlightened either, and I'm not even a Pom. Even as a card carrying member of a "marginalised" people, I would have thought the guy who affronted the OP was just a disrespectful, racist, bullying pr*ck. I guess I need to learn some history lessons, and start blaming society for all my woes. Oh, wait, I forgot! - I have a university degree in History. Oh well, next time I'll try to remember how marginalised I am. I can always pop into this thread and be reminded by more liberal minded posters that I deserve their pity for the way I look.

bourbon-biscuit

FWIW, I don't think you read the thread very carefully. I talked about marginalised groups when discussing the reasons for poor health outcomes. I was crystal clear that neither the OP, nor anyone else should have to tolerate abuse in the workplace. I just think it makes the issue about something else when you cry racism - it's not about cultural tensions, ethnicity or anything like that; it's unacceptable behaviour that should not be tolerated. It makes me very angry that public service workers are assumed to have to accept a level of abuse that would be unacceptable elsewhere.

The Weezer

Yeah, I was mostly referring to Purrball from London, whose exhortations regarding "respecting the treaty" verged on the farcical, considering the situation the OP presented. It seems arrogantly presumptive to lecture all you good people on these subjects.

I also find the idea that we should assume someone is a victim of injustice just because of the colour of their skin, or their accent, or whatever, is repugnant. We have no idea what happens in people's lives, and it seems the assumption had been made that the rude jerk was a victim of Pakeha injustices.

Bellasmum

In this country everyone has the right to speak to someone of their own race when dealing with govt. depts.

It happens every day, even to me and my Father was Maori.

In this case the message was rough but then none of us know how the other party felt. Two people trying to communicate on the phone with staunch views can easily lead to angst and frustration for both parties.

I do agree with Bo about karakia etc. Because this country is bi cultural they are token gestures only to appear inclusive to Maori. The fact is they have Christian content that came from the missionaries. Calling a Christian prayer a karakia is really patronising IMHO. Anyone who is Reo fluent will tell you seldom do they encompass Maori concepts and values.

While I respect the OP's right to his/her opinion having spent all my working life in govt depts I am gobsmacked at the lack of understanding of the obligations to the TOW that govt depts have. As an employee we don't have to agree with them but we do have to know what they are and adhere to them.

Having said all that IMHO this is a great topic especially if it can be open, honest and respectful.

Robbie2010

Really? Does that apply to Nigerian, Pakistani, Chinese, Mexican, etc, etc? If so these depts must have an enormous level of staff.

Bellasmum

there is always one.

If you look at field staff at most govt depts you will see a varied range of cultures in the staff for that reason, but common sense suggests it is not possible to have 184 culturally appropriate staff members as would be required in South Auckland.

If a staff member of your culture is not available there is an excellent language line that can provide face to face or telephone conference support for all cultures.

HTH

The Weezer

Shame NZ is so determined to keep so-called races separate in this day and age. Race-based protocols and governent shouldn't mix, in my view.

barnsleymat

My bullshit detector has just exploded.

Hokey-pokey

I wasn't going to be quite as succinct but must say I've never heard it was a right either

bourbon-biscuit

Note: 'race' is not a scientific fact - long been proven that there is only one race (human). The term racism is still used because it reflects the historical purpose of determining 'races' (to create hierarchies).

I know this will result in some people's heads exploding

bourbon-biscuit

Ps I am quite enchanted by the idea of writing in rhyme - imagine how friendly and respectful this thread would be if it was all Dr Seuss style!

Bellasmum

You are responding to my statement that when dealing with govt depts in NZ everyone is entitled to assistance from their own culture. It is about communication to ensure informed choices not about race.

Justcol

I didn't realise Historians were treated so badly
Maybe a few thousand hectares and a large financial payout would help you feel better