Posted by alexandra_k on November 15, 2005, at 0:53:32
In reply to Re: justice, posted by alexandra_k on November 14, 2005, at 17:05:38
what frightens me is that new zealanders are typically considered to be the world leaders with respect to indigenous relations.
that frightens me because i see how far we have got to go...
and i feel ashamed when i think thats the best that people have been able to do with that to date.
people say that where we are... is in virtue of the treaty.
because... the indigenous people to new zealand were not considered to be animals. they were considered to be 'noble savages'. that meant they were considered to be human beings with their own goals and dreams and desires and wants.
and their retaining soverignty... was something that was granted to them in virtue of that.
and some people...
lots of people in new zealand say...
that they just need to get over things and move on. people come. people fight. people win. you lose. thats life. get with the program. make the most of the 'opportunities' that are offered. assimilate or be a 'couch potato' etc etc.but its just not that simple
(as people seem to understand with respect to their own lives over on the psychology board)
its just not that simple.i think...
indigenous groups should all be allowed to retain their soverignty.
more than that. i think indigenous groups should be assisted to achieve soverignty.
i think that all cultural groups should be assisted to achieve soverignty.so instead of thinking 'get over it and move along'. instead of hoarding resources because we are afraid other people will come along and do unto us as we did unto them...
we might just consider that its not so nice to come and take and pronounce 'mine and get off'. and assimilate or perish. and move on or become a 'couch potato'.
and maybe...
if we respect other cultures...
then other cultures will show comperable respect when they come to 'visit' us...perhaps...
poster:alexandra_k
thread:578654
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/poli/20050924/msgs/578872.html