DRAFT – OPEN TO COMMENTS HERE PLEASE. THIS IS AN EVOLVING THOUGHT PIECE. I HAVE STARTED THIS TO GET MY OWN HEAD AROUND IT. LINK TO RELEVANT LITERATURE IF YOU KNOW OF ANY PLEASE.
How do, how should, how can, Maori and Pākeha position their relationship to each other?
SELF-LESS PAKEHA
Transfer’s power – Pakeha who support Maori to be Maori
In this category, Pākeha make space for Maori to be Maori. They give resources, contribute their skills and capability. They do so in a completely selfless way. Not wanting anything in return and not needing to gain anything. These types of Pākeha are especially needed in situations where extreme vulnerability might exist.
MUTUALLY BENEFITING PAKEHA & MAORI
Share’s power – Maori and Pakeha supporting each other
In this category, both Maori and Pākeha work together to provide mutually beneficially outcomes for each other. However, this relationship only works really well when each party has autonomy and is self-determining. That is, each party comes into the relationship from a position of true strength.
SELF SERVING PAKEHA
Abuses Power – Pakeha using Maori to further their own gain
In this category Pākeha abuse their existing power through entitlement and privilege. They hold on to the existing power and don’t let it go. They may feel they deserve access and a right to utilize cultural aspects of Maori culture for their own gain, and they cloak that entitlement under the illusion that they are ‘helping’ Maori.
CO-DEPENDANT MAORI
Extracts power – Maori handover power to Pākeha
In this category, Maori overly gratify and appease Pākeha via high levels of personal self-sacrifice and a focus on Pākeha needs, at the expense and suppression of Maori needs.
Thoughts??
Exploring the depths of the Maori Experience 