Several weeks ago we had Māori Language Week. This has evolved since that platitude decided by some holier than thou highly paid executive in the media environment into what appears to be a mandatory introduction into the 6pm news and before and after every advertisement break. No translation provided. One would think that was essential to promote the language to the un-enlightened.
On the other side of the equation we have government information being verbalised by the Prime Minister or the director general of health or some other spokesperson that is reinforced by a NZ sign language interpreter. Not a Māori interpretation to be seen or heard. Perhaps Covid-19 only afflicts non-Māori.
We have three official languages in our country so why not give them all the same respect in all situations?
D PARTNER
Eastown
No bullying or mocking
Do those who mock the physical appearance of a person when talking of them bother to reflect on the consequences of their actions? Firstly, it provides a window for others to observe the speaker's own character. Bullies use this type of mocking manoeuvre when attempting to intimidate someone. The cognitive obstacle of immaturity presents a
challenge for those adults who continue to utilise such strategies. Secondly, historical catastrophic events have shown it can be the first step on the proverbial "slippery slope". Once a person or a group are referred to by a label, as opposed to their name, the process of dehumanising can be ramped up. This allows society cleaving to occur, the sort utilised by the Nazis in implementing their eugenics policy. We are all given a name at birth and that is what we should use when talking about someone. This is surely how we want others to speak of us. The continual and ongoing betterment of our society will be enriched if respect is at all times the fundamental premise of our conversations, both between individuals and across all media.
MAX WARBURTON
Whanganui
