Dr John Robinson: Drifting Into Racism
The Treaty of Waitangi now officially means whatever the Waitangi Tribunal or the Courts may decide suits any particular case (Appendix 1). This is truly the approach to the meaning of words so simply expressed by Humpty Dumpty, to mean “just what I want it to mean”. Having declared the Treaty to be a covenant, the powers that be have taken to themselves to constantly change its meaning; whoever controls the language determines the debate and yesterday’s meaning is set to one side.
While this movement to separate identity has widespread political support in the corridors of power, being part of today’s ‘conventional wisdom’, the general public is unconvinced. Every poll for separate Maori representation in local bodies has been defeated by large majorities.
Why is this divide? Here are some thoughts.
https://www.kiwifrontline.nz/drifting-into-racism-by-dr-john-robinson