"I have been told many times that “this is New Zealand. You should do things as we do.” It’s not very easy to address all the issues raised in your feedbacks in a short article. The article that seems to have touched many is one about young refugees being “clung” to by some NZ refugee organizations, and I thought best to revisit it. This article seems to have sparked a bit of debate, which is definitely wonderful. Issues with open debate are always great. They give people something to talk about and we end up having close interaction on Nileflow.
What worries me most is I noticed that the same “refugees” are recycled year in year out. If I were to go to their functions and saw new faces or new arrivals then I would surely believe that these organizations are doing wonders for our people, but seeing the same faces time after time left me with some questions on why these kids are so held tightly to. The other issue that also left me with unanswered questions is I asked those youths to be involved in my drama project only to be turned down in a very abrupt manor for no reason explained. Why deny African kids participation in African activities?
That aside, I’d like to discuss cultures. As Africans, or any other people from all over the world, we have our own cultures. Whenever I try to express my culture in New Zealand I have been told many times that “this is New Zealand. You should do things as we do.” Guys, what do you think? Can we abandon our cultures just because we want New Zealanders to like us or because we want to fit in? A friend of mine was recently slapped on the bum by a white fellow. He nearly jumped on the Kiwi fellow’s throat while strongly expressing his feelings that he doesn’t like another man touching his bum. The Kiwi man gave back a few mouthfuls saying “it’s Kiwi culture.” Hey guys, can we really allow what we see as disgusting in our cultures done to us only because it’s “Kiwi culture?”
ACARI and OEA working closely to lift the profile of africans
I was watching Shortland Street the other night. My little boy and girl were sitting next to me. I really didn’t mind them watching Shortland Street as it has become a “Kiwi culture” just like rugby, but when I saw two girls kissing I thought, how would I tell my little girl that it’s not right for a girl to French-kiss another girl when this is showing on TV before 8pm? I thought any time before 8PM was reserved for family TV, but I realized I was wrong. Anyway, maybe I am becoming old-fashioned.
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written by Aku , March 15, 2010
written by Aku , March 15, 2010
Nice article, funny too 
can't imagine how awkward it must have been for u to have to explain that kiss but even more serious is the bum touching thing. Yes there are some gaps but no one should mask themselves as someone else just to blend in, in fact its the diversity of the people that makes this country great 
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can't imagine how awkward it must have been for u to have to explain that kiss but even more serious is the bum touching thing. Yes there are some gaps but no one should mask themselves as someone else just to blend in, in fact its the diversity of the people that makes this country great report abuse
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written by center-stage , March 16, 2010
written by center-stage , March 16, 2010
you gotta live with those sorts of ideas and comments stanley. i was watching that episode to and i have to admit i became a tad bit uncomfortable to. i turned towards my little brothers and notice how unphased they were about such things and topics. if you want to get your message accross, and im not homosexuality basher here, but you have to act quick
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written by ridwana , April 27, 2010
written by ridwana , April 27, 2010
I've never come across the bum slapping and it being referred to as Kiwi Culture. No offence intended but it made me think where your friend was at the time and what sort of company he surrounds himself with..Theres no need to get physical with people [ jumping on him, seriously??], you could explain to others as I have done what is acceptable to you and what isnt in a very calm and respectable manner.
Also [ am a Muslim] with that been said, I dont condone homosexuality but I understand that in the times we live in, the stigma associated with it is slowly but surely decreasing. I dont have children but I would suggest explaining to them that there are a variety of people who live in the world and not everyone is the same or shares the same values. I mean would you rather have you children know there are differences in the world or be completely taken aback when they encounter homosexual content [either at school or on tv or on the street] Another thing to note is that after the news, if your so concerned maybe you shouldnt let your kids watch tv.
The comment about 'refugees being recycled' made me wonder if the number of Africans has increased in the last yr or so. I myself havent come across any new faces. I think that there are various African communities in Auckland and throughout New Zealand and if you need them to partcipate in your 'African' activities there are domains in which you can access them.
I dont see the point in bagging down organizations who are trying to help people settle in New Zealand.
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Also [ am a Muslim] with that been said, I dont condone homosexuality but I understand that in the times we live in, the stigma associated with it is slowly but surely decreasing. I dont have children but I would suggest explaining to them that there are a variety of people who live in the world and not everyone is the same or shares the same values. I mean would you rather have you children know there are differences in the world or be completely taken aback when they encounter homosexual content [either at school or on tv or on the street] Another thing to note is that after the news, if your so concerned maybe you shouldnt let your kids watch tv.
The comment about 'refugees being recycled' made me wonder if the number of Africans has increased in the last yr or so. I myself havent come across any new faces. I think that there are various African communities in Auckland and throughout New Zealand and if you need them to partcipate in your 'African' activities there are domains in which you can access them.
I dont see the point in bagging down organizations who are trying to help people settle in New Zealand.
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written by Black Foot , June 01, 2010
written by Black Foot , June 01, 2010
I can't leave my culture behind, we all have very different stories behind our comings to New Zealand, the so called "locals" included,
People fear what they cannot conquor, if my Africanism scares them.... GOOD!!!!
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People fear what they cannot conquor, if my Africanism scares them.... GOOD!!!!
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What issue?
written by mike , July 26, 2010
written by mike , July 26, 2010
Can I ask why it is even an issue (the girls kissing)? The fact is that there are a LOt of people like this around, and whether your kids see them kissing or not should be the same as them seeing a man and woman kissing. As long as there is love involved, i dont see a problem. Its not as if seeing them kissing is going to turn them gay or anything (lts face it kids will be gay if they aregoing to be gay, regardless of what they see on TV). There is this aspect in African culture too 9its not just a Kiwi thing) , but African cultures seem to be more in denial about it, and more verkrampt about it. Maybe because of a stronger influence (maybe blind following of?) organised religions - those tools of Satan.
Live and let live.
As for the bum touching thing - I know it is prevalent in a kiwi sports context - maybe something to do with team building? but yeah a firm polite reminder that it is not acceptable to you would be right.
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Live and let live.
As for the bum touching thing - I know it is prevalent in a kiwi sports context - maybe something to do with team building? but yeah a firm polite reminder that it is not acceptable to you would be right.
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