The Maori people, the natives of New Zealand, have played a strong part
in the development and success of the small island nation. Their ferocity and
determination won the respect of the colonizing English, and to this day they
are esteemed members of the society. They hold positions in their government and
are in control of their own destinies. Their greetings and posture when having
their picture taken for the outside world is a part of culture that I would like
to discuss.
Years ago, back in the days of rampant imperialism, the English navy
found the part of the world that today is referred to as "down under". They
originally came first to Australia, but it was only a matter of time before New
Zealand, Australia's tiny neighbor, was discovered also. The mighty English, who
at the time was one of the world powers, subjugated the natives of Australia,
the Aborigine people. The Aborigine, having very little technology, were easily
subdued and the land became an English colony, used at first for its natural
resources but also as a exile or prison colony. The lack of resistance from the
natives made it relatively easy for the English to accomplish their task. This
gave the Aborigine absolutely no respect from the English, and almost to this
day are they treated as inferiors, by the English. This was not the case with
...