South Auckland Stereotype 'Clusters'

We live in a community where 'stereotypes' are an everyday anomaly that we're apparently made to live with. We can't escape it, not for the most part, because we're brown-skinned, Polynesian (which includes Maori) and we live in areas deemed as the 'ghetto' (full of low income housing and where majority make their living off of the Social Welfare or Work and Income New Zealand).

It is a tough life to be looked upon as a 'South Aucklander' but its all about 'FAMILY' and that's something we know the 'palagi's' don't entirely comprehend.

Where in a palagi family a child can leave home and live on their own- scheduling to meet up with family again during the holidays and festive seasons.....in an island family - we live with our parents till death (If we're married - we live a few houses away).

Where in a palagi family a child is taught to be self sufficient and what's earned is theirs and they can do whatever they want....in an island family it's about working to make money 'e tausi ai le aiga atoa' - you're working to support your family, not just yourself.

Where in a palagi family religion is a matter of choice....in an island family it's making a choice and attending - NO IFs, ANDs or BUTs.

Where in a palagi family going on the dole is a 'last resort'..... in an island family its' the 'next resort' after using up all your sick days and days in lieu to attend to important family matters.

Where in a palagi family it's important to be in your own house..... in an island family - 'Mi Casa e Su Casa' (my house is your house) is understood and practiced. How can you live in a home while a member of family is without?

All in all - there are stereotypes on both sides of the tracks....and well....I'm Brown and I'm Proud and that's all I gotta say!

Three years and counting.....

Does it get any easier? Well, yes of course it does....simply because you just 'get on with life'! 3 years ago today (4th July 2006) my father passed away here in Auckland New Zealand. Now, he did his fare share of world travelling...and most of his friends have told me either via email (because they only just found out) or around the time he died...that Dad was confident that he was not ever going to leave the Pacific. (needless to say...Dad was right!)

So, as a TRIBUTE...I'd just like for you all to know that while the 4th of July is significant for other reasons...it will now forever be the day - THE WORLD - lost a great leader, a great friend, a great husband, a great Father ----- a great DAD!