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!
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2 comments:
Amen Samjay.
You tell it like it is bro.
It's our way of life, who we are and damn proud of it.
It is the way it has always been and I pray to God it always will be this way.
We look out for one another, we take care of each other. Those who don;t understand might pity our way of life but they should reserve it for their own coz to us you can't put a price of family and as long as we have God in all that we do were gonna be just right.
Eloquently put dear sir.
God Bless.
magaia le blog entry samjay...ua ou fiu e koe su'e lau blog se ua leiloa atu i le vao maoa.
o a mai lena faaitu?
talosia o lelei mea uma...are you going for teuila???
keep me posted darlin'
takre care n alofa atu,
memememe
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