Racism & Decolonisation in Aotearoa

Last updated with additional resources 09/07/2020

There’s been a heap of talk on social media around the Black Lives Matter movement and racism in general, which has been stimulating discussions here in Aotearoa as well. In light of this, and conversations I have been having, I just wanted to pull together some of the resources I have found helpful on my journey as a person of white privilege who calls Aotearoa home. I wrote in my reflection on Ihumātao that privilege comes with responsibility. I believe that part of this responsibility is seeking out the true history of this country.

It’s time to listen.

This is in no way an extensive list, but I hope it provides a starting point for people who want to understand the ongoing struggle in our country. Let me know in the comments if you have other resources to share.

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I confront my white privilege, I confront my racism. I commit to deconstructing racist systems, the systemic evils that exist (“powers and principalities” as Jesus put it). I commit to listening to voices of those oppressed and harmed by systemic and individual racism. I commit to learning more. I commit to teaching my kids. I wear my taonga with a necessarily-heavy heart as a reminder that this work is what I must do, as someone who benefits from the colour of my skin and the historic and ongoing suffering of those who are different.

And I am sorry, my Māori/Pasifika/POC friends... I know as I’ve stepped into this space I have made mistakes and fallen short, but I can’t just say and do nothing. I post this not to pat myself on the back but as a public declaration of my commitment.

UPDATES

I will continue to keep this page updated with resources on racism below as I find them.

 

Resources on Race and Social Justice

-Direct quote from a newsletter from the Centre for Action and Contemplation-

The topic of race and social justice is very important to the work we do at the CAC. These resources have influenced the thinking of our staff and teachers, and we encourage you to look through them, see what resonates with you, and to incorporate those sources to continue into your understanding of this issue. We've broken them up into categories so that you can choose the medium which is best for you.

Articles

Books

Film

Podcasts

ThoughtsSam TannerComment