Meanwhile, Parliament has become a toxic environment where issues of race, ethnicity and racism have taken the place of ideals, aspirations and progress.
And all NZers who keep quiet while these disgusting issues are allowed to fester unchecked and unchallenged.
https://democracyproject.nz/2024/05/...identity-wars/
Toxicity and disinformation are becoming a big part of New Zealand politics. And much of this relates to debates about ethnicity, race, and racism.
We should all be concerned about this trend. Personal abuse, dishonesty, and contempt in the public sphere are bad for democracy, social cohesion, and the integrity of the political system.
The worst offenders, especially in terms of ethnicity, are often elected politicians, political parties, and even government agencies. This dimension is too frequently brushed aside. Instead, attention is directed to a cliché that the problem is about anonymous keyboard warriors in darkened bedrooms.
Perhaps it’s therefore time to shed some light on any political figures when they degenerate into hurling toxic political weapons. Currently, the worst offenders are Te Pati Māori and others aligned with them. Not only are they using ethnic-based slurs and attacks on people’s identities, but they are also using all sorts of evidence-free claims to foster outrage.