In Peace and Love I greet all who read this
I grow tired. It is exhausting, continually responding to
the Media hype about Maori in Islaam. In my small view this is fuelled only by
bias, slant and sensationalism.
The media puts it like Islaam is something new and foreign
even though Islaam has been in Aotearoa since the 1800S.
I am yet to read a raft of stories of Maori converts to
Scientology, The Bahai Faith, Hare Krishna Faith, Judaism and Buddhism,
Assemblies of God, Jehovah’s witnesses, LDS Church etc. I have met many Maori
in these faiths, but the Media seems to have no interest in them whatsoever.
The media IS interested in painting young converts to Islaam
as terrorists. The media does want everyone to fear Muslims and those who
convert to Islaam.
It’s weird how Media will ask Maori Muslim converts if they
want to join ISIS, But won’t ask Maori Catholics about Child sex abuses or
Maori Buddhists about joining the murderous monks in Myanmar. Maori Christians
will never be asked if they support the African terrorists who say they do things
for Jesus Christ, A Maori convert to Judaism is never asked if they support the
‘Jewish Taskforce’ or if they want to go join the Israeli Defence Force. Maori
LDS are never put in front of the media and asked about Polygamy or historic
Church racism.
NONE of these are frequent Media events or stories.
WHY??? Because we already KNOW and accept that Extremism is
in all Religions, All Groups and ALL Organisations, and that adherents of these
don’t ever support Extreme or Extremist behaiviour insomuch as it has NO
Bearing on them or their practice of their faith.
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Maori Converts to Islaam are like like Maori converts to ANY
Religion. They are seeking a form of spirituality. They are seeking a form of
community.
This isn’t a rejection of Marae, Hapuu, Iwi or other Whanau
structures. This does NOT represent a rejection of Te Reo me ona Tikanga.
The media will speak to Maori Muslims who were in Prison or
work in Prisons, BEFORE they speak to the Maori Muslims Mums, Gym lover or
Educated Maori Muslims.
I know Maori converts to Islaam, who are teachers in Kura
and Kohanga reo. I know Maori converts to Islaam who love the Gym like anyone
else. I know Maori converts who are some of the coolest Mums. There are many
many converts like this, I acknowledge them.
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I LOVE how Maori people are embracing many many different
religions, or exploring our Ancient Tikanga or who have no faith or religious
affiliation at all. Maori are diverse in views, religiously, socially, politically
and in all other ways. THIS IS AMAZING.
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I just wish that the Media had this same understanding too,
but let Maori in Islaam just live their normal lives like any other Maori.
He aha te mea nui o te Ao?? He tangata, He tangata He
Tangata.
