The Near Wiping Out and Revival of Māori Culture: A Closer Look at Historical Blame and Responsibility

Māori culture, a significant and vibrant part of New Zealand's heritage, nearly faced an almost complete eradication. However, it has managed to thrive and flourish, thanks to the efforts of both the Māori community and the broader New Zealand society. This article delves into the factors that nearly led to the loss of Māori culture and the strategies that contributed to its revival.

Was Māori Culture Wiped Out?

Māori culture was never truly wiped out but nearly faced severe erosion. From the perspective of male dominance and the traditional hierarchical structure, cultural changes were necessary. However, the near-wiping out of Māori culture can be attributed more to the inherent dynamics within the Māori community itself rather than external forces.

One of the primary reasons for the near-loss of Māori culture is the language's near disappearance. Many have argued that the culture itself was not lost, but the language played a crucial role. The near disappearance of the Māori language was primarily due to internal factors, particularly the older generation's failure to pass it down to the younger generation.

Why Did the Language Nearly Disappear?

The near disappearance of the Māori language can be attributed to two main reasons. Firstly, the older generation often did not teach the language to the younger generation due to various reasons such as modernization and shift towards English. Secondly, some younger generations lost interest in learning the language, prioritizing economic opportunities and modern education.

It is noteworthy that these factors were exacerbated by the Māori community's own actions. They blamed external parties, particularly the white settlers, for their language and cultural decline. However, the blame should lie with the Māori themselves, who had the choice and ability to preserve their heritage. In the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, the Māori community could have taken steps to maintain their language and culture within their homes and communities.

External Influence and Blame Game

The Māori community's tendency to blame external parties like the whites for their cultural and linguistic decline is a common phenomenon in many minority cultures. This blame game serves to gain sympathy from the broader society and can be seen as a tactic to garner support and understanding. However, the real responsibility lies with the Māori community itself.

Other minority cultures, including those in other parts of the world, have managed to preserve and even revitalize their languages and cultures despite external pressures. The Māori community could have implemented similar strategies, such as establishing language immersion programs, revitalizing cultural practices, and integrating them into educational systems.

Conclusion and Lessons Learned

The near-wiping out and revival of Māori culture serve as a lesson on the importance of internal responsibility and action. While external factors such as colonization and modernization played a role, the Māori community's failure to pass down their language and cultural practices is a significant factor. Today, the Māori culture is thriving, and efforts to preserve and promote it continue.

It is crucial for all communities to take responsibility for their cultural heritage. By doing so, they can ensure that their unique traditions and languages survive and thrive for future generations.