The television host, who proudly displays a traditional Māori facial tattoo, elegantly addressed negative comments from an online troll, emphasizing her strong connection to her cultural roots and personal identity.
Facial tattoos frequently spark discussions on the internet, as certain people argue that tattoos should be limited to the body, whereas others appreciate the cultural importance they hold.
Oriini Kaipara, 41, a groundbreaking television personality, achieved a historic feat by becoming the first primetime TV news anchor with a moko kauae, a revered cultural tattoo worn by Māori women, upon joining New Zealand’s Newshub.
The Māori people, the native Polynesian inhabitants of mainland New Zealand, view moko kauae as significant representations of their heritage and sense of self. These facial tattoos, typically worn on the lips and chins, represent a woman’s familial ties, role as a leader in her community, and recognition of her lineage, social standing, and skills.
Despite the praise, a viewer named David expressed his dissatisfaction with Kaipara’s moko kauae in an email to Newshub.
The use of a Māori newsreader with a moku [moko] that appears offensive and aggressive is strongly objected to, as stated by the Daily Mail. It is considered a negative representation. Additionally, the sudden switch to the Māori language is not comprehensible to us. This practice should cease immediately.
Despite David’s negative comments, Kaipara fearlessly confronted the problem directly by posting screenshots of the messages on her Instagram story and replying with poise and dignity.
Today was the breaking point for me. I took action, which is something I rarely do. I went against my own principles and clicked the send button,” she shared on her Instagram story along with a screenshot of David’s message.
Kaipara forwarded her email response to David, indicating that she could not take his complaint seriously due to the absence of any breach of broadcast standards.
Additionally, she emphasized the importance of correcting his spelling of moko, since David had mistakenly referred to hers as “moku”.
Kaipara mentioned in her email that she believes your complaints are based on your personal preferences regarding how individuals should appear on screen. She emphasized that Moko and those associated with them should not be subjected to discrimination, harassment, or prejudice as they are not threatening in any way.
She emphasized that there was no intention to cause harm or offense, and that such disrespectful treatment was unwarranted. She urged to cease further complaints and advised to set aside cultural ignorance and bias, suggesting it belonged in a different era, like the 1800s.
Kaipara was swift to point out that she primarily receives words of praise, despite David’s severe criticism, and encounters very few malicious trolls.
In a recent interview with the New Zealand Herald after addressing David’s complaint, Kaipara highlighted the importance of having more Māori advocates. She expressed, “The fact that some people are triggered by my presence underscores the need for greater representation of Māori advocates in key roles across all sectors.”
Overall, Kaipara’s dignified reaction acts as a strong reinforcement of the significance of cultural pride and resilience in the midst of challenges – and she is motivating others to confidently embrace their identities and confront discriminatory beliefs.
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