In a graceful display of cultural pride and personal resilience, a Maori TV host adorned with a traditional facial tattoo has responded elegantly to negative comments directed at her, reaffirming her pride in her heritage and individual identity.
Oriini Kaipara, a trailblazing presenter at 41 years old, made history as the first primetime news anchor with a moko kauae, a revered cultural symbol among Maori women. These facial tattoos, deeply rooted in Maori tradition, symbolize familial connections, leadership roles within the community, and acknowledge one’s lineage, status, and capabilities.
Yet, amidst the accolades, a viewer named David expressed his discontent with Kaipara’s moko kauae in an email to Newshub, branding it as “offensive and aggressive looking.” Undeterred by such disparagement, Kaipara courageously addressed the issue on her Instagram story, sharing screenshots of David’s messages and responding with poise.
Asserting that there was no breach of broadcast standards, Kaipara corrected David’s spelling of moko and emphasized that neither she nor her tattoo were deserving of discrimination or harassment. In a poignant email response, she urged David to refrain from further complaints and advised him to set aside his cultural biases.
Despite encountering such criticism, Kaipara emphasized that the majority of feedback she receives is positive. Speaking to the New Zealand Herald, she underscored the importance of having more Maori advocates in prominent positions, noting that her mere presence can provoke some individuals, highlighting the necessity for broader representation.
Kaipara’s dignified response resonates as a powerful testament to the significance of cultural pride and resilience in the face of adversity. Her example encourages others to embrace their identities unabashedly and challenge discriminatory attitudes.
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