The Maori Of New Zealand :: essays research papers

The Maori of hot Zealand     The Maori people, the natives of New Zealand, have played a strong partin the development and success of the small island nation. Their ferocity and determination won the admire of the colonizing face, and to this day theyare esteemed members of the society. They hold positions in their government andare in control of their own destinies. Their greetings and layure when havingtheir picture taken for the outside world is a part of culture that I would liketo discuss.     Years ago, back in the days of rampant imperialism, the English navy launch the part of the world that today is referred to as "down under". Theyoriginally came first to Australia, but it was only a matter of time before NewZealand, Australias tiny neighbor, was discovered also. The mighty English, whoat the time was one of the world powers, subjugated the natives of Australia,the Aborigine people. The Aborigine, having very little tec hnology, were easilysubdued and the land became an English colony, used at first for its naturalresources but also as a exile or prison colony. The lack of resistance from thenatives made it comparatively easy for the English to accomplish their task. Thisgave the Aborigine absolutely no respect from the English, and almost to thisday are they treated as inferiors, by the English. This was not the compositors case withthe neighboring Maoris.     As stated before, the English eventually found their way to the south,where the beautiful island lay untouched by foreign hands. They also found thatthe island had a native populace just as Australia had had. But one thing wasvery different from these natives. The English, thinking that this island wasalso theirs for the taking, met heavy resistance from the Maori. Many an Englishlife was lost at the hands of these fiercesome warriors, and even though theywere outclassed technologically, still did the Maori fight on. The ir persistanceand desire to defend their land from the invading outsiders won them the respectand admiration of the English. Presently, they hold positions of power in theNew Zealand parliament and are regarded as equals in society.     When a Maori takes a picture for the outside world, e.g. for a post cardor tourist, their ferocity and determination are shown in their stance andposture. They strike a fighting pose, with one arm raised above their heads inan attack position and the other in front of them, ready to defend theirmidsection. The best aspect is their facial expressions.