July 30, 2020
Campaign exposes racism denialists
Race Relations Commissioner Meng Foon says too many New Zealanders are in denial about the effects of racism.
The Human Rights Commission has analysed comments on its Facebook page during the first week of its Voice of Racism campaign and found denial is a dominant theme.
Mr Foon says people should listen to the testimonies on the VoiceofRacism.co.nz website
He says despite the campaign being informed by evidence, and recent media reports about racism and bias in housing and policing, too many people commenting about the campaign side with prejudice, and try to justify discrimination.
Others deflect or change the subject – to shift the focus from the impacts of racism, and to avoid the idea that they could do something about it.
Mr Foon says there are positive signs, such as commentators talking their peers though the kaupapa and describing why an action is racist.
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