Pakeha

[H00dz]

Most Maori words are descriptive, and made up of smaller words to create a 'full description'
Pa - death, afterlife
Ke - foreign, different
Ha - taste
So one could not be faulted for believing that the word Pakeha refers to dead strangers that can be eaten....
This is where the derogatory nature comes in. White people are just a food source.

Hey there, This is an interesting read,it certainly made me think about the meaning of pakeha more and even doing some reading... being Maori I've never thought of the meaning of Pakeha as derogatory...But I can see how you could take it to mean that from some of the alternative translations.(food for thought).

My understanding from what I learn't from my Kaumatua (elders) was that "Pa" was a derivative of the word "Ma" being "white" and "Keha" an abbreviation of the word "Kehua" meaning "Spirit"

I suppose its lost in translation, as for the quote above I don't know if I agree with this ...... Does the word Catastrophy have something to to with a "cat" (the words clearly in there) OR If "Ha" means Taste does "ngi" mean underground stoned cooked oven ? (Hangi)

[NotaGoth]

Its as racist as calling someone a nigger. Simple.

[Calo]

Worse than 'pakeha' is 'palagi', IMO. But that might be because too often I've heard 'palagi' preceded by 'fuckin'.

[mstriumph]

Its as racist as calling someone a nigger. Simple.

i guess this post suggests that, to avoid possibility of inadvertant insult, the term should be avoided?

[Mekk]

No one can make you feel inferior without your consent. - Eleanor Roosevelt

[MSTRS:Me]

Hey there, This is an interesting read,it certainly made me think about the meaning of pakeha more and even doing some reading... being Maori I've never thought of the meaning of Pakeha as derogatory...But I can see how you could take it to mean that from some of the alternative translations.(food for thought).

My understanding from what I learn't from my Kaumatua (elders) was that "Pa" was a derivative of the word "Ma" being "white" and "Keha" an abbreviation of the word "Kehua" meaning "Spirit"

I suppose its lost in translation, as for the quote above I don't know if I agree with this ...... Does the word Catastrophy have something to to with a "cat" (the words clearly in there) OR If "Ha" means Taste does "ngi" underground stoned cooked oven ?

And so is this. I have always believed the term 'pakeha' to be derisory (I don't remember when I was told this, but it had to have been when I was a teenager, hence the 'always believed'). I don't doubt that there are many interpretations of the meaning, and that they will vary from one area/tribe to another. From your post, it could be asserted that the meaning is 'white ghost', which is not unbelieveable either. How many connotations could be put on that meaning? And as others have said, it is the way something is said that can impart derision or otherwise.
I choose to label myself as New Zealander. I believe that is an inclusive term, rather than one which signifies separation, difference or, indeed, rejection.

[roogazza]

I'm wondering if the people who use the word pakeha in a negative way would actually be on a forum like this? More than likely their reading level is that of a year 6 ? So its all a bloody waste of time anyway. Gaz.

[NotaGoth]

i guess this post suggests that, to avoid possibility of inadvertant insult, the term should be avoided?

I'll avoid it when the use of pakeha is avoided. Works both ways.

[DMNTD:Me]

Its as racist as calling someone a nigger. Simple.

You must be fucking kidding!

[NotaGoth]

You must be fucking kidding!

Look at where I've been raised as child? School teachers calling the white kids "white bread" and "ball head". Pakeha is just as bad. Just my thoughts. Others may not agree. Simple.

[Clockwork]

To be a pakeha do you need to be a New Zealander/Kiwi or just white?

[EJT]

Worse than 'pakeha' is 'palagi', IMO. But that might be because too often I've heard 'palagi' preceded by 'fuckin'.

mmm...I've heard Asians, Maoris, Indians, Islanders and Arabs preceded by 'fuckin' many times as well.

[McJim]

mmm...I've heard Asians, Maoris, Indians, Islanders and Arabs preceded by 'fuckin' many times as well.

Works for Moron too. not you!

[MSTRS:Me]

mmm...I've heard Asians, Maoris, Indians, Islanders and Arabs preceded by 'fuckin' many times as well.

There's your problem, right there. If only Herr Clark would pass a law to stop them fucking....

[Mekk]

I'll avoid it when the use of pakeha is avoided. Works both ways.

Responsibility doesn't have to work both ways. You don't have to stoop to anyone else's 'level' regardless of what it is that offends you.