1.4a Kaupapa Maori Theory
Sheilagh Walker proposes some very valid ideas in her prose “Notes to myself: Writing from the gut”. Walker discusses her distaste in how the Maori culture, in order to be validated in New Zealand, has become institutionalized. This procedure - attributed inappropriately to Pakeha (should be academics) - has taken away the spirit and the cultural practices of Kaupapa Maori. Instead of engaging the audience as is traditional, she has found herself in a situation where she must use language perhaps not understood by those she wants to engage. Ultimately, she believes that Kaupapa Maori is un-influential upon her people at such a level of academia.
Written in a tone of accusation, dismay is also present throughout the personal, yet political, text. Walker details her struggle in both Te Reo Maori and English, which embody the conflict and segregation she has created between the races in her writing. The anger towards the objectification of her culture, and heritage is understandable; Walker feels that this process of analysis has eliminated the spiritual aspect, as well as preventing the audience the needs this understanding from reading it. However, something in this text that I feel is wrong is the preservation of the culture - like all other cultures, should it not progress, and adapt to the new technological world? Of course, the history of the culture must be acknowledged, and some practices continue, but for progress, something must not stay the same.