KEY POINTS:
I was rather disillusioned after reading the recent Weekend Herald article entitled "MPs Indian neighbours hit back at racist claims".
I am stunned that there are still people in this country who would openly and boldly make such xenophobic assertions about an element of New Zealand society. I pose a question to Royce Morgan of Tauranga: what constitutes a New Zealander?
Am I an example of what Mr Morgan considers a blasted alien? I came to New Zealand in 1989 at the age of 4. My family migrated from Malaysia; however I am originally of Sri Lankan descent.
I have studied at New Zealand schools from the age of 5; primary school in the suburb of Balmoral first and then a semi-private secondary school in Mt Albert. I then went on to study at the University of Auckland complete with a student loan; not unlike the majority of young New Zealanders.
Do I qualify as a New Zealander? I did not enjoy a wealthy upbringing. Just as so many other immigrant families will understand, starting a new life in a country severely different to your own is not easy.
It was probably the hardest thing my parents have ever done. Uprooting and leaving behind established success, family support and familiarity in the quest for a better life. But despite such adversity my family have prospered through hard work and education. Should I be ashamed of such prosperity?
One of the residents of Levers Rd, who declined to be named, said: "I don't want a whole country of Asians. I'm all for people who are struggling coming in, refugees and such, but Asians have a lot of money and have been buying up prime property."
In a nutshell, she approves of immigration as long as said migrants are not wealthier or more educated than herself. How insulting also to hear such comments from Peter Brown, a so-called representative of the people.
Why is it that Peter Brown - an immigrant like myself - stands on a pedestal and raves on about open door immigration policy, infecting others with his distaste for certain ethnic groups. How contradictory and what exactly does he seek to gain? After 19 years of living in this country; the colour of one's skin still divides us. How pathetic.
I think it's evident that the issue at hand is not one of immigration policy. This is about fear of what is different and the ignorance that drives such fear.
