Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: Attack on author ruins debate

Author Eleanor Catton is not holding back when it comes to her opinion on New Zealand.

Don't you just love a good debate? I was out of town this week to adjudicate a debate that included two political party leaders in the debating teams. Don't assume politicians have the upper hand when it comes to debating. They don't. Some are good, some need more practice.

Sometimes the topic is humorous and sometimes serious. Research is often undertaken to support the arguments put forward by the team hell bent on winning while the other side may take a more relaxed "once over lightly" approach. Debates can be fun if you don't take them too seriously.

There are those who thrive in a debating environment and cultivate a strong line of attack. They have cleverly learnt to counter-punch the views of their opponents. I think this is a skill we don't see too much of today.

And the first rule of good debating is never to take things personally. I have witnessed more than a few cases of members getting up and actually walking out on their debating team because they got so wound up and upset, with what was meted out by the other side.

I can never understand this. It's a debate, for goodness' sake. Have the debate, discussion or conversation even - but never take it personally. When that happens, you are already on slippery ground. Your ability to think clearly, comprehend exactly what's being said and, more importantly, frame relevant responses succinctly is greatly compromised. That's what happens when we let emotions get the better of us.

So I wasn't surprised at the reaction that followed Booker Prize winner Eleanor Catton when she spoke out last week. So many people appeared to take her comments personally.

She said what she felt about New Zealand, our politicians in particular. She didn't hold back. Our Government is dominated by "neo-liberal, profit-obsessed, very shallow, very money-hungry politicians who don't care about culture". We also have a "tall poppy syndrome". Ms Catton should tell us something we don't know. She's not alone in her thinking on this score. The difference is she came out and said it. It's what she thinks. If you look at the reaction from around the country, you have to wonder if those jumping up and down, including writers and other eminent New Zealanders, bothered to read and attempt to understand what she was saying. I don't think they did. I certainly don't see her as "an ungrateful hua and traitor," as one commentator put it. For some of us, she made valid points. It's these I wanted to hear debated. But no - we got emotional reaction, which isn't debate at all. She spoke the truth as she sees it.

And that's the problem we have in New Zealand. My truth should be the same as, or pretty similar to yours. If not, all hell breaks loose. Ms Catton's truth obviously differs considerably to those that some others hold dear.

She had the temerity to state hers while overseas in India. Not at home here in New Zealand, as has been highlighted. As if where she made her comments makes a difference. I don't think it makes any difference. What she probably didn't expect was the instant vitriolic attack that came her way. From all quarters, taking her to task. Emotions got in the way of a good debate and that's a pity.

Are we saying writers should just keep their heads down and write? Have no opinions at all. Well not Ms Catton. She has a mind of her own. She sees things and wants to comment on them. She has herself admitted she finds it hard to take criticism.

She doesn't have that all on her own. Most of us do. But we don't shut up. You have to be prepared to take some flak for your views, no matter how unpopular they might be.

When you know what you know and believe what you believe, you are prepared to be challenged. To have the debate and heated conversations. You have the courage of your convictions, otherwise why speak up in the first place? I daresay there will be no future New Zealand literary prizes for Ms Catton. That's another problem we have in this country - our long memory for holding grudges.

- Merepeka lives in Rotorua. She writes, speaks and broadcasts to thwart the spread of political correctness.