Creating Māori positive spaces on social media

Painting by Ngahiraka Mason, 2014

There is this weird thing that happens when we try to facilitate kaupapa kōrero online. Especially in the comment sections of stuff and herald on facebook (CRINGE). We all know that the internet isn't the best space for mental and emotional health. Over all, when utilized properly it can be beautiful and mana enhancing, and we often make new and friendly connections during these interactions. Sometimes we have disagreements with other Māori and granted, this is natural. However, there is a culture of online defamation that has been normalized. Eliminating "kanohi ki te kanohi" face to face kōrero creates impersonal interactions. Where accountability is almost non existent. Our lives have changed because of social media and hence forth our culture.

Reclamation of our values, needs to be performed in every space we occupy. Including social media. Each and every one of us is responsible for creating safe online spaces for Māori. Lets start practicing online tikanga - He mahi pono enei kōrero? Is this conduct honest and true? Whakamākoha ngā matapakina i ngā wā katoa. Have compassion when you enter these spaces with other Māori. Ka tū koe i te kotahitanga o te iwi - Stand in our oneness! This isn't about some silly little disagreement, this is about us rising and empowering each other. This is about acting in a way that accelerates and enables growth for us all.

How do you do this? It can be really rough when you come up against someone who is angry (regardless of the reason) and it turns into a battle of egos. You can not claim to be pro-Māori if you are using your online forum to cut them down. Your agenda for our people is at its most true, when you consider the overall impact you make. When you find yourself at loggerheads with another Māori, take a step back and remember - Can I respond in a way that is mana enhancing? Can I communicate as an articulate adult? Are my reasons for entering this conversation pono? Am I really mature enough to conduct myself in a public space like this?

Do not continue to be a part of a narrative that defaces the mana of our people. It reflects on all of us. You can disagree in way that does not destroy the self esteem of another. Fundamentally we NEED to be practicing manaakitanga (caring for each other) and aroha (love). Make your motive for Māori movements unconditional and step into a space of arikitanga. This means taking a view of empowerment. Engaging only when the wairua is aligned and at peace. That way we do not transfer our hara into these online spaces. Remember that being MANA MĀORI, means supporting and encouraging all Māori. If someone requires correction or a challenge. Remember manaakitanga <3

If you are not Māori but wanting to achieve a safe inclusive cyber space then it is as simple as allowing Māori to speak on behalf of themselves. When discussing Māori issues it is necessary to center Māori voices. When coming into a conversation about Māori issues, let the focus be on this alone - without directing the focus onto something else. Empowering is the opposite of minimizing. When we do this it is called making space, and directly opposes the act of silencing.

He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata!