Like so many of us, I was stunned and gutted by the violence visited on the peaceful city of Christchurch, New Zealand last week. To me it seemed even more awful that it had taken place where least expected, instead in the U.S. where (I can’t tell you how much I hate to say this) it’s nearly a weekly if not daily occurance. As hard as it’s been to come to grips, sitting here half a world away, I pondered how truly, devastatingly awful it must for those living in the city and country that was attacked.
Then I found haka:
The haka (/ˈhɑːkə/;[1] plural haka, in both Māori and English) is a ceremonial dance or challenge in Māori culture.[2] It is a posture dance performed by a group, with vigorous movements and stamping of the feet with rhythmically shouted accompaniment. Although commonly associated with the traditional battle preparations of male warriors, haka have long been performed by both men and women,[3] and several varieties of the dance fulfil social functions within Māori culture.[4][5] Haka are performed to welcome distinguished guests, or to acknowledge great achievements, occasions or funerals.
en.wikipedia.org/…
Twitter aficionado that I am, I watched as more and more video clips of haka came down my timeline. I followed the discussions and processed the emotions being expressed. Many commenters remarked on the powerful expressions of grief and sorrow the dances conveyed. I agree, and I also saw more: expressions of anger, of strength, and power — and solidarity and unity. And I wished like hell that we, here in the USA, had something like that … some way we could physically and collectively respond so viscerally to the many insults we face on a daily basis, just trying to live in our broken (but not irreparable, imo) system.
What follows is a collection of tweets I found especially meaningful, taken from hashtag #haka, interspersed with the commentary from the twitter thread.
Full disclosure: I only heard of haka a few days ago, and I have just the most limited knowledge. I don’t even know that much about New Zealand. So I’m reacting primarily as human being who is deeply moved and rather ignorant about this cultural counterforce to the hate that reared its hideous head in New Zealand barely a week ago. Therefore, I welcome input and corrections to my errors from those here who know much more than I do of what I’m sharing.
(My comments in bold)
“A stunning display of respect from one culture to another” — YES!
I found the student tributes especially compelling, as did many:
A reminder — it’s not just a war dance. It is being appreciated as an expression of solidarity.
It’s several days later, and the haka are still going on. Some are dedicated to victims known to the participants.
I found watching and listening to these haka (and there are more on the twitter feed) to be very cathartic. Does it make anything better in a practical sense? I don’t know. But I do think that it is far healthier to deal with sorrow and horror and loss in a collective way, than to brood about it in our own isolated spaces. Of course, online sharing can be collective, too — so once again, here’s to the value of our community spaces ... virtual, “real” on in-between.
I should also note that haka is just one part of the New Zealanders’ incredible collective character, illuminated by their strong and courageous response to the horror. See the excellent diary posted earlier today by David Neiwert.
Last thought, with special props from me to Jacinda Ardern for her firm stance on not saying the terrorist murderer’s name, or showing his face. Would that the rest of our public sphere do the same.
Thank you for reading and commenting. I hope this might be the first of more topical diaries from me — posted occasionally (maybe very occasionally ;),,, If you’d like to let me know I’m going in the right direction, a virtual tip and a “coffee” from Ko-Fi are always welcome.