After A News Presenter Gets A Visible Face Tattoo, This Woman Educates People On How To Be Respectful
Last year, 35-year-old Oriini Kaipara fulfilled her lifelong dream of getting a moko kauae, a traditional lower chin tattoo worn by Māori women. Following this decision, the woman made history by becoming the first employed TV news presenter with a facial tattoo. Kaipara, who is a mother of 4, lives in Auckland, New Zealand and currently works for TVNZ, made headlines in 2017 when a DNA test revealed that she is 100% Māori.
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While Kaipara’s decision was accepted by her employees, it’s clear that both viewers and people around her had varied reactions. It prompted Taj Anwar Baoll to share a very similar experience her coworker went through in order to educate people on how to be more respectful not only to other people’s appearance, but their spiritual practices, too.
Image credits: dopestbabiesmama
In her viral post, Baoll discusses what sort of behavior is completely inappropriate and summarizes it by saying: “What it boils down to really… is stop being entitled and nosy. Everything ain’t for you to know OR understand”
Image credits: dopestbabiesmama
Kaipara hopes that her moko kauae will brake barriers for other people, too. “The feedback has been amazing, it’s been really humbling. I did my best and that’s all I wanted. It’s not just about me, it’s about taking opportunities and opening up opportunities for moko wearers, for Māori – I don’t want this to be a one-hit wonder,” she told the Herald.
Here’s how people reacted to Baoll’s post
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While I get the gist of this article, I absolutely don't agree with the statement: "What it boils down to really… is stop being entitled and nosy. Everything ain’t for you to know OR understand." Learning and understanding anything that is outside of our normal frame of reference opens us up to being empathetic and understanding people. Ignorance is NOT bliss and being "different" does not make you special. Again, agree that touching without permission is always a no-no, but there's nothing wrong with asking (thoughtfully), listening, and learning.
There's a difference between politely asking about something and being entitled to know that thing. I agree that knowing and learning is A Good Thing, but not at someone else's expense, ya? Asking because you want to learn is wonderful. Asking because you intend to mock someone is not.
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You can't tattoo something in the most obvious place and expect people to not have questions. If it makes her happy, great for her, but that doesn't mean people won't have questions.
The thing is, in New Zealand EVERYONE except visitors and the newly immigrated knows what a moko kauae is (or should). No one should question her desire to have one and to not be harassed for it, even if she is on-air. It's part of Maori culture, and as a result it's part of New Zealand/Aotearoa culture, so I'm surprised and saddened that it's even an issue.
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Love the picture of her at her news desk. I'mm glad the station weren't jerks about it.
Look, if you gonna waltz in to work one day with your head shaved and a beard tattoo, people are gonna have questions, that's just the way it is, and not everyone will know right away that it's a spiritual thing. Some people are bound to think that you were on some wicked bender over the weekend :D. Don't get offended if they ask. Touching is not OK though.
I'm in Australia and even I know what a Moko is. And in NZ there's no excuse not to - it's been part of the history and culture since time immemorial.
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I think learning from her DNA that she was 100% Maori wss huge to her. Maori share something with American Indians in that many were adopted into non-indigenous families, deprived forever of their heritage. https://thespinoff.co.nz/atea/13-07-2019/how-closed-adoption-robbed-maori-children-of-their-identity/
Plus there has been a lot of intermarriage with non-Maori through the generations, so most Maori have some non-Maori DNA.
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Absolutely fabulous! It's an outward, visible commitment to ones self, family, community, history, and spirituality. It's also a reminder that despite the very best efforts of some not very good people, the Maori did not go away. They are celebrated, revered and respected all over the world. So much respect to the journalist, her friend and her production team for understanding and respecting her choices.
The chin wouldn't be too bad, but it extends to her lips...all I can say is ouch.
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If you're going to ink your face, you have to expect questions. Especially when you make a decision to be a public figure. I do agree with the personal space. Noone has a right to just reach out & touch another, anywhere.
I'm sad so many people here think asking questions is wrong. I sense it's general attitude more than respect. See the comment about curiosity that killed the cat. Only fools say such thing. It's usually ignorance. Do you stay silent also when someone is abused? I agree audacious questions should not be tolerated, but if my friend got a face tattoo I would be interested. Don't pry, but be interested in others.
I agree with this point especially as the original saying has been shortened originally it was Curiosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought it back.” . as in learning something new might be dangerous but the rewards are usually worth it . also completely correct don't touch people without their permission it's not ok.
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Surely it's ok to ask? Obviously, in a tactful way. How else is someone "not in the know" supposed to learn? As in every other situation, it's all about the context. If you work with someone every day and one day they look or act differently, it should be common courtesy to at least show some interest in their private lives, because the reasons behind the change could be wildly different. Similarly it is totally ok to like other people's appearances, practices and beliefs. It's called empathy. So, get off your high horse and accept that people are willing to pay attention to you, find you interesting and maybe even like you.
I live in a Tayal village in the Austronesian homeland, Taiwan. Tattoo and taboo are the same word, and aborigines all over Taiwan take these very seriously. In this tribe there is a lot of discussion about whether tattoos should be revived, because there are so many taboos, and nobody wants to displease utux, the ancestors. Once I met a Maori who had come to visit his ancestors' home. He had a full facial tattoo. It was stunning, it was so beautiful, so much more beautiful and powerful than you can tell from photos.
I'm really disgusted by the way people need to make an issue out of everything someone does that's not affecting them in any way. Seems to me that there's a lot of people around that are in urgent need of a life.
I think it is 100% ugly, BUT is my taste. If she feels good doing that and she's proud, I'm happy ok with that. Enjoy if you like, who am I to judge if doesn't affects me?
I think its beautiful because it shows someone who loves their culture.
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Everyone in this comment section doesn't understand...it is not an ordinary face tattoo. It is a Moko. It is a part of Maori culture, not just a last minute decision made drunkenly late at night. If you read the introduction paragraph you would know that this woman is 100% Maori and therefore she 100% has the right to show that she is proud of her culture and background on her face if she wants to. No one in NZ will ever raise an eyebrow at someone with a Moko. It's normal.
And it is just saddening how many people think it's OK to call the tattoo ugly, or disfiguring, or to insult it in any way. You do NOT have the right to say that sort of thing about something so closely tied to Maori heritage and culture. Not only is it incredibly rude, but it's just so disrespectful and ignorant. It tells you a lot about the type of person who is commenting too. If I ever met any of the people saying this stuff in real life I would turn tail and run. Simply disgusting.
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I might not understand the tattoo, but I would still ask and get educated without making a big scene about it. I think it's very interesting to learn about other people and their cultural backgrounds. I commend this beautiful woman on her amazing Maori Tattoo. Very pretty. Would love o learn more about it from someone who is Pakeha so i get the best explanation.
"Would love o learn more about it from someone who is Pakeha so i get the best explanation." One-word language lesson follows: PAKEHA /ˈpɑːkɪhɑː , noun, NZ: a white New Zealander as opposed to a Maori. Example: "Pakeha influences"
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I think it's a gorgeous tattoo on an all around beautiful and spiritual human being. Hands off and mind your business. We have the internet. There is no need for ignorance in any shape or form.!!
There is no there there. It's what another person thinks, not the woman whose lovely face is being shown in numerous places. Seems more like using a friend to get attention than explaining the newscaster's thoughts and feelings. Nice you defended someone, but this isn't about you.
If you know why, then you know why. It is a traditional thing, a Maori thing. It is self explanatory.... the Ta Moko identifies where she comes from, her land, her whanau and her Marae she belongs too. It also can show her social status or rank among the people in her culture.
I'm super-glad the news station kept her on - I have a suspicion there's lots more to the story though. Often public figures that represent a company will have riders in their contracts about maintaining the company's standards for physical appearance. I think the public is sometimes too quick to vilify an employer when it's the employee that's willingly violated their own contract. Happy that everything here seems copacetic though!!
She presents for te karere - a maori language news broadcaster, so it probably is even more acceptable than a pakeha/English news station, although I would be disappointed in my country (nz) if it was an issue for any broadcaster, as the moko is so uniquely kiwi and something we should all be proud of
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do not touch people!! i don't know if it's so bad to ask...respectfully...certainly not 'whoa, wtf happened to your face' of course.
Derogatory and hateful comments only reveal the intelligence level of ugly humans. Let's all practice "If you have nothing kind to say DO NOT say anything at all."
Well, I am old. When I was growing up, our parents taught us manners. In this 21st century plugged in world, privacy and respect for it in others is no longer a given. Young people have "being famous" as an aspiration. You truly do NOT to have every question in your mind spoken out loud to others as if real humans are just another aspect of google. MYOB.
Much as I detest tattoos of any kind, somehow I find this intriguing and totally inoffensive, even though the first time I saw such a tattoo was on that tv programme, "Hell on Wheels!" The wearer of the tattoo looked as if she had been taken prisoner by an Indian Tribe, and later released or escaped. Of course it would be rude to ask, but the not knowing is annoying me, so excuse me while I go and have a quick Google!
Fine, asking or touching or pointing to spiritual things on the body of others is a big no-no. How do you know it's a spiritual thing? By the way, is it rude to ask about the Moriori?
It's not accepted here, but I would want so badly a face tattoo....
I can't see anything disrespectful in asking another person what happened if we see a big change in them. If they don't want to explain, it's obviously their right, and they can always reply with "its personal", or "I prefer not to speak about it", and it's fine. The thing is, apparently there's no way of pleasing some people: if you ignore them, they accuse you of being selfish and uncaring, but if you ask or comment, even on the politest manner, you are nosy and offensive. A piece of news people: you are not the centre of the universe!
I'm not well versed on her culture. If it were me, personally, I would not do that. But, guess what? It's not about ME. It's not about YOU. It's HER face, HER culture & HER beliefs. If she did it because SHE wanted to, as a way of honoring her traditions & expressing herself, I think that's beautiful. She doesn't owe me or anyone else an explanation. However, I think if you ran into her and expressed genuine, respectful curiosity and desire to learn more about her culture - she might share something with you & you might learn something new. The world would be awfully boring if everyone looked & acted the same.
Brilliant! Shave your hair, get a face tattoo and be offended if it's noticed. I'm hoping this " I'm offended " thing will end soon cause I can't keep up with it and I'm really tired of it.
It's not that she's offended by being noticed. It's that the person asked in a rude way and reached out to touch her face and hair!
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Except this is a cultural tattoo and she is in New Zealand where everyone knows the reasoning why in their cultural mokos (chin tattoos) are common.
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Jeez! Also, u find it distracting? Are you aware she is presenting news on te karere, a maori language news feed? U can understand fluent maori but are distracted by her tattoo?! Yeah right. You just want to complain you can't possibly actually be a viewer
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While I get the gist of this article, I absolutely don't agree with the statement: "What it boils down to really… is stop being entitled and nosy. Everything ain’t for you to know OR understand." Learning and understanding anything that is outside of our normal frame of reference opens us up to being empathetic and understanding people. Ignorance is NOT bliss and being "different" does not make you special. Again, agree that touching without permission is always a no-no, but there's nothing wrong with asking (thoughtfully), listening, and learning.
There's a difference between politely asking about something and being entitled to know that thing. I agree that knowing and learning is A Good Thing, but not at someone else's expense, ya? Asking because you want to learn is wonderful. Asking because you intend to mock someone is not.
Load More Replies... You can't tattoo something in the most obvious place and expect people to not have questions. If it makes her happy, great for her, but that doesn't mean people won't have questions.
The thing is, in New Zealand EVERYONE except visitors and the newly immigrated knows what a moko kauae is (or should). No one should question her desire to have one and to not be harassed for it, even if she is on-air. It's part of Maori culture, and as a result it's part of New Zealand/Aotearoa culture, so I'm surprised and saddened that it's even an issue.
Load More Replies... Love the picture of her at her news desk. I'mm glad the station weren't jerks about it.
Look, if you gonna waltz in to work one day with your head shaved and a beard tattoo, people are gonna have questions, that's just the way it is, and not everyone will know right away that it's a spiritual thing. Some people are bound to think that you were on some wicked bender over the weekend :D. Don't get offended if they ask. Touching is not OK though.
I'm in Australia and even I know what a Moko is. And in NZ there's no excuse not to - it's been part of the history and culture since time immemorial.
Load More Replies... I think learning from her DNA that she was 100% Maori wss huge to her. Maori share something with American Indians in that many were adopted into non-indigenous families, deprived forever of their heritage. https://thespinoff.co.nz/atea/13-07-2019/how-closed-adoption-robbed-maori-children-of-their-identity/
Plus there has been a lot of intermarriage with non-Maori through the generations, so most Maori have some non-Maori DNA.
Load More Replies... Absolutely fabulous! It's an outward, visible commitment to ones self, family, community, history, and spirituality. It's also a reminder that despite the very best efforts of some not very good people, the Maori did not go away. They are celebrated, revered and respected all over the world. So much respect to the journalist, her friend and her production team for understanding and respecting her choices.
The chin wouldn't be too bad, but it extends to her lips...all I can say is ouch.
Load More Replies... If you're going to ink your face, you have to expect questions. Especially when you make a decision to be a public figure. I do agree with the personal space. Noone has a right to just reach out & touch another, anywhere.
I'm sad so many people here think asking questions is wrong. I sense it's general attitude more than respect. See the comment about curiosity that killed the cat. Only fools say such thing. It's usually ignorance. Do you stay silent also when someone is abused? I agree audacious questions should not be tolerated, but if my friend got a face tattoo I would be interested. Don't pry, but be interested in others.
I agree with this point especially as the original saying has been shortened originally it was Curiosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought it back.” . as in learning something new might be dangerous but the rewards are usually worth it . also completely correct don't touch people without their permission it's not ok.
Load More Replies... Surely it's ok to ask? Obviously, in a tactful way. How else is someone "not in the know" supposed to learn? As in every other situation, it's all about the context. If you work with someone every day and one day they look or act differently, it should be common courtesy to at least show some interest in their private lives, because the reasons behind the change could be wildly different. Similarly it is totally ok to like other people's appearances, practices and beliefs. It's called empathy. So, get off your high horse and accept that people are willing to pay attention to you, find you interesting and maybe even like you.
I live in a Tayal village in the Austronesian homeland, Taiwan. Tattoo and taboo are the same word, and aborigines all over Taiwan take these very seriously. In this tribe there is a lot of discussion about whether tattoos should be revived, because there are so many taboos, and nobody wants to displease utux, the ancestors. Once I met a Maori who had come to visit his ancestors' home. He had a full facial tattoo. It was stunning, it was so beautiful, so much more beautiful and powerful than you can tell from photos.
I'm really disgusted by the way people need to make an issue out of everything someone does that's not affecting them in any way. Seems to me that there's a lot of people around that are in urgent need of a life.
I think it is 100% ugly, BUT is my taste. If she feels good doing that and she's proud, I'm happy ok with that. Enjoy if you like, who am I to judge if doesn't affects me?
I think its beautiful because it shows someone who loves their culture.
Load More Replies... Everyone in this comment section doesn't understand...it is not an ordinary face tattoo. It is a Moko. It is a part of Maori culture, not just a last minute decision made drunkenly late at night. If you read the introduction paragraph you would know that this woman is 100% Maori and therefore she 100% has the right to show that she is proud of her culture and background on her face if she wants to. No one in NZ will ever raise an eyebrow at someone with a Moko. It's normal.
And it is just saddening how many people think it's OK to call the tattoo ugly, or disfiguring, or to insult it in any way. You do NOT have the right to say that sort of thing about something so closely tied to Maori heritage and culture. Not only is it incredibly rude, but it's just so disrespectful and ignorant. It tells you a lot about the type of person who is commenting too. If I ever met any of the people saying this stuff in real life I would turn tail and run. Simply disgusting.
Load More Replies... I might not understand the tattoo, but I would still ask and get educated without making a big scene about it. I think it's very interesting to learn about other people and their cultural backgrounds. I commend this beautiful woman on her amazing Maori Tattoo. Very pretty. Would love o learn more about it from someone who is Pakeha so i get the best explanation.
"Would love o learn more about it from someone who is Pakeha so i get the best explanation." One-word language lesson follows: PAKEHA /ˈpɑːkɪhɑː , noun, NZ: a white New Zealander as opposed to a Maori. Example: "Pakeha influences"
Load More Replies... I think it's a gorgeous tattoo on an all around beautiful and spiritual human being. Hands off and mind your business. We have the internet. There is no need for ignorance in any shape or form.!!
There is no there there. It's what another person thinks, not the woman whose lovely face is being shown in numerous places. Seems more like using a friend to get attention than explaining the newscaster's thoughts and feelings. Nice you defended someone, but this isn't about you.
If you know why, then you know why. It is a traditional thing, a Maori thing. It is self explanatory.... the Ta Moko identifies where she comes from, her land, her whanau and her Marae she belongs too. It also can show her social status or rank among the people in her culture.
I'm super-glad the news station kept her on - I have a suspicion there's lots more to the story though. Often public figures that represent a company will have riders in their contracts about maintaining the company's standards for physical appearance. I think the public is sometimes too quick to vilify an employer when it's the employee that's willingly violated their own contract. Happy that everything here seems copacetic though!!
She presents for te karere - a maori language news broadcaster, so it probably is even more acceptable than a pakeha/English news station, although I would be disappointed in my country (nz) if it was an issue for any broadcaster, as the moko is so uniquely kiwi and something we should all be proud of
Load More Replies... do not touch people!! i don't know if it's so bad to ask...respectfully...certainly not 'whoa, wtf happened to your face' of course.
Derogatory and hateful comments only reveal the intelligence level of ugly humans. Let's all practice "If you have nothing kind to say DO NOT say anything at all."
Well, I am old. When I was growing up, our parents taught us manners. In this 21st century plugged in world, privacy and respect for it in others is no longer a given. Young people have "being famous" as an aspiration. You truly do NOT to have every question in your mind spoken out loud to others as if real humans are just another aspect of google. MYOB.
Much as I detest tattoos of any kind, somehow I find this intriguing and totally inoffensive, even though the first time I saw such a tattoo was on that tv programme, "Hell on Wheels!" The wearer of the tattoo looked as if she had been taken prisoner by an Indian Tribe, and later released or escaped. Of course it would be rude to ask, but the not knowing is annoying me, so excuse me while I go and have a quick Google!
Fine, asking or touching or pointing to spiritual things on the body of others is a big no-no. How do you know it's a spiritual thing? By the way, is it rude to ask about the Moriori?
It's not accepted here, but I would want so badly a face tattoo....
I can't see anything disrespectful in asking another person what happened if we see a big change in them. If they don't want to explain, it's obviously their right, and they can always reply with "its personal", or "I prefer not to speak about it", and it's fine. The thing is, apparently there's no way of pleasing some people: if you ignore them, they accuse you of being selfish and uncaring, but if you ask or comment, even on the politest manner, you are nosy and offensive. A piece of news people: you are not the centre of the universe!
I'm not well versed on her culture. If it were me, personally, I would not do that. But, guess what? It's not about ME. It's not about YOU. It's HER face, HER culture & HER beliefs. If she did it because SHE wanted to, as a way of honoring her traditions & expressing herself, I think that's beautiful. She doesn't owe me or anyone else an explanation. However, I think if you ran into her and expressed genuine, respectful curiosity and desire to learn more about her culture - she might share something with you & you might learn something new. The world would be awfully boring if everyone looked & acted the same.
Brilliant! Shave your hair, get a face tattoo and be offended if it's noticed. I'm hoping this " I'm offended " thing will end soon cause I can't keep up with it and I'm really tired of it.
It's not that she's offended by being noticed. It's that the person asked in a rude way and reached out to touch her face and hair!
Load More Replies... Except this is a cultural tattoo and she is in New Zealand where everyone knows the reasoning why in their cultural mokos (chin tattoos) are common.
Load More Replies... Jeez! Also, u find it distracting? Are you aware she is presenting news on te karere, a maori language news feed? U can understand fluent maori but are distracted by her tattoo?! Yeah right. You just want to complain you can't possibly actually be a viewer
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