After A News Presenter Gets A Visible Face Tattoo, This Woman Educates People On How To Be Respectful
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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.
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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”
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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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Duh
I agree. It is totally natural to ask a question and want to know about why a person chooses to do something. That is how we learn and come to understand other traditions. Yes, the way that person did it was rude but there is a way to ask without being rude.
You can always look up information on the interwebs rather than asking the person directly, too. Trying to explain it may be annoying or bothersome to them. If you do gently ask, don't be offended if they don't want to tell you.
While I get what they're saying, I think the person who posted this has misinterpreted Taj's post. Taj is talking about a Samoan co-worker and has attached a photo of a Maori news presenter (someone I see on TV most days). I don't think Taj was defending Oriini in their story, but someone else. Also, if they were the same person (who also had their head shaved), her hair has sure grown fast as she only got her moko about a year ago.
Couldn't agree more!
Totally agree and the way this "curious touching" is corrected... look in the eyes, slowly waving finger... what a selfindulged messed up ghetto attitude this so called "spiritual" person exposes.... yayks.
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Can I feel your fake tits? Where did you get your fake teeth? Because your dentist hates you. Did you get your ass lifted? Can I see the scars? What colour is your underwear today? Can I have a look? Does your husband have a big dick, or are you lying about that. Ask him over and let's see. ...////..... Keep your nosy bullshit questions to yourself. No one wants to talk to you, they DO NOT "owe" you anything, and so if in doubt, STFU.
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.
Nothing is wrong with questions. Its the rude way that friend was going about it. Touching someone (especially their face!) is such a huge no and the almost 'speculative, yeah this disgust and intrigues me,' like they are looking at a freak show is not communicating a genuine desire to learn and broaden their horizons.
Or... One could simply Google "lower chin tattoo new zealand". Moko kauae is literally the top search result
Or we can stop acting like human interaction is insulting and understand that if you do something to your image that is beyond the standard norm, you will be asked about it. People who change their image drastically for whatever reason should be aware of that and to pretend otherwise is immature.
What's wrong with asking politely? Given the right time and place?
You literally won't know what it means specifically to her, or if she just thought it was pretty, unless you ask her. There's no google to the contents of her head.
@LiterallyEveryoneCommentingOnThis questions would be okay with anyone, but you don't just go and touch someone's face without asking!
I downvoted you. I am partially Samoan and Kiwi (along w/ Romanian, Hungarian, French, Japanese, etc.) so I know about the culture. Don't ask in a rude way. Don't touch. Don't be disrespectful. 'Tis her culture, not yours. She does not have to answer your rude questions. Lots of people get things like half-naked mermaids without people having questions. Why shouldn't she?
But they CAN keep those questions to themselves. And most often, they should.
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It's none of your fucking business. If you like it, say so. If you don't, shut up. This is not rocket science.
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Who is defining "the standard norm"? Who's "norm" is that?
Love the picture of her at her news desk. I'mm glad the station weren't jerks about it.
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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.
Even here in the US, some Native American cultures use tattoos for spiritual purposes. It is not as well known as the moko is in NZ. The most famous case is that of Olive Oatman, a 19th century white woman who was captured by Yavapai and later traded to Mohave. She apparently was fully assimilated into Mohave culture, as she was given a Mohave name and nickname, as well as a blue tattoo on her chin. The tattoo ensures that when they enter the land of the dead, their ancestors recognized them as Mohaves.
I live on the other side of the planet and I knew what it was. Still I'm sticking to what I said. Ignorant people are spread evenly in the world
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.
Where is the evidence that she is 100% Maori?
Add innumerable rapes to that... *sigh*
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.
She is 100% maori and keeps up with her folk's tradition while causing no harm to anyone. I see no problem here.
Looks like it would be a very painful tattoo but it is beautiful
The chin wouldn't be too bad, but it extends to her lips...all I can say is ouch.
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.
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.
Gorgeous!!!
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.
The fact that you felt the need to tell the whole world that you think it's ugly cannot be altered by the suffix "who am I to judge." You just judged. That's the same thing as saying "I'm not racist, but... [obvious racist thing]." Anyone who is even mildly observant of humans should be able to notice religious and cultural expressions like tilaka, or having a khanda tattoed on their hand, etc. and understand to be respectful of them. Those marks are not for you, they are for those who wear them.
He’s allowed to have an opinion
Beautiful!!
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.
Visible tattoos and jewelery draw the attention away fron what you are saying, that's why it doesn't work for reporters.
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"
I messed up. Lol. Should have been Maori from your definition. My bad. Thanks for letting me know.
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Google is your friend. What colour are your panties today? Let's have a look, shall we?
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’ve always found saying "May I ask you a question, and if I may not it’s ok" keeps things respectful for both.
Absolutely beautiful x x
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
RESPECT !
I know appearance was not the reason behind the tattoo but it looks amazing! Good for her! Takes a hell of a lot of spiritual commitment to endure having your lips tattooed.
dont ever ask anyone anything. got it.
dont ever ask people anything. got it.
'brake' barriers?
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.
I wouldn't ask her but I would love to know what it means.
Her tat looks cool af
Beautiful. The Maori people are amazing.
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Clearly you arent from NZ.
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."
That is beautiful
I worked retail with a woman with this type of tattoo. It looks awful and was so distracting.She had a hard time finding employment and people just stared at her .
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....
being respectful is respectful not tattoo
What??
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!
Man, Those Samoans are a surely bunch....
I dont get it,...if your not part of that culture then why get the tat...
She's Maori
looks terrible. on TV it kinda looks like her lipstick is melting and running down her chin. terrible choice...
Any giant black face tattoo is a real commitment. To each his/her own.
So asking "Did you lose a bet?" Would be wrong?
And this will get copied by women from all over now
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.
SHE IS A PUBLIC FIGURE WHO TATTOOED HER FACE. obviously people are going to stare, have questions, have opinions. The only reason this is being celebrated is bc she is a person of color. Celts, Scandinavians, and Britians are a just a few Caucasian ancient cultures that extensively tattooed people/warriors. I guarantee a descendant of one of these cultures doing the same thing would not be celebrated in the same way. times change, cultural norms do as well. you are free to tattoo whatever you want but that doesn't protect you from stares and jeers or maybe even keep your job safe. FYI i have over 110 plus hours of tattoos, none on my neck, face, or hands, as i work in a white collar corporate environment....
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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in america i know many people with face tattoos, i have never seen one as an anchor on the news. and apparently she was the first there, so although the tattoos are fairly common, having somebody reporting the news with one is not. I stand by my original comment.
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!
We don't know if she was offended. The gist of this post was written by another person entirely. There's almost nothing by the newscaster herself.
The person (potentially offended) in the story is Samoan. The person in the photo is a Maori newscaster. Not the same person.
The thing is, Maori culture is not hidden in New Zealand. It is part of the national culture. (I know there are still some Pakeha -- non-Maori, generally whites -- who don't appreciate it being celebrated, but hopefully these outdated attitudes are becoming less prevalent.) So for someone in New Zealand to be offended by her moko kauae is pretty ridiculous. If she were the one hurt by those ignoramuses, then I don't think we could blame her or call her out for it. It's not like she's just gone off on some weird tangent and decided to get a random tattoo with no real meaning, or one that no one outside of a small circle would understand. Her co-worker was the offended one, and not without good reason.
I see you are easily offended. Try meditation, it may help. ;-)
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she is too attractive to disfigure her face that way.
A moko isn't disfigurement it's mana
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What an idiot.
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Not a fan of the facial tattoo, it's distracting when I'm trying to watch the program. Before anyone slams me because it's her cultural heritage, her ancestors also ran around naked, let her do that as well.
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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At the end of the day, it looks like she has a beard.
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That just doesn’t fly in this culture. I think it’s hideous, but I would never confront anyone directly about their choices. I just live and let live. But if you wanna look that different you gotta be ready for people to take second looks, gasp, or point and laugh. Just the way it is.
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She sounds like kind of a jerk
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What an idiotic thing to do.
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Creepy!
Dickhead
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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Duh
I agree. It is totally natural to ask a question and want to know about why a person chooses to do something. That is how we learn and come to understand other traditions. Yes, the way that person did it was rude but there is a way to ask without being rude.
You can always look up information on the interwebs rather than asking the person directly, too. Trying to explain it may be annoying or bothersome to them. If you do gently ask, don't be offended if they don't want to tell you.
While I get what they're saying, I think the person who posted this has misinterpreted Taj's post. Taj is talking about a Samoan co-worker and has attached a photo of a Maori news presenter (someone I see on TV most days). I don't think Taj was defending Oriini in their story, but someone else. Also, if they were the same person (who also had their head shaved), her hair has sure grown fast as she only got her moko about a year ago.
Couldn't agree more!
Totally agree and the way this "curious touching" is corrected... look in the eyes, slowly waving finger... what a selfindulged messed up ghetto attitude this so called "spiritual" person exposes.... yayks.
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Can I feel your fake tits? Where did you get your fake teeth? Because your dentist hates you. Did you get your ass lifted? Can I see the scars? What colour is your underwear today? Can I have a look? Does your husband have a big dick, or are you lying about that. Ask him over and let's see. ...////..... Keep your nosy bullshit questions to yourself. No one wants to talk to you, they DO NOT "owe" you anything, and so if in doubt, STFU.
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.
Nothing is wrong with questions. Its the rude way that friend was going about it. Touching someone (especially their face!) is such a huge no and the almost 'speculative, yeah this disgust and intrigues me,' like they are looking at a freak show is not communicating a genuine desire to learn and broaden their horizons.
Or... One could simply Google "lower chin tattoo new zealand". Moko kauae is literally the top search result
Or we can stop acting like human interaction is insulting and understand that if you do something to your image that is beyond the standard norm, you will be asked about it. People who change their image drastically for whatever reason should be aware of that and to pretend otherwise is immature.
What's wrong with asking politely? Given the right time and place?
You literally won't know what it means specifically to her, or if she just thought it was pretty, unless you ask her. There's no google to the contents of her head.
@LiterallyEveryoneCommentingOnThis questions would be okay with anyone, but you don't just go and touch someone's face without asking!
I downvoted you. I am partially Samoan and Kiwi (along w/ Romanian, Hungarian, French, Japanese, etc.) so I know about the culture. Don't ask in a rude way. Don't touch. Don't be disrespectful. 'Tis her culture, not yours. She does not have to answer your rude questions. Lots of people get things like half-naked mermaids without people having questions. Why shouldn't she?
But they CAN keep those questions to themselves. And most often, they should.
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It's none of your fucking business. If you like it, say so. If you don't, shut up. This is not rocket science.
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Who is defining "the standard norm"? Who's "norm" is that?
Love the picture of her at her news desk. I'mm glad the station weren't jerks about it.
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my roomAte’s mother mAkes $67/hour on the computer. She hAs been without A job for 8 months but lAst month her check wAs $19928 just working on the computer for A few hours. go to this site home tAb for more detAil HERE>>>>>>http://www.cash95.com/
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.
Even here in the US, some Native American cultures use tattoos for spiritual purposes. It is not as well known as the moko is in NZ. The most famous case is that of Olive Oatman, a 19th century white woman who was captured by Yavapai and later traded to Mohave. She apparently was fully assimilated into Mohave culture, as she was given a Mohave name and nickname, as well as a blue tattoo on her chin. The tattoo ensures that when they enter the land of the dead, their ancestors recognized them as Mohaves.
I live on the other side of the planet and I knew what it was. Still I'm sticking to what I said. Ignorant people are spread evenly in the world
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.
Where is the evidence that she is 100% Maori?
Add innumerable rapes to that... *sigh*
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.
She is 100% maori and keeps up with her folk's tradition while causing no harm to anyone. I see no problem here.
Looks like it would be a very painful tattoo but it is beautiful
The chin wouldn't be too bad, but it extends to her lips...all I can say is ouch.
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.
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.
Gorgeous!!!
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.
The fact that you felt the need to tell the whole world that you think it's ugly cannot be altered by the suffix "who am I to judge." You just judged. That's the same thing as saying "I'm not racist, but... [obvious racist thing]." Anyone who is even mildly observant of humans should be able to notice religious and cultural expressions like tilaka, or having a khanda tattoed on their hand, etc. and understand to be respectful of them. Those marks are not for you, they are for those who wear them.
He’s allowed to have an opinion
Beautiful!!
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.
Visible tattoos and jewelery draw the attention away fron what you are saying, that's why it doesn't work for reporters.
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"
I messed up. Lol. Should have been Maori from your definition. My bad. Thanks for letting me know.
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Google is your friend. What colour are your panties today? Let's have a look, shall we?
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’ve always found saying "May I ask you a question, and if I may not it’s ok" keeps things respectful for both.
Absolutely beautiful x x
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
RESPECT !
I know appearance was not the reason behind the tattoo but it looks amazing! Good for her! Takes a hell of a lot of spiritual commitment to endure having your lips tattooed.
dont ever ask anyone anything. got it.
dont ever ask people anything. got it.
'brake' barriers?
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.
I wouldn't ask her but I would love to know what it means.
Her tat looks cool af
Beautiful. The Maori people are amazing.
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Clearly you arent from NZ.
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."
That is beautiful
I worked retail with a woman with this type of tattoo. It looks awful and was so distracting.She had a hard time finding employment and people just stared at her .
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....
being respectful is respectful not tattoo
What??
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!
Man, Those Samoans are a surely bunch....
I dont get it,...if your not part of that culture then why get the tat...
She's Maori
looks terrible. on TV it kinda looks like her lipstick is melting and running down her chin. terrible choice...
Any giant black face tattoo is a real commitment. To each his/her own.
So asking "Did you lose a bet?" Would be wrong?
And this will get copied by women from all over now
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.
SHE IS A PUBLIC FIGURE WHO TATTOOED HER FACE. obviously people are going to stare, have questions, have opinions. The only reason this is being celebrated is bc she is a person of color. Celts, Scandinavians, and Britians are a just a few Caucasian ancient cultures that extensively tattooed people/warriors. I guarantee a descendant of one of these cultures doing the same thing would not be celebrated in the same way. times change, cultural norms do as well. you are free to tattoo whatever you want but that doesn't protect you from stares and jeers or maybe even keep your job safe. FYI i have over 110 plus hours of tattoos, none on my neck, face, or hands, as i work in a white collar corporate environment....
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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in america i know many people with face tattoos, i have never seen one as an anchor on the news. and apparently she was the first there, so although the tattoos are fairly common, having somebody reporting the news with one is not. I stand by my original comment.
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!
We don't know if she was offended. The gist of this post was written by another person entirely. There's almost nothing by the newscaster herself.
The person (potentially offended) in the story is Samoan. The person in the photo is a Maori newscaster. Not the same person.
The thing is, Maori culture is not hidden in New Zealand. It is part of the national culture. (I know there are still some Pakeha -- non-Maori, generally whites -- who don't appreciate it being celebrated, but hopefully these outdated attitudes are becoming less prevalent.) So for someone in New Zealand to be offended by her moko kauae is pretty ridiculous. If she were the one hurt by those ignoramuses, then I don't think we could blame her or call her out for it. It's not like she's just gone off on some weird tangent and decided to get a random tattoo with no real meaning, or one that no one outside of a small circle would understand. Her co-worker was the offended one, and not without good reason.
I see you are easily offended. Try meditation, it may help. ;-)
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she is too attractive to disfigure her face that way.
A moko isn't disfigurement it's mana
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What an idiot.
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Not a fan of the facial tattoo, it's distracting when I'm trying to watch the program. Before anyone slams me because it's her cultural heritage, her ancestors also ran around naked, let her do that as well.
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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At the end of the day, it looks like she has a beard.
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That just doesn’t fly in this culture. I think it’s hideous, but I would never confront anyone directly about their choices. I just live and let live. But if you wanna look that different you gotta be ready for people to take second looks, gasp, or point and laugh. Just the way it is.
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She sounds like kind of a jerk
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What an idiotic thing to do.
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Creepy!
Dickhead