In my book this is Noteworthy (re: I'm Pissed off with you NZ) #113

The view you can have if you escape New Zealand

I've been talking with an American girl who just spent 4 years in New Zealand. I would love to report back that she thoroughly enjoyed herself but she didn't. She hated it. She came over hoping to make short films and potentially help to grow our small but somewhat 'impressive' film industry. This was not the case. 

I love New Zealand and I'm proud of our country, but there's a reason I moved away. If I told you right now what my 'ultimate goal in life is', I can almost guarantee that the majority of you New Zealand readers (perhaps some Australian) would automatically judge me and think I was crazy. Even some of my own 'friends', I know would think I'm crazy. I know they'd never say it to my face but it's not hard to guess what someone is thinking. However, if I were to tell an American this (or my nana) they'd say "Wow! That's amazing. I wish you luck! Perhaps we can help each other in someway?". To that I would reply with uncontrollable-overdramatic-Kardashian-esque crying. Why? Because someone actually believes I'm capable of achieving what exists in my head. 

Back to that American girl. She came over to New Zealand with big dreams. And you know what happened? Everyone thought she was crazy. Go figure. Here's what she had to say about the New Zealand attitude, 

"It's so fake. Everyone is so fake. You are not that friendly and you're so judgmental."

To which I replied, "You're absolutely right!"

As much as I didn't want to agree I couldn't help but think wow she really summed us up so well. I mean she left out the nice parts but that's to be expected when you've just got past the worst 4 years of your life. 

I'm not going to lie, living in New Zealand, I too was guilty of all of those things. 

The fake-ness I think stems from this projected image that we're 'all accepting' of everybody. Let me ask you this, when was the last time you said bloody Asian driver? or you judged someone from Hamilton? or you called some chick a slut just because (lets face it) she looks hotter than you? or you got pissed off that all the dairy's these days are owned by Indians? or you called some dude gay because he likes fashion? or dare I say it you called someone a Maori because they did something remotely primitive? Yeah sure you didn't mean it. But just think about the fact that you had to label someone something, put in an inferior context, in order to communicate your feelings. Real mature. To that I say "You're an asshole." That 'all accepting' exterior is fake. You know it and so do I. 

All of it is engrained into our culture. We are born into this staunch pride wearing stigma. It's kind of like the ultimate indie complex. As soon as someone gets successful they're cut down. Don't even get me started on tall poppy syndrome. Seriously what's wrong with Drew Neemia? People hate on him just because he's kicking ass at what he's doing. Maybe you don't like him as a presenter. Fine. But keep you immature judgmental meanderings to yourself. I don't like to draw attention to idiots but this facebook page is beyond uncool. And the amount of people who have joined it. My disappointed fatherly face goes here. Enough. 

Before I end this what-would-normally-be-an-over-dramatic-facebook-status I would say this: wean yourself off the judgment. There are other ways of communicating. Like using happy words that don't involve dragging someone down. Fear not people seeking an environment where you are encouraged to achieve crazy dreams. There is this magical place called America. It's amazing. 

You know what? As much as American's are hated on they actually give people a chance at something bigger than themselves. And for that I am thankful. And to that American girl I am sorry our country treated you less than human. It's an issue we're 'trying' to deal with.

So yes, New Zealand I'm pissed off with you at the moment. 

Non-rant rant is over. 

Peace, Morgs

Important Note: please stop calling people 'Maori' in a derogatory way. It's not appreciated. Nor is it forgotten.