I think that is a fair obsrvation as the colonialsm that Wouter was talking about sits uncomfortably on people who are generally liberal and generous.
I paint about our history and politics often and I think we have some of the most exciting characters to be read about.
We should embrace our history more and learn to love our forfathers warts and all.
It is difficult for the Maori mindset to do this also as they have a strong tradition of Utu which is to balance slights felt done even many generations after the original wound.

As an asside, I never mentioned evil, as I am with Shakespear on this "nothing is either good nor bad as it is thinking makes it so." I think that Europe carries with it an un gly history of elitism. When people talk about the savagery of Maoris I always point to the Spanish Inquisition, The English habit of hanging, drawing and quartering and head put on a pike. I would much rather have my head cleaved open and die instantly and be eaten.

I am ranting because it is winter and we have been having the worst storm in 150 years.

I will post photos soon of my freinds 75 foot wave peircing, solid wing cat which was punnished for being so tall. You will find that much more interesting.