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We're Independent and we're Free, Papua New Guinea
11:29 AM, Monday, 12 March, 2007
On Saturday night I went out for dinner. Unfortunately I was late and had to sit near some people I don’t know so well, while my friends were up at the other end of the table. Despite not particularly liking these people, I determined not to be precocious this time, but to be as polite and as amiable as possible.
It was a disaster.
First of all they were boring and old and had absolutely nothing in common with me - conversation revolved around the last time they were in Australia and what they bought, and what they were planning on buying next time they went down. But things really started going downhill when somebody mentioned, “Have you ever noticed how bad the money smells in Papua New Guinea?”
My mouth literally hung open as the six people surrounding me started discussing how on pay day Papua New Guineans (who of course don’t have wallets) stick their money in their buttcracks to take it home.
That’s right – these people were having a conversation about how Papua New Guineans stick their money in their buttcracks to take it home. Laughing and smiling at these silly people, and why their money is smelly. Because, you see, Papua New Guineans stick their money in their buttcracks to take it home.
I was dumbfounded for about sixty seconds, until I started arguing with them. “That’s simply absurd”, I said; “I just don’t believe it” and “Don’t be ridiculous”. “Have you ever seen anyone actually do that?” I asked, and I told them “I’m afraid that this is just too preposterous”. To which they replied “Oh Carolyn, you’ve only been here for a year, you don’t really know Papua New Guineans”.
This coming from people who have lived here for most, if not a good part of, their lives. Well-educated people, in their twenties and thirties. People working for high-powered law firms, aid agencies and businesses. People whose only association with Papua New Guineans is with their Haus Meri, or their waiter, or their colleague (of whom they ask “So how did you actually get this job?”, as if a Papua New Guinean wouldn’t/couldn’t have a qualification, let alone work experience).
I was simply horrified, and I didn’t know what to do. I wanted to throw my shoe at them, to scream at them, to shame them. I wanted to tell them that if they can’t respect the citizens they should get the hell out of this country. Instead I tried to reason and speak with them. All of the protestations and arguments I made were literally laughed at, and I rapidly got to the point where I simply couldn’t engage with these people any more. I was so angry. I felt myself curl up as I refused to make eye contact, and answered everything with monosyllables. I backed away from all conversations and sat there in my shocked silence, while they just presumed I was being a wet blanket. Because of course Papua New Guineans carry their money around in their buttcracks, why wouldn’t you believe this?
As if I’d want to be any kind of blanket around these people. I felt so ashamed to be associated with them – ashamed to be sitting with them, to be holding the same passport as them, to be in any way identifiable as one of “them”. They continued on with their conversation, just presuming that because of my skin colour I’d be in agreement with them. Deeply shamed and offended, I left the restaurant as soon as I could, but I still haven’t been able to leave behind the feelings of revulsion and disgust.
Filed under Crapola, So they said...
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Comments
Okay I'm a bit stunned by this, but then who am I kidding...fuck we've had, and will continue to have ignorant fuck wits with nothing better to do at the dinner table but to discuss money and crack.
That's just plain rude and racist so of course they're going to make comments like that among 'friends' or else they'd get my big black boot up their sweet smelling arses.
But simply put..grow up the lot of you!!
Posted by: Masalai | March 12, 2007 12:28 PM
Stunned doesn't even begin to describe what I felt when I heard it. I'm not even their friend and I made this quite clear to them, but there was no shame and no second thoughts. They're a pack of butt-munching arseholes, and need to be kicked out of this country, not just up their arses.
Posted by: Carolyn | March 12, 2007 12:36 PM
Unfortunately we can't kick them out because some of them wouldn't have anywhere else to go to make them feel as superior as they do here...
Posted by: Emmanuel Narokobi | March 12, 2007 12:50 PM
It's a shame that money and white skin is all you need to feel superior in this country. Shame on them. Shame on us for letting them get away with it for so long.
Posted by: Carolyn | March 12, 2007 12:54 PM
well well well let them think what they like its our butt money thats paying them at end of the day. they r in our country tryin to make our buttocks money so if anything the butt money belongs to us n their working there butt off trying to earn it so whos the monkey now???? LOL
Posted by: Gee | March 12, 2007 1:05 PM
Oh my …… That is terribly first class racism. In fact, there are still a lot of 'em racists around.
Being white doesn't mean they are all wealthy. Trust me, there are more dirty whites than you think, so don't be walked over by these comments.
But as painful as it is to hear these people talk about PNGn's like this, its over time that we should show them what we are made off.
Blacks are beautiful don't forget that, and most importantly humans too just like them,so make use of all the opportunity to portray an image that can prove these butt'mouths wrong
Posted by: Rachel Pala | March 12, 2007 4:08 PM
That's appalling that these people spoke that way about anyone, and more so as they're guests in the country they were insulting. How completely and utterly rude! They've shown themselves for the crude characters they really are, despite what label they were wearing or what vintage they were sipping.
Posted by: Problemchildbride | March 12, 2007 4:52 PM
It really makes me wonder how we can make this country change when we still have narrow minded people who owe who they are to this country. PNG is the only place to be which is why these people are here and anyone who doesn't like who lives here should just leave, simple as that.This country is trying to grow and prosper and we don't need these kind of people here. We want positive minded, intelligent people that can help, nurture and care for this country. Not cut it off at the knees. Some people need to take a long hard look at themselves and ask why is it that they are so unhappy with their own lives... Madi. I feel sorry that people like these have nothing much better to do with their time than to talk mindlessly.
No tolerance policy to those of you who are unhappy with your lives here in PNG. Just count your lucky stars that you are part of it.
Don't open your mouth unless you have something positive to say... I think it might be a time to do a little weeding.
Posted by: Jen | March 12, 2007 5:12 PM
Okay I guess that was a very rude awakening for you but now you have first hand experience on the various racial attitudes that do exist here amongst white foreign nationals that cause divisions and friction between those foreign groups and nationals. Personally, I've had my fair share of run in’s with both Australians and Asians who looked down on me because of the color of my skin. You can just tell just by the way they look at you and speak to you. No skin off my nose really and I ignore them and don't let it get to me but on a few occasions some actually were stupid enough to grow balls to try to actually put me down and that gave me all the reason I needed to beat their heads in. Unless you’re an exceptionally calm and patient individual I don't think you can reason with these types of people. Their philosophy is to deeply rooted into their psyche and besides I got better things to do then waste my time correcting their skewed outlook of the world.
I think it’s more important to remember that these people are not a true representation of their people and the values of their people. I mean I know my fair share of down right racist PNGians as well but does their racist attitudes represent me or what I believe to be true Papua New Guinean values...no definitely not.
I'm sure you've heard the discriminatory jokes against the Aboriginals in Australia or against the other ethnic groups there. I hope that you were just as offended and posted your disagreement on a blog like you have done here. If not I ask you to ask yourself why not and answer yourself honestly.
Posted by: Carl Okuk | March 13, 2007 12:36 PM
problemchild bride : you are 100% right - it was apalling, insulting and utterly rude. but worse than that, it shows a deeply horrifying side of people who are so used to having their limited, racist, uneducated, utterly IGNORANT views protected in this country where people dont stand up for themselves.
and it has nothing to do with what 'labels' they are wearing - which, trust me, because i know who these people are, they are wearing 'labels' like 'Just Jeans' and 'Portmans'.
and 'vintage' champers - PUHLEEEEEEEESE. these people would not know grange or a decent sticky if it bit them in their rednecked faces. we aretalking yellowglen 2006 here. i KNOW this.
everyone else:
what they said goes way beyond 'racism'. it goes to the very depth of their lack of humanity that they could even think it was appropriate in any way to sit in a restaurant in this country while they are using money made in this country to pay for food going into their white mouths down into their white bellies so that they can go home and shit PNGn food paid for with PNGn money into their toilets in ... PNG.
and what is even more shite is that they dont ADD ANYTHING to this place- they simply TAKE AWAY TAKE AWAY .... SUCK it out
they are SO completely removed from all sense of reality as they have no qualms about sitting in this country and padding their safety net white white AVERAGE lives while shitting all over the one place which enables them to do that.
the snob in me is rearing its beautiful head. i personally know the people pinky u is talking about. all my life i said i would NEVER want to AVERAGE. let me be a spectavulr failure or a spectacular success - either way all the fuck-ups would be mine. the people at that dinner table saturday night are the VERY epitome of AVERAGE. i would have NEVER associated with people like that when i was living in australia - NEVER. why? too boring, too uninteresting, too close-minded too sedate, too uninterested in the matters of the world .... and too APATHETIC to ... real pains and problems and living and dying other than their own. NO ART. NO PASSION. NO INTERNAL REVOLUTION. all things which equate death of SPIRIT to me.
what makes me sick is that i know these people. on first meeting them, i too drank PINK with them. but as i became aware of what they are like, i have completely withdrawn.
HOW DARE THEY!!!!
this is the time of NO FUCKING COMPROMISE!! (Sorry pinky but had to swear in full).
i propose a system of ZERO TOLERANCE.
as a pngn with expatriate education i come across these people daily in work and social situations. up until recently i thought you had to compromise your ethics to survive this place. but that is not true.
MORE NOW THAN EVER BEFORE we, pngns need to say that kind of talking, those kind of views are COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE!!!
can you even imagine how quick that kind of racism and dehumanism would get you put in hostiptal or a hearse in south africa or america?
it is NEVER worth keeping the peace if you LOSE your respect for your self and your heritage. if we dont RESPECT ourselves NOONE else EVER will. and sitting there and letting this slide is akin to saying its ok.
so thats how i feel.
now, if you dont mind, its payday and i have to go shove some stinking money up my black anus.
Posted by: ricebag | March 13, 2007 1:06 PM
Hi Carolyn
I am still reading your blog after all this time!! Sometimes with great amusement, sometimes with what verges on alarm and at other times with disbelief. Like the above post!! At the risk of being boring and most definately old (I laughed at that bit of your post)I have to say when I read that I thought what sorry bastards they all are ( not mincing words today) making themselves feel better at the expense of the PNG- ites. Nothing has changed much about some ex-pats it seems in thirty years. It seems to be de rigeur in their minds to belittle the people of the country they are living in (crapping on) so they can feel smug & superior. They need to pull their heads out of the sand ( or maybe out of their own backsides)and have a good look at some of the antics in the country whose name appears on their passports.
Enough of that. AH&SHL have been notified that we are going to be defunded at June 30th 2007. We are not happy!!
The result of machinations going back about two years, politics and bureaucracy.
Brenda
Posted by: Brenda | March 13, 2007 1:13 PM
Sheesh, you tell em JayBee! But be careful when you start weeding that you only remove the offending plants and don't pour poison on the whole crop. Some of us are OK ;)
Pink, you get a few of these crusty old taubadas that still think they live in Colonial times. Don't confuse the fact they are educated and have a good job with being cultured. Theres a big difference.
Anyway most of them are alcoholics and can only feel good at the expense of someone else. I wouldn't listen or worry too much about what they say.
It goes the other way too. I got called a 'Chinaman' once, LoL! Ask Manu...
Posted by: Danger | March 13, 2007 4:20 PM
These people definitely should leave, but they cannot can they? I feel so sorry for them because they are like King here and if they go back to their country they are just like broken mirror where no one wants to look at. Why not pick up the broken pieces and throw back where they came from..........
Posted by: pngcitizen | March 13, 2007 4:52 PM
Yes Racism does go both ways, and as Danger pointed out I have had to deal with PNG'eans being racist as well. But I hope my dealing with that for Danger showed the idiot that even that is unacceptable too.
Posted by: Emmanuel Narokobi | March 13, 2007 5:11 PM
I don't want to know about any of your fights, boys!!!
I think everyone has an important point - what was said is unacceptable and we should not ever tolerate attitudes and language like this.
Having inspired young Papua New Guineans speak up and say "no!" to this kind of attitude is the only way to change it. They wouldn't listen to me, becuase they thought I was just being annoying and that I really agreed with them because I'm white, no matter what I said. We really need young Papua New Guineans naming the problem and talking to the perpetrators, using their intelligence and wit to shame them. I know that they can't be convinced to drop their racist attitudes because I've seen it all too much, but we can shame them because deep down inside they do know that what they're saying is wrong.
It would be too easy to revert to racism and start talking about expats as colonialist pricks. It would be too easy to start talking about the stereotypes of these colonialist dirty old white men, with trophy wives. The attitudes of these people might be small-minded, bigotted and a blight on this wonderful country but we can never stoop to their level and fight the way that they do. It's never ok to take away another person's dignity, and it's never ok to treat somebody in a way that we wouldn't want to be treated.
Maybe it's easy for me to say all of this because I'm not the one whose buttcrack they're talking about. I just think we need to remember that Papua New Guinea, and Papua New Guineans, are BETTER than these people. I'm not saying that we need to keep the peace when people say shit like this because I think that talking about it is the only way to stop it - I'm just saying that we need to keep our own dignity and not fight dirty in order to overcome them.
My fiance has been the butt of racist comments like this all his life - I've seen it, and it has made me mad. One thing that he taught me, though, is that it's too easy to get angry about it, and more importantly that it's more powerful to get smart about it.
Posted by: Carolyn | March 13, 2007 5:29 PM
It makes me very angry that people can be so insensitive and rude...but it happens everywhere, where people sit smugly cushioned by their own comfortable culture, and refuse to see the humanity all around them. Just because someone is different or the way they do things is different, doesn't mean it's unacceptable.
Posted by: Susanna | March 14, 2007 7:53 AM
Actually Pink, I think the incident that occurred to me would be quite instructive if you cared to listen.
I was the subject of racist behaviour and I went to my PNG friends (I'm white). They supported me and put in process some sanctions for the individual who made the remarks. After a few false starts (heh heh) we resolved our differences and I'm proud to say that not long ago I sat down with the person concerned and had a beer.
Ultimately the situation was resolved because I stood up for myself. The only reason I could do that was because I had a group of fine people standing behind me. It was a problem that we treated as a group and addressed as a group. I was never alone and gradually when the individual realised that his comments were out of line and offending not just me but everyone else he changed his tune. I guess you could say we fixed it the 'melanesian way'. ie: By bringing people together rather than dividing them.
I dunno, maybe Manu has a different take on it to me but I like to think thats how it went.
Admittably your situation sounds a bit different but I think you have taken a good step by voicing concerns on your blog here.
Posted by: Danger | March 14, 2007 10:12 AM
Left-hook, right-cross jab & uppercut to the ribcage...
If I so much as even overheard a low whisper from an expat make such a dirty comment in my presence - at any occasion, be it a formal dinner or just grocery shopping at ando's...
Done it before - will do it again...
I consider myself a well-cultured, diplomatic, extremely tolerant & good-natured law abiding young png female citizen.
However, I fiercely protect my homeland when I have to & be happy to teach any narrowminded, pea-brained expat a bit o respect for our local community.
The nerve...
Makes my blood boil to see humble wantok servants being ridiculed by selfish louts resident under the pretense of VIP status with no solid contribution to the nations economy...moreover, are nothing more than outback rednecks in their own societies...
That's my say for the day.
Just hope I don't ever find out those sonovabitches id's.
Nostrils flaring...
Much respect to ya pink-u for standing your ground and posting quite a thought provoking blog -
Posted by: kazzaroo | March 14, 2007 12:01 PM
Danger - sanctions? Who was he, Iran?
Posted by: Carolyn | March 14, 2007 3:26 PM
oooooooooops.
i had a bit of a RANT about all this. see here:
http://islandbaby.blogspot.com/2007/03/why-money-in-png-stinks-please-dont.html
Posted by: ricebag | March 14, 2007 8:53 PM
I've read all the comments posted and your story really is appalling but then it occurred to me that these people must be really hard up in every perspective of their lives if they need to put down people about stupid things like where they place their money..I think it shows a real lacking of substance in their characters as well bad manners and down right stupidity. I really feel sorry for people like this, absolutely no morality or sympathy for the less fortunate.
As a proffessional, I conduct business with a fair number of expatriates and found most to be nice people trying to make a living just like me but I have also come across a few who are nothing short of being kanakas, which just goes to show that people everywhere are the same regardless of their skin colour. Love and hate are universal languages that can be seen and understood anywhere.
Its time people recognised that belittling someone else doesn't make them any better, it makes them pathetic. In the modern age and global village that we live in today, we have no time for these attitudes: the world is dying and they're worried about smelly money?!
I fully support your no tolerance policy.
Posted by: Ms Dee | March 15, 2007 12:27 PM
@ Carol and Danger
Yes I totally agree with Danger, that is the way it was resolved. We attacked it as a group and it's pretty much all good now.
Posted by: Emmanuel Narokobi | March 15, 2007 4:32 PM
@ Carol and Danger
Yes I totally agree with Danger, that is the way it was resolved. We attacked it as a group and it's pretty much all good now. But basically because as Danger said he stood up for himself and they soon respected that.
Posted by: Emmanuel Narokobi | March 15, 2007 4:33 PM
This makes me so angry on all the most basic levels, and all the more so because I can just imagine the look on your face as you were witnessing such a discussion. There are some real fucktards in this world and I bet their money stinks too.
Posted by: Katia | March 15, 2007 7:27 PM
Well done Danger, keep on sticking up for yourself. And keep on being lovely, Manu.
My face, she was white then red then slackjawed.
BTW, Fucktard is my word! You're always stealing my words, Katia! Grrrrr!!!!
Posted by: Carolyn | March 16, 2007 4:30 PM
I am speechless.....I don't know what to think....nor do I know how to respond to your experience.....!!
Posted by: Rex | March 18, 2007 6:57 PM