title: Once an Other, always an Other: Contemporary discursive representations of the Asian Other in Aotearoa/New Zealand

authors: Cormack, Donna

subjects: discourse

abstract: Developments in the theorising of representation and the constitutive nature of language have encouraged an increased scholarly interest in the discursive construction of social identities, relations, and realities.  This includes a growing body of literature internationally that focuses on the construction of social groups positioned as Others.  However, critical research in this area is more limited in the domestic setting.  In Aotearoa/New Zealand, the contemporary construction of social identities is embedded within a specific socio-political and historical context, including a particular colonial context.  This context is fundamental to the ways in which social relations between the white settler Self and various Other groups have been, and continue to be, constituted.  
 
In this thesis, I have explored the discursive representation of Asian identity in dominant institutional discourses in Aotearoa/New Zealand, with a particular focus on the construction of the Asian as Other.  Using critical discourse analysis, contemporary newspaper and parliamentary texts were examined to identify content areas, discursive strategies, and lexical choices involved in the representation of the Asian Other by elite institutions in Aotearoa/New Zealand.  Through this process, several recurring manifestations of Asian Otherness were recognised, namely those of Asians as threat, Asian as impermanent, Asian as commodity, and Asian as victim.  These representations of the Asian Other embody continuities and contradictions.  They function to contribute to contemporary understandings and positionings of Asian individuals and collectives, to the ongoing construction of the Self in Aotearoa/New Zealand, and to the broader national narrative.

text: Once an Other, always an Other: Contemporary discursive representations of the Asian Other in Aotearoa/New Zealand Developments in the theorising of representation and the constitutive nature of language have encouraged an increased scholarly interest in the discursive construction of social identities, relations, and realities.  This includes a growing body of literature internationally that focuses on the construction of social groups positioned as Others.  However, critical research in this area is more limited in the domestic setting.  In Aotearoa/New Zealand, the contemporary construction of social identities is embedded within a specific socio-political and historical context, including a particular colonial context.  This context is fundamental to the ways in which social relations between the white settler Self and various Other groups have been, and continue to be, constituted.  
 
In this thesis, I have explored the discursive representation of Asian identity in dominant institutional discourses in Aotearoa/New Zealand, with a particular focus on the construction of the Asian as Other.  Using critical discourse analysis, contemporary newspaper and parliamentary texts were examined to identify content areas, discursive strategies, and lexical choices involved in the representation of the Asian Other by elite institutions in Aotearoa/New Zealand.  Through this process, several recurring manifestations of Asian Otherness were recognised, namely those of Asians as threat, Asian as impermanent, Asian as commodity, and Asian as victim.  These representations of the Asian Other embody continuities and contradictions.  They function to contribute to contemporary understandings and positionings of Asian individuals and collectives, to the ongoing construction of the Self in Aotearoa/New Zealand, and to the broader national narrative.

year: 2007

title: ASEAN and the non-traditional regional security agenda

authors: Rolls, Mark G.

subjects: ASEAN

abstract: Without a doubt, the whole area of non-traditional security – whether it be threats, issues or challenges (the three are more or less used interchangeably in ASEAN statements and documents on the subject) – has come to occupy a prominent place on the regional security agenda in recent years.1 This is very much in keeping with the ‘widening’, or ‘broadening’, of the security agenda which has occurred internationally in both the academic literature and, crucially, in the policy sphere.

text: ASEAN and the non-traditional regional security agenda Without a doubt, the whole area of non-traditional security – whether it be threats, issues or challenges (the three are more or less used interchangeably in ASEAN statements and documents on the subject) – has come to occupy a prominent place on the regional security agenda in recent years.1 This is very much in keeping with the ‘widening’, or ‘broadening’, of the security agenda which has occurred internationally in both the academic literature and, crucially, in the policy sphere.

year: 2010

title: Indigenous cancer research: Reflections on roles and responsibilities

authors: Scott, Nina

abstract: When asked for a commentary on the roles and responsibilities of nonindigenous researchers in indigenous cancer research, several potential nonindigenous coauthors were contacted. The majority wanted to “run for the hills,” signifying that many researchers feel uncomfortable, out of their depth, and fearful regarding methodologies and principles for safe and effective research with and for indigenous peoples.

Most health research is relevant for indigenous peoples, and most researchers are nonindigenous. Thus, if researchers don’t engage with indigenous research principles, health research can and does result in significant harm for indigenous peoples.1,2 Nonengagement may also prevent potential positive outcomes for indigenous communities (eg, health gain, workforce and community development) and impinge on indigenous rights to health and development.3

In this commentary, we outline our reflections and observations on the roles and responsibilities of nonindigenous cancer researchers and identify some of the principles that guide researchers in Aotearoa (Aotearoa is the name given by the indigenous Māori for New Zealand). We do not attempt to provide an in-depth analysis or comprehensive best practice summary, but hope to encourage more discussion in this critical and evolving area.

text: Indigenous cancer research: Reflections on roles and responsibilities When asked for a commentary on the roles and responsibilities of nonindigenous researchers in indigenous cancer research, several potential nonindigenous coauthors were contacted. The majority wanted to “run for the hills,” signifying that many researchers feel uncomfortable, out of their depth, and fearful regarding methodologies and principles for safe and effective research with and for indigenous peoples.

Most health research is relevant for indigenous peoples, and most researchers are nonindigenous. Thus, if researchers don’t engage with indigenous research principles, health research can and does result in significant harm for indigenous peoples.1,2 Nonengagement may also prevent potential positive outcomes for indigenous communities (eg, health gain, workforce and community development) and impinge on indigenous rights to health and development.3

In this commentary, we outline our reflections and observations on the roles and responsibilities of nonindigenous cancer researchers and identify some of the principles that guide researchers in Aotearoa (Aotearoa is the name given by the indigenous Māori for New Zealand). We do not attempt to provide an in-depth analysis or comprehensive best practice summary, but hope to encourage more discussion in this critical and evolving area.

year: 2020