• Recognition of the importance of te reo Māori and the use of basic greetings and language within mainstream society and media • Media exposure and access to technology and social media for young people • Young people being more critically aware and responsive to potential racist behaviours. It is important to note in relation to the two latter points above the potential for these factors to also be a cause for polarisation and extreme views at both ends of the racism spectrum. But then one of the neighbours, the kids there, they were throwing something at the property, and they were saying go back to your country. So, it's quite similar an experience. He felt really discriminated against. (Korean focus group) Despite participants commonly noting increased awareness about racism, a small number highlighted mixed views about perceived changes in the: • Prevalence of racism: A small number identified an increase in the prevalence of racist behaviour in Aotearoa New Zealand, due mainly to increased exposure and awareness. In contrast, two participants did not consider the prevalence of racism had changed but that there was an increase in cultural appropriation and harm caused by racism. In my opinion, [the prevalence of racism has] increased…We read the news every day, we can ascertain what is racism and what is not. (Samoan focus group) Cultural appropriation is massive – For me, I don’t think racism has gotten a lot better but it’s more in our faces, it’s everywhere and I think that’s damaging and scary because you’re not only experiencing it ā kanohi, but you experience it at home, you take it everywhere with you because it’s on social media, it’s blasted everywhere. For me, I’m thinking is it better or is it worse because you’re taking it everywhere. (Te Ika ā Māui Māori focus group) • Expressions of racism: Some noted changes in racist behaviour included an increase in covert expressions of racism, while others noted that both overt and covert racist behaviour still existed. There’s so much talk about racism/discrimination in the world. It has changed that now it’s not so much in your face, rude...It’s really underlying through sly comments, small perceptions that come through when people stereotyping. (Tongan focus group) My experience in this country is that there are two types of racism. One which we can say is direct, like when people come to your face and say no this is our country, you are resident here, you are not our people...My concern is not this direct racism, my concern is the indirect racism we face in this country. That racism we see everywhere, in the office, if you are in politics, in jobs, if you're calling the police, they judge you by your accent…Where we are treated as second-class citizens… (Sikh focus group) • Aggressive racist behaviour: One participant noted increased physical aggression toward migrants. www.malatest-intl.com Drivers of racism – March 2021 47