7.7. Racial supremacy Participants described racial supremacy as a belief held by some that their own ethnic group was better than others. People with supremist beliefs were thought to hold a self-proclaimed sense of dominance and entitlement, define different cultures and ethnic groups as ‘other’ and maintain rigid criteria for inclusion – it is that pack mentality. Deep rooted in racial supremacy. This is not just white, but the white supremacy is high. (Provider) It’s from a level of superiority, my race is actually superior than yours, you’re only here because of me…you should be grateful…and it goes on. (Tongan focus group) Some people really truly believe it and they have a right to say it…horrendous…This is what people are saying about Māori and people are liking it and endorsing it. (Te Waipounamu Māori focus group) 7.8. Eurocentricity and Western ideologies Maintaining social networks and identifying more with those who are familiar and similar were described by some participants as being natural human traits. I don't know if this is racist, but we do try to be with people similar to us, and then that way we are excluding people. Is that racist? Probably. Or maybe you don't know. (Provider – European migrant) We have more in common with South Africans like with rugby so there's immediately that connection. (Pākehā 1 focus group) I think it's natural for people to want to hang around those you're alike to and being afraid of things that are unknown. I mean some people are curious about new things but most people are afraid of things they don't know. So, to me the basic problem with racism is ignorance of difference, because they don't understand the culture and the way of thinking sometimes. (Chinese focus group) Participants noted that in line with the notion of Eurocentricity, Western ideologies of dominant ethnic groups were considered a driver for racism against people who look different, or who have different beliefs, cultural expressions, and English language proficiency. I would say it depends on how white-passing they are. We as society we physically see people and dictate how we interact with them or what ethnicity or race they are based on their physical appearance. I think that changes the way people are able to walk through society especially as migrants. (Te Ika-a-Māui Māori focus group) www.malatest-intl.com Drivers of racism – March 2021 76