Classical theorist Max Weber described ethnic groups as ‘Those human groups that entertain a subjective belief in their common descent because of similarities of physical type or of customs or of both or because of memories of colonization or migration.’ (Guibernau. M & Rex. J, 1997 [Weber 1968, p. 389] p. 2)

From this classification it can be concluded that the movie Once Were Warriors is a movie that depicts themes and discourses that relate specifically to ethnic theory in relation to New Zealand Maoris. This is because the movie deals with the issues of the Maoris in relation to belief in their common descent ‘Our people once were warriors’, similarities of physical type or of customs “why is everything so black tonight, Toot?” “Dunno, maybe ‘cause we’re both bloody Maoris” and the memories of white colonization due to the white-dominated society they live in.

Once Were Warriors would be aimed at viewers aged eighteen years and older

This is somewhat stereotypical of traditional colonial ideologies in that:

This drawing of strength and entwining past and present Maori culture can be shown when Boogie is caught acting out with his father’s style of rage and destruction. As a result, the instructor takes him under his wing and shows him the way to channel that energy in a disciplined and spiritual manner:

“Our people once were warriors, but not like you, Jake. They were people with Munga, pride. People with spirit.”

“The world is divided into different and unequally positioned ethnic groups and cultures; there are many inequalities of power and wealth between these groups who are, consequently, often in conflict both internally and with other groups.”(O’Shaughnessy 1999, p.220)

“The dominant tendency in terms of White/ non- White relationships has been for White culture to expect non-Whites to take on White values. The consequence of this has been that non-White cultures have lost much of their cultural identities. Consequently, some groups have refused this option. They have sought out their own cultural heritage as an important source of their identity and have tried to sustain a separate cultural identity.” (O’Shaughnessy 1999, p.226)

Drawing upon this violent aspect of Maori tradition contributes to the continued present degradation of the Maori. Although the warrior tradition emphasizes strength and honour, in its present corrupted form it perpetuates violence and degradation. To Jake, for instance, the tradition of Maori warrior-hood functions only to justify his violence, a violence directed primarily at those weaker than himself such as Beth and his children.

Some topics in this essay:
Maoris Warriors, Warriors Maori, Zealand Maoris, Gracie Boogie, Homi Bhabha, O’Shaughnessy Rutherford, Australia Zealand, Zealand Throughout, White Zealanders, Maoris Jake, maori culture, traditional maori, maori people, traditional maori culture, zealand maoris, contemporary maoris, contemporary zealand, maori culture contemporary, white zealanders, people warriors, future maori, contemporary society, physical type customs, similarities physical type, strength cultural pride,