Concern over anti-maori sentiment?

[Lilith7]

That is kind of true, I was reading about a study that says its in our genetics to be wary of outsiders, back in the days of Neanderthals, it was more of a survival instinct not to trust others.
Thats no excuse, but there is definitely some genetic traits that go way back in humanity.

I think it is a very common defense mechanism. Even plants do it, keeping others away by poisoning the soil around them to prevent other seedlings surviving. But as you say it is no excuse, explanations are not excuses, they just help us understand why we do things and once we understand we can make changes.

We need to make changes because of the hurt racism inflicts, and not  just on those who are targets, but on those who ignore their own errors of judgement. A better, healthier society is better for everyone, not just the privileged.

Indeed - imagination can show us how things might be, if we can only stop being such idiots.
And it seems that education is the gateway to that.