“If you’re Māori then it’s your birth right” – Kauae Expectations on TikTok
Abstract
Indigenous identity construction and relational complexity is never more evident than on social media. These platforms provide visibility, accessibility, and creativity in constructing and maintaining identities that are distinctive to social media. However, the benefits of these platforms are colliding with the complexities of Indigenous identity, which calls into question how Indigenous identity expression is being presented on social media.
Identity assertion, acceptance and denial create friction between Indigenous communities, and this is most apparent on social media. The growing visibility of kauae by wāhine Māori indicates a resurgence, and social media platforms provide spaces to share their experiences, understandings, and perceptions. However, the differing perceptions of kauae expectations reflect the complex and diverse online understandings and contentions between Māori communities.
This study aims to show to what extent historical contexts and generational influences continue to impact perceptions of kauae expectations. By examining these through TikTok, the contemporary context of wāhine Māori can be examined to reflect social media's place in our lives today. And case studies present the two dominant perspectives of kauae expectations, which are indicative of wider Māori communities on TikTok.
Limited existing literature showed the need to diversify interpretations of expectations found on TikTok and further exemplifies the complexity of Indigenous identities online. These case studies show that kauae expectations are influenced by pre-colonial meritocracies, with the generational context of familial teachings shown to impact the ability of wāhine Māori to assert self-determination. Furthermore, that colonisation impacted the perceived value of wāhine Māori, which continues to influence the harmful discourses, receptions, and appropriations of kauae.
The power and influence TikTok has in Indigenous identity construction is non-existent in academic literature. This study introduces the plethora of knowledge TikTok can provide in understanding contemporary identity construction in a hyper-visible and unregulated space. Due to TikTok's influence the need to explore how Indigenous identity is being constructed, accepted, and denied on this platform is significant to the future of Indigenous Studies.
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