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Arizona Wildcat players from a Polynesian background have reportedly been showcasing the haka since 2012. The problem is it’s not very good, and the other American players also join in.
The latest clip of the Wildcats doing the haka has been shared around, causing outrage from New Zealanders, especially proud Maoris who see it as highly disrespectful.
To make matters worse, the words and actions to to the traditional ‘Ka Mate’ are inaccurate and sped up to an almost hip-hop version.
It may have been brushed aside if the guys with some kind of connection to New Zealand were the only ones performing, but due to the rest of the team also being involved, it sent social media into a spin.
Lol wtf was up with the Arizona Wildcats doing the haka. Disrespectfffuull
— // Shivonne // (@sdmn__) September 29, 2015
I think that the Arizona Wildcats performing the Haka was utterly disrespectful to all Maoris & New Zealand.
— Fatima Antaqi-Savea (@_tima1) September 28, 2015
Wow Arizona Wildcats haka is so bad it's an insult to Maori culture being butchered like that. leave it to the @AllBlacks #OnlyForMenNotBoys
— Sam Noonan (@namsoonan) October 1, 2015
One YouTube user commented that the equivalent would be a New Zealander butchering America’s national anthem:
“This is f…..g offensive, you’re not even saying the correct words. You haven’t even got the lyrics correct. The offence this has to New Zealanders would be equal to someone mumbling and forgetting the words of star spangled banner, while performing it to foreigners who enjoy it and start to sing along.”
Others have also pointed out how offensive it would be if non-Native Americans started imitating American Indian cultural dances.
A petition has been created, encouraging the University of Arizona to only allow those with proper understanding of the haka to perform it.
The latest controversy comes after former England player Matt Dawson was featured in a bizarre parody attempt of the haka before the World Cup started.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.