A Maori war veteran is sparking conversations about cultural awareness and discrimination after a Perth pub reportedly refused to serve him and even told him to leave due to his traditional facial tattoos.
Michael Barclay, a Maori veteran who proudly bears Mataora, spoke with A Current Affair, alleging that the Hotel Windsor turned him away when he attempted to have dinner with his wife.
"We asked if we could look at the menus ... and thought we would order," Barclay said to host Ally Langdon. "It was at that stage that the bar person then turned around and said, 'sorry, I can't serve you,' and I said, 'why is that?', and she said, 'because you have facial tattoos.'"
This comes a year after a New Zealand new anchor famously hit back at a viewer who said her Maori face tattoo was a "bad look".
For those unacquainted, the cultural tattoos sported by Maori men are known as Mataora. These intricate designs are not just body art but are steeped in rich cultural history and are symbols of nobility.
Check out what Barclay had to say:
Women in the Maori community have similar tattoos called Moko kauae, which are found on their lips and chins. These tattoos are representative of their abilities and status within the community. The traditional method of Maori tattooing is called Ta moko.
After enlightening the venue manager about the cultural significance behind his tattoos, Barclay was still denied service. Shockingly, patrons nearby, who were "taken aback," attempted to persuade the venue manager but to no avail. "She said, 'yes, we know about you Kiwis, but you still can't stay, you'll have to leave,'" Barclay shared.
What adds insult to injury here is that while facial tattoos are a no-go at Hotel Windsor, dogs are actually allowed on the premises. "I was flabbergasted and embarrassed," said Barclay. "I served in the military for the right to be able to walk down the street, to walk into a hotel or restaurant and not be hassled for who you are."
Barclay is now considering taking the matter to the Human Rights Commission. "This is not an isolated case. I know of other Maori who have had their Mataoras questioned," he said.
"There's a lot of Maori out there who are taking on board their right to wear Mataora and Moko kauae, and they should be allowed to conduct themselves in the way they see fit as long as they're not hurting anyone and (behaving) in a socially acceptable way."
When contacted for comment by A Current Affair, Hotel Windsor did not respond, although their website does state that facial tattoos are not permitted.
"I'm a law-abiding ex-veteran with no criminal history at all ... and you shouldn't judge a book by its cover," Barclay concluded.
This incident serves as a crucial wake-up call for establishments to embrace cultural diversity and show respect for traditions that may differ from their own.
With this story trending, the Hotel Windsor faces not just a public relations crisis but also a potential legal case for discrimination. The incident sheds light on the urgent need for cultural education and awareness in public establishments everywhere.
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