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Source: ONE News -
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A number plate for sale on Trade Me has attracted dozens of racist comments.
The licence plate simply says Maori but some of the comments were so racist and offensive they were removed after consultation with the Race Relations Commissioner.
The Trade Me auction has attracted more than 40,000 views but with a starting price of $99,000 there has not been a single bidder.
The vitriol reflects a similar pattern in chatrooms and on blogs where the relative anonymity gives people a chance to vent in ways they would never contemplate face to face.
Sociologist Paul Spoonley believes what we are seeing is new technology being used to voice an old message.
But the Massey University professor told TV ONE's Close Up tonight that he is encouraged that the Trade Me comments are running two to one against racism.
Talkback radio often used to attract "those sorts of bigots" and they have now migrated to new media, Spoonley said.
"New media has provided racists around the world with a new platform."
Radio talk show host Willie Jackson agrees that new media is offering an outlet for racists.
Jackson said he is not surprised at the comments which "have been going on for years". But he said while he likes to think it is just a minority, it is sad to see and they reveal "an ugly underbelly".
John Ansell, former media strategist for Act and who has recently said he wants to "bring the Maorification issue to a head", said he does not support the comments on the Trade me auction which represent the "extreme end" of frustration with the grievance industry.
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