‘Fair go’ idea lost?

Press, 9 May 1979, Page 6

‘Fair go’ idea lost?

One of the hallmarks of being a New Zealander — giving others a “fair go” — has been lost, according to Professor A. J. W. Taylor, professor of psychology at Victoria University. Professor Taylor said at the first inter-disciplinary conference on personality disorder in Christchurch yesterday that New Zealanders were now more liable to “put the boot in” than give others a fair go. As a country. New Zealand seemed to have lost

the ability to stop and show real concern for others. Relentless pursuit of those who had fallen by the wayside was an insidious influence in society, he said. The increasing use of brute force against groups and people who were “different” was a backward step. Professor Taylor said. People should be supported so that they had the courage to care for others in the face of increasing criticism.

“Attitudes must change, and people must be encouraged to help others without the fear of being labelled starry-eyed and soft. New Zealanders must be allowed to feel.” Professor Taylor said. The two-day conference on personality disorder is the first combined community effort on mental health organised by the North Canterbury Hospital Board’s Community Mental Health Service.