It's true that the Nazgûl are treated unsympathetically in recent films 
emanating from New Zealand.  But the generally positive treatment of elves 
and hobbits in those movies, and the active presence in the broader society of 
a Maori rights movement, suggests that critical attitudes concerning racial and 
ethnic stereotypic may have penetrated even this antipodal redoubt.  Even if 
they are not widespead, I think we should expect advocates of science for the 
people should have the inclusive view of "people" found among the progressive 
thinkers of "newer school" societies.       

On Thu, 19 Aug 2010 17:36:03 -0700, Michael H Goldhaber 
<[log in to unmask]> wrote:

>Dear All,
>
>I have just approved (for list publication) Robert Mann's attempted 
explanation of his use of the word "chows." It should appear shortly, if not 
already. 
>
>New Zealand is a small, isolated  country, relatively homogeneous until quite 
recently, and in many ways still quite "old-school" British.  I am not sure all of 
that makes the remark acceptable, and would like others' opinions about how 
to handle it. 
>
>Best,
>Michael
>
>