Post #140158 by bigbrotiki on Tue, Feb 8, 2005 5:20 PM

On 2005-02-08 16:03, DawnTiki wrote:

This debate will never end because

...it seems to be going in circles

right or wrong, there will always be people who see themselves as purists and elitists,

I don't see myself as purist or elitist (I'm also not sayin you said so, Dawn). I am NOT propagating the "final solution" for parrots. They are quite lovely, actually.

But let's remember why we all have congregated here:

We like what now has become known as Tiki style, a kookie, in-authentic, mainland centered recreational lifestyle from the 50s/60s that aped Polynesian cultures.

We like Tiki because it was/is FUNNY (meaning not to be taken too serious). But we also like it because it was UNIQUE (meaning unlike other lifestyles). This uniqueness is achieved by Tiki style utilizing a quite large but yet specific repertoire of symbols and icons, comprising a sort of a visual language, outlined for the first time (in it's extensiveness) in the BOT.
Mixing in too many other idioms will water down what is special about Tiki. Tiki is NOT "World Music". Authenticity CAN exist within IN-authenticity.

AND we also like Tiki because of it's creativity. It is an example of how man/woman can re-interpret a certain style in seemingly endlessly varying ways. But the talent is to do so WITHIN the parameters of the style.
Too much purple messes up the whole picture.

AND I like it because it's symbols and icons are not easy to come by, and they are sort of secret, still. Using readily available, well known stuff is boring and un-thrilling.

But Tiki is also alive, not a dead religion, and to stay alive it must be open to new concepts (but let it be concepts that are fitting and do justice to it's ingeniousness!)

Heed my words, mateys, if we do not learn from the past, we are condemned to repeat it! :wink:

...and now go and have fun, kids, bigbro has big heart and forgives style crimes (for a Mai Tai).