Advice on work function - Polynesian/Hawaiian - General Tiki

W woofmutt Member Seattilite Telstar Joined: Mar 26, 2002 Posts: 2639	W woofmutt Posted posted on Mon, May 9, 2005 6:31 AM "The committee leader wants me and this other guy to wear leis, flip flops, etc and pass out macadamia nut cookies." And will the Chinese representitive be standing behind a laundry laden ironing board passing out fortune cookies, next to the Mexico table with bowls of Chili Cheese Fritos guarded by a Taco Bell chihuahua? When it comes to Tiki I don't really care if it's a caricature of a culture or a landlocked idea of tropical bliss, I look at it like American style Chinese food. But if true Polynesian culture is to be represented one should make an attempt to be genuine. Do what you know to be right. If there's an actual concern about your work environment you could do a comparison between popular notions of Polynesia (anything you can buy at Party City) and realities of the history/culture. On the other hand, if it's the sort of place where they just like the idea of having a "diversity week" and could really give a rip about authenticity (and no one would be interested anyway) bring the plastic leis and cookies and a thermos of Mai Tais. Either way it seems OK to wear flip-flops.

"The committee leader wants me and this other guy to wear leis, flip flops, etc and pass out macadamia nut cookies."

And will the Chinese representitive be standing behind a laundry laden ironing board passing out fortune cookies, next to the Mexico table with bowls of Chili Cheese Fritos guarded by a Taco Bell chihuahua?

When it comes to Tiki I don't really care if it's a caricature of a culture or a landlocked idea of tropical bliss, I look at it like American style Chinese food. But if true Polynesian culture is to be represented one should make an attempt to be genuine. Do what you know to be right. If there's an actual concern about your work environment you could do a comparison between popular notions of Polynesia (anything you can buy at Party City) and realities of the history/culture.

On the other hand, if it's the sort of place where they just like the idea of having a "diversity week" and could really give a rip about authenticity (and no one would be interested anyway) bring the plastic leis and cookies and a thermos of Mai Tais.

Either way it seems OK to wear flip-flops.

Post #157348 by woofmutt on Mon, May 9, 2005 6:31 AM