Post #637268 by woofmutt on Mon, May 21, 2012 9:34 AM

"I think tiki has remained underground since the resurgence in the 90's...I am constantly amazed at how many people i encounter that to this day have no idea or only a vague idea of what tiki is..." -Tipsy McStagger-

Yep. This thread is over 7 years and despite all our wailing and gnashing of teeth Tiki is still something I have to explain to people on a regular basis. In fact I've never had a stranger exclaim "Oh, yes, Tiki!" when the subject is mentioned.

If Tiki were anywhere near as mainstream as some think it has/had become (an opinion which seems to be largely based in the occasional mass produced Tiki items showing up at chain stores) we wouldn't see the articles popping up in magazines and newspapers from time to time that, after an opening line in which they almost always use the word "tacky" when describing a supposed general opinion of Tiki, suggest readers do something different and have a Tiki party.

The one place I'd say Tiki has become the most mainstream is in contemporary country music where the Florida version AceExplorer cited is a common theme in songs, music videos, and summer tours. This of course isn't our version of Tiki***** but it's definitely a mainstream version.

*****If your Kenny Chesney loving neighbors invite you to their annual summer "Tiki" party expect to see a lot of crappy straw western hats and strings of flamingo lights and Corona pennants and plan to hear Chesney, Buffett, some Alan Jackson and maybe a little Marley. Immediately drinking several shots of tequila upon arrival will immensely help your enjoyment of the party.