Where are the first TCers today? - Tiki Central Ohana

MR Matt Reese Member San Diego Joined: May 09, 2005 Posts: 1182	MR Matt Reese Posted posted on Mon, Jan 21, 2013 9:49 AM I don't know what quantifies people as "Old School" or "Newbies" and I don't care. My level of involvement has dropped due to various reasons. Life, family activities, cost at Tiki events, egos, disrespect etc. I couldn't care less about how long someone has been into Tiki. I do care if they are kind, earnest, respectful, open-minded and willing to learn. Being "into Tiki" and being INVOLVED in Tiki are very different. Some of my favorite people I have ever become friends with are involved in this subculture. I am very grateful for that. I am NOT impressed by people (old school or new) who feel the need to put others down to pick themselves up. Aside from personality issues, I would suggest that the shear repetition of certain arguments has gotten unbearable. How many times must this revival be defined and redefined? How many times will an argument erupt because a topic has already been covered in another post somewhere? How many times will we watch as a very simple and pure subculture will be directed and manipulated by peoples political or religious views? I, for one, intend to stay involved in the Tiki scene. I intend to remain friends with the people I respect and love here. I am open to new friends and ideas. I also have learned to turn away from the people who treat this scene like a big high-five-date-rape-brotard-frat party. People have to realize that discovering this place can be nothing less than magical. But if you think everyone here has just been waiting around for your 'Oh So Impressive Arrival and All Of Your Amazing Talents', think again. I love new talent coming in. We were all there at some point. Many of the newer artists have really impressed and inspired me. Those who have withstood the test of Tiki time, in my opinion, have been humble, caring and joyous to be around. I guess it comes down to figuring out WHY you are into Tiki and not Who you think you are. Does that make sense? This whole rant may even be total b.s. Maybe I've just stopped posting as much because I've gotten older and can't keep up anymore. Peace with every step.

I don't know what quantifies people as "Old School" or "Newbies" and I don't care. My level of involvement has dropped due to various reasons. Life, family activities, cost at Tiki events, egos, disrespect etc. I couldn't care less about how long someone has been into Tiki. I do care if they are kind, earnest, respectful, open-minded and willing to learn. Being "into Tiki" and being INVOLVED in Tiki are very different. Some of my favorite people I have ever become friends with are involved in this subculture. I am very grateful for that. I am NOT impressed by people (old school or new) who feel the need to put others down to pick themselves up.
Aside from personality issues, I would suggest that the shear repetition of certain arguments has gotten unbearable. How many times must this revival be defined and redefined? How many times will an argument erupt because a topic has already been covered in another post somewhere? How many times will we watch as a very simple and pure subculture will be directed and manipulated by peoples political or religious views?
I, for one, intend to stay involved in the Tiki scene. I intend to remain friends with the people I respect and love here. I am open to new friends and ideas. I also have learned to turn away from the people who treat this scene like a big high-five-date-rape-brotard-frat party. People have to realize that discovering this place can be nothing less than magical. But if you think everyone here has just been waiting around for your 'Oh So Impressive Arrival and All Of Your Amazing Talents', think again. I love new talent coming in. We were all there at some point. Many of the newer artists have really impressed and inspired me. Those who have withstood the test of Tiki time, in my opinion, have been humble, caring and joyous to be around.
I guess it comes down to figuring out WHY you are into Tiki and not Who you think you are. Does that make sense?
This whole rant may even be total b.s.
Maybe I've just stopped posting as much because I've gotten older and can't keep up anymore.
Peace with every step.

Post #664696 by Matt Reese on Mon, Jan 21, 2013 9:49 AM