Post #805354 by Celeres517 on Mon, Sep 5, 2022 8:33 AM

"Performative absolution" is a good way to describe it. This particular solution won't satisfy anyone or anything except the feelings of the person who pulled the plug. Moreover, bricking the site because 'Tiki is problematic' is a reflection of the worst puritanical impulses, which ironically seek to correct issues of cultural destruction with more of the same. Forget about the hard work of contextualizing things, or educating, etc. Tiki and Polynesian Pop must go.

A lot of the commentary on the loss of Critiki has focused on the inherent unfairness of denying an entire community access to something they contributed to and enjoyed over so many years. That's entirely on point, but I think what's being missed here is that the condemnation isn't limited to a website. What we're being told in that statement is twofold:

1. You are incapable of reaching and/or can't be trusted to reach a broader understanding around these issues of cultural appropriation; and

2. As a consequence, I think your hobby (which I no longer share beyond academic fascination) should die.

That's a level of self-loathing that likely cannot be reasoned with. While I respect the personal decision from Humuhumu to step away for what I similarly consider to be valid reasons, burning it all down on the way out and taking a broadside at everyone who hasn't landed in exactly the same place...not so much.

[ Edited by Celeres517 on 2022-09-05 08:38:43 ]

[ Edited by Celeres517 on 2022-09-05 08:50:08 ]