Post #805403 by telescopes on Wed, Sep 7, 2022 9:28 AM

I certainly agree with many of your points. As an international traveler and someone who travels to study the history of other people's and cultures, perhaps my viewpoint on this will always be different than a lot of people. When I travel and study other cultures, I do so through the lens of their culture and history. Usually, it is a hot mess to put it lightly. But more importantly, it reminds me that our own history in America is really no different than anyone else's. Our crimes against others often pale when compared side by side with those around us - not that it makes us any more innocent because it doesn't. But I stopped supposing long ago that somehow our "crimes" are unique or somehow unusual and require a special dispensation so we can atone for them. Yes, the 1950s were a rough time for many groups - but not as rough as the 1850s. Hopefully, the 2050s will be even more equitable and equal for all groups than the 1950s. When the lens of history is expanded to include centuries, not decades, progress and improvement become much more apparent and we begin to understand that the life of one person is a small stepping stone along the road of human existence. So I enjoy the moment, am grateful for the mugs that I have - some that are no longer available to the modern collector - and continue to look for that perfect tiki restaurant where I can forget for a few moments and relax with a nice Navy Grog. But I do appreciate the perspective that many are now bringing to the world of tiki - so long as it doesn't cancel my favorite LP covers, velvet paintings, and women in bikinis bringing out flaming drinks for the table to share. I'm a mess and I know it.