Tiki Escapism

€uroMeinke · 08-01-2005, 10:00 PM

Last night at the Tiki Luau, there was a documentary work in progress about contemporary Tiki Culture. One of the things that struck a responsive chord with me, was that the original Tiki culture of the 1950's wasn't really called Tiki at all, but rather Exotica if anything. That there was no real culture being explored but rather this idealized island paradise. That in the conservative era of Leave it to Beaver - Tiki offered an escape and an excuse to be silly, as you were just emulating an "other" culture and thus could safely act out your island fantasies.

Of course I have to link this to Disney. It's very creation an exercise of the same escapism, celebrating "exotica" in adventureland as well as the optimism of Tomorrowland - all in a family safe place. It's ineresting to see such a resurgence in this retro-contemporary culture exemplified by Shag, Disneyland, and this very site. Why do you suppose that is? Is it still a safe way to play? is it a longing for that cold-war innocence of the 50's and 60's?

For me, there's certainly an element of nostalgia, but what else do you suppose is at work here? Why Tiki?

08-01-2005, 10:00 PM	#1
€uroMeinke L'Hédoniste Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: A.S.C.O.T. Posts: 8,671	Tiki Escapism Last night at the Tiki Luau, there was a documentary work in progress about contemporary Tiki Culture. One of the things that struck a responsive chord with me, was that the original Tiki culture of the 1950's wasn't really called Tiki at all, but rather Exotica if anything. That there was no real culture being explored but rather this idealized island paradise. That in the conservative era of Leave it to Beaver - Tiki offered an escape and an excuse to be silly, as you were just emulating an "other" culture and thus could safely act out your island fantasies. Of course I have to link this to Disney. It's very creation an exercise of the same escapism, celebrating "exotica" in adventureland as well as the optimism of Tomorrowland - all in a family safe place. It's ineresting to see such a resurgence in this retro-contemporary culture exemplified by Shag, Disneyland, and this very site. Why do you suppose that is? Is it still a safe way to play? is it a longing for that cold-war innocence of the 50's and 60's? For me, there's certainly an element of nostalgia, but what else do you suppose is at work here? Why Tiki? __________________ I would believe only in a God that knows how to Dance. Friedrich Nietzsche
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