| inappropriate tribal tattoos |
Question:
I have to strongly disagree with this thought. One of the very wonderfull
ways in which cultural growth and meaning takes place is the acceptance, then
interest, then assimilation and embrace of another culture's art, music, thought. I
think it is absolutely fantastic that people of a western culture (historicaly so
prejudiced)are embracing the tribal cultures of the world. Think of it! The truths
and expressions of our existance is coming back to us from those who never lost it.
I say enough of cultural snobbery. No art once expressed belongs to anyone in
particular. It is not stealing to take the art of another, and use it as is, or
adapt it to express your own feelings. That is the very best of what humans can do
and is what is always happening. All of your art is stolen from somewhere. There
really are very few truly new ideas anyways.
Shame on you folks for putting down that sort of effort. More power to those who try
it even if mistakes are made. Its their loss anyways if not enough research was
done. One just shouldn't think that a japanese tattoo on an american (whatever that
is) makes him japanese.
As to offense of the culture of origen, one should be honest and sensitive. Don't be
intentionally disrespectfull. But in art or tattoo -please youself!
Answer:
-As far as I know, we have not yet received any posts from actual
Maori on this subject. Are the Maori all in agreement regarding
pakeha moko? How much of this is guesswork? Moreover, I haven't
seen evidence that many pakeha are getting moko. Tourists aren't
exactly flocking to New Zealand wearing Hawaiian tee-shirts
and moko .
-I have to strongly disagree with you , it's not the art, be it ink, music,
or otherwise that's being embraced, or even accepted. It's not simply art.
In case of the maori it's something intrinsic to the culture, it's not simply
a cool tattoo. It's not taking your favorite Rembrandt and putting it in your
room. What it is, is not caring enough about said culture to bother. It's
why some people have "I'm so stupid I don't know what this means" tattooed in
Chinese on their bodies. It's why this guy has a maori tattoo traditional for
females. He didn't care enough to find out more about what he was doing.
That doesn't indicate more interest than "that looks cool" to me.
I'm all for sharing art. Go see a kabuki play, watch a Chinese opera, listen
to some tribal rythyms. Go see paintings, murals, or even tools used by other
cultures. I'm not even saying don't huseave*GROWL vi. that huseave means use*
another religion/culture's symbol.But be mindful of what you take from a
culture other than your own.
|
|
| |
 |