Quote:
Originally posted by OohTeenyWahine
It never ceases to amaze me how people can get away with cutesy luau themed parties. I cringe everytime I see themes like "Come get lei'd" because it really is a mockery of a culture, one that people have no problem commercializing.
I'm sure someone would make a big stink if a GLO threw a "Pow-wow" themed party poking fun at Native Americans. I just don't understand how come it's okay to throw a luau where Hawaiian punch is served with plastic leis and grass skirts--there's nothing Hawaiian in those things. 
This post isn't meant to offend, just something to think about. 
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Gotta agree with ya, TeenyWahine... back in my days as an undergrad (when dinosaurs ruled the earth
) it wasn't unusual for theme parties to have backhanded mockeries of certain cultural groups. (Kamanawanaleiu punch -- yeah, right... gimme a f*ckin' break!) I've had the opportunity of partaking in a Hawaiian luau and learning Hawaiian customs from a former friend and co-worker when I was living in California, and suffice it to say it's nowhere near the sterotypes that abound.
Being part-Hispanic (and part Noo Yawk Irish as well), it gets me annoyed when we're all lumped into the stereotypical idea of Latin American culture, where the siesta is king (maņana is good enough for me) and all the music is Mexican mariachi.