Do You Think Tiki is Tacky?
When Donald Trump shut down Trader Vic’s, one of the most famous Tiki inspired bars, in the early 1980s it seemed to deliver the death-blow to the fad that had started in the 1940s and 1950s. But what is clear today is that Mr. Trump did not see the coming resurgence of the Tiki bar. Recent articles by Forbes magazine and Diners Journal are pointing to a Tiki Revival. And why not? Traditional cocktails seem to be making a comeback these days – including classic Tiki Cocktails like the Hurricane, Rum Runner, Fog Cutter and Zombie.
Besides, Americans like to have their spirits lifted every now and again – especially during an “economic downturn.” Escaping to a Tiki bar is like a mini-vacation without the jet lag. New incarnations of the Tiki bar have popped up in Manhattan, Seattle, San Francisco and a number of other cities across the U.S. Perhaps not surprisingly given today’s economic reality, tiki bars offer a convenient escape with exotic yet familiar foods and drinks, not to mention an altogether relaxing atmosphere. When you set foot into one of these spaces, you’ll feel like you’ve instantly been transported to a tropical island – and that’s exactly the point of it all.
Aesthetically, some folks may still find Tiki a little tacky – but the light tones of bamboo and palm fronds seem to bring out smiles in everyone. After all, who can resist tropical hues, grass skirts, hula hoops, and rum? Polynesian statues, Tiki masks, surfboards, and vintage artwork line the walls of many tiki bars, whether they’ve been around since the start of the tiki craze or popped up in the last year or two. Sure, some of these bars err on the side of “tacky” with their decor. But isn’t that part of the fun of it all? Decorating in ‘tiki’ allows one to create an imaginative, funky, and altogether creative space.
Now, bars aren’t the only place that the exotic tiki culture of the 1940s and 1950s survives. There are a number of retailers that sell Tiki inspired furniture, including indoor and outdoor furniture, not to mention the fact that the recent push towards green building practices has renewed public interest in bamboo and coconut products, which of course remind us of all things tiki. Hula hoops are back, hitting the underground and getting people of all ages out swinging their hips for hipness. In fact, some consider modern tiki culture to be a “hipster” movement – aligned with previously” tacky” ideas like trucker hats and Pabst Blue Ribbon beer.
To call Tiki “tacky” is kind of like calling Apple Pie tacky – both are a part of American history. Well, at least in their current incarnation. Of course, tiki is not really American. With roots in Polynesia, what is “tiki” today is a unique blend of Polynesia, Hawaii, Asian, and Westernized culture. Who can resist this tropical culture with its unique heritage and delicious fruity drinks?
Author Bio: Royal Tiki has a wide range of Tiki, hand-carved on Hawaii. Also check our Tiki bar accessories
Category: Arts and Crafts
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