LunarGame
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Cultural Appropriation and other issues
🕑 Added 2018-02-13 11:40:09 +0000 UTC So, for Lunar Episode 2 I have always planned to introduce 6 new characters: birds.I wanted them to be a "vaguely tribal" culture so I could explore what would happen if a reasonably advanced race such as those in the Lunar game came across a relatively primitive race. I am sure something interesting would happen, but I haven't written it yet.
Now, immediately, my default when I think about "vaguely tribal" is I tend to think towards American Indian culture. I have spoken to some people about it and have been strongly encouraged to veer away from that as much as possible because the American Indian culture has been exploited enough.
My immediate thought is I could refocus onto Scottish heritage, the benefit being that I personally have Scottish heritage and so I couldn't really be accused of too much cultural appropriation, plus birds in kilts sounds kind of cute.
Another option would be Maori or Pacific Islanders, this would have the obvious same problem with cultural appropriation, but certainly less well known and less exploited than American Indians.
Finally, I could go for a more generic tribal solution, the problem with this is I fear it would default into a general feeling of American Indian culture and so we're back where we started.
Keen on your thoughts, the poll below is to help stimulate your ideals =D
Comments
Taimaishoo
This can be a touchy subject. The problem now a days is that everyone is offended over something. It's today's culture. Washington Redskins? Cleveland Indians? Hell, I'm surprised no one has taken offense of my old high school's mascot, Vikings. Now, using actual tribal names? I understand that, but a culture cannot be copyrighted, trade marked, etc. Exploited? I can empathize with that somewhat, but those that are accusing others of exploitation need to look at what they are doing with their own culture themselves before they start accusing others. The only problem I could see going with American Indian culture is the amount of research you would need to do in order to accurately represent the culture. Unless of course you create one but then you are just going back to generic tribalism. :) I'm a fan of the Aborgines of Australia. The sounds and music of the didgeridoo has always fascinated me and bless those that can play it so well. I sure as hell can't. :) Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of Udail, the author, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Foo Fox. Examples of analysis performed within this article are only examples. They should not be utilized in real-world analytic products as they are based only on very limited and dated open source information. Assumptions made within the analysis are not reflective of the position of Foo Fox. :p
