Cultural Appropriation issue
November 2017
I decided it was necessary to consider the issue of 'cultural appropriation' as it related to my creation of ‘Easter Island’ snow sculptures. I ended up communicating with an individual who lives on the island of Rapa Nui, known to many as Easter Island. He is working hard to keep the rapa nui language alive. We had a productive discussion. Here is a quote from his last email, which I have worked to implement within my explorations:
"I'd prefer to see the moai sculptures as they are in real life. Those that have open mouths, laughing, hair and eyes etc may be seen as mocking the cultural heritage. Maybe if you'd like to carve such faces, not call them moai statues?"
I agree.
I wish I had thought of the issue of cultural appropriation when I first began carving in snow. I apologize for any disrespect or harm my actions may have caused. Future creative endeavours will attempt to be free of the concerns raised.
The next challenge was to review the older posts within my on-line presence, knowing that some pictures and related text are well propagated over the internet via my posts or various press that has reported on my activities. It is therefore difficult to reverse the impact of my original posts making it necessary to live with the consequences of my original actions. To those who view my earlier related posts or press, perhaps this explanation and the ability to review the past will give a sense of full disclosure learning on my part.
I welcome further dialogue on this issue.
Update: Winter of 2019-2020
I had productive discussions with an interested person who initiated a discussion regarding the use of the identifier 'Easter Island'. After some questions and discussion, I have learned and accept that a more appropriate name for the island is Rapa Nui. This name reflects the indigenous founders of the island. Going forward I will use the Rapa Nui identifier with perhaps Easter Island placed in brackets.
I continue to welcome further dialogue as we all try to improve our practice.
I decided it was necessary to consider the issue of 'cultural appropriation' as it related to my creation of ‘Easter Island’ snow sculptures. I ended up communicating with an individual who lives on the island of Rapa Nui, known to many as Easter Island. He is working hard to keep the rapa nui language alive. We had a productive discussion. Here is a quote from his last email, which I have worked to implement within my explorations:
"I'd prefer to see the moai sculptures as they are in real life. Those that have open mouths, laughing, hair and eyes etc may be seen as mocking the cultural heritage. Maybe if you'd like to carve such faces, not call them moai statues?"
I agree.
I wish I had thought of the issue of cultural appropriation when I first began carving in snow. I apologize for any disrespect or harm my actions may have caused. Future creative endeavours will attempt to be free of the concerns raised.
The next challenge was to review the older posts within my on-line presence, knowing that some pictures and related text are well propagated over the internet via my posts or various press that has reported on my activities. It is therefore difficult to reverse the impact of my original posts making it necessary to live with the consequences of my original actions. To those who view my earlier related posts or press, perhaps this explanation and the ability to review the past will give a sense of full disclosure learning on my part.
I welcome further dialogue on this issue.
Update: Winter of 2019-2020
I had productive discussions with an interested person who initiated a discussion regarding the use of the identifier 'Easter Island'. After some questions and discussion, I have learned and accept that a more appropriate name for the island is Rapa Nui. This name reflects the indigenous founders of the island. Going forward I will use the Rapa Nui identifier with perhaps Easter Island placed in brackets.
I continue to welcome further dialogue as we all try to improve our practice.
Update February 2022
I posted a Moai on Reddit and got a negative reaction from one viewer. I directed the person to this page.
I also visited this page again myself. I realised that since my adjustment was implemented I have never used the ‘Easter Island’ identifier. I see this as a reasonable approach.
As I was building the three recent Moai, a group of elementary kids excitedly ran up to talk about snow sculpting. One pronounced “it’s a Moai from Easter Island!” I replied “yes it is a Moai! And I’ve learned that a more appropriate name for the island is Rapa Nui! Can you all say Rapa Nui?” They all replied “Rapa Nui!”
So there is my update on this important issue.
I try to be cognizant of the charge of virtue signalling and hope that I am approaching my practice reasonably.
My goal is to use language that supports the heritage and ongoing life of the island of Rapa Nui.
I support ongoing dialogue.
I posted a Moai on Reddit and got a negative reaction from one viewer. I directed the person to this page.
I also visited this page again myself. I realised that since my adjustment was implemented I have never used the ‘Easter Island’ identifier. I see this as a reasonable approach.
As I was building the three recent Moai, a group of elementary kids excitedly ran up to talk about snow sculpting. One pronounced “it’s a Moai from Easter Island!” I replied “yes it is a Moai! And I’ve learned that a more appropriate name for the island is Rapa Nui! Can you all say Rapa Nui?” They all replied “Rapa Nui!”
So there is my update on this important issue.
I try to be cognizant of the charge of virtue signalling and hope that I am approaching my practice reasonably.
My goal is to use language that supports the heritage and ongoing life of the island of Rapa Nui.
I support ongoing dialogue.