This week we played #TellMeWhy on stream and had a great time.
But there is something we should talk about that's in the game, very casually mentioned, in the beginning:
Tlingit Culture and Potlatches.

The game expects you to "know" about Tlingit gift giving importance, but
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that information is not given in game. We took a peek via internet search to get more context and ended up making a decision based on that. I feel that we should elaborate more on what the game glossed over.

The word "potlatch" means "to give".

For many PNW Coast Native peoples, incl Tlingit ppl, potlatches were an immensely important occasion featuring speeches, dancing, singing, feasting, and distribution of property.
They were given by high-ranking members of a village to celebrate publically an event of

great importance such as a house dedication, the raising of a totem pole, honoring the deceased, or to regain status following a dishonor or simply raise the social rank of the host. Guests and hosts alike turned out in Tlingit regalia for (usually) several days of celebration.

In 1884, Canada outlawed potlatches. U.S. followed suit in the 19th century on the pretext of "leading [natives] towards a ‘healthier’ European mindset."
Europeans couldn't reconcile a practice of giving away (or destroying) nearly all ones hard-earned possessions w/ the ideals

of their capitalistic society. Although the law was poorly enforced, the message was clear. It wasn't until 1934 (1951 in CA) that the US repealed the ban. The Tlingit people &many other native groups have seen a revitalization of their cultural practices, including the potlatch.

When we use representation in games, I always hope & expect to learn about the culture. @TellMeWhyGame is only in episode 1, so I hope the other episodes have better explanation. I hope this thread explained something the game didn't delve into, and please consider.

Please consider donating to the Tlingit & Haida Tribes, especially if you're playing #TellMeWhy . The Tribe's Language, Elderly Emergency Assistance, Head Start & Alumni Scholarship programs benefit from donations. Here's how & where you can donate:
http://www.ccthita.org/services/overview/overview/donations.htm
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