27. Does all knowledge impose ethical obligations on those who know it?
The image showcases a bowl of poke, a popularized Hawaiian dish, from the
establishment 'Aloha Poke.' Controversy ensued due to the Chicago-based company's
decision to trademark the term 'Aloha,' disregarding its integral role in the Hawaiian
language, where it signifies greetings, farewells, and expressions of love. This move
by 'Aloha Poke' drew criticism from Hawaiian small businesses, questioning how a
non-Hawaiian entity could appropriate a vital element of communication for profit.
This dilemma raises the issue of knowledge ownership. The depicted bowl of
poke vividly illustrates this discourse. Many argued that 'Aloha Poke' had no right to
claim ownership of 'Aloha' and strip smaller Hawaiian businesses of a cultural
cornerstone merely for financial gain. On the other hand, the question arises: did the
Hawaiian community have the right to safeguard the word 'Aloha'? Arguably,
individuals connected to a culture, community, or those who have immersed
themselves in its traditions may be justified in exercising their knowledge responsibly.
Additionally, the image contributes to the exhibition by portraying personal
engagement with knowledge. While 'Aloha Poke' pursued the copyrighting of 'Aloha'
for profit, local Hawaiian businesses were personally offended by the
, commodification of their culture. This highlights the intimate connection individuals
have with knowledge ownership and prompts consideration of ethical obligations
associated with possessing certain knowledge.
The image showcases a bowl of poke, a popularized Hawaiian dish, from the
establishment 'Aloha Poke.' Controversy ensued due to the Chicago-based company's
decision to trademark the term 'Aloha,' disregarding its integral role in the Hawaiian
language, where it signifies greetings, farewells, and expressions of love. This move
by 'Aloha Poke' drew criticism from Hawaiian small businesses, questioning how a
non-Hawaiian entity could appropriate a vital element of communication for profit.
This dilemma raises the issue of knowledge ownership. The depicted bowl of
poke vividly illustrates this discourse. Many argued that 'Aloha Poke' had no right to
claim ownership of 'Aloha' and strip smaller Hawaiian businesses of a cultural
cornerstone merely for financial gain. On the other hand, the question arises: did the
Hawaiian community have the right to safeguard the word 'Aloha'? Arguably,
individuals connected to a culture, community, or those who have immersed
themselves in its traditions may be justified in exercising their knowledge responsibly.
Additionally, the image contributes to the exhibition by portraying personal
engagement with knowledge. While 'Aloha Poke' pursued the copyrighting of 'Aloha'
for profit, local Hawaiian businesses were personally offended by the
, commodification of their culture. This highlights the intimate connection individuals
have with knowledge ownership and prompts consideration of ethical obligations
associated with possessing certain knowledge.
