Sad to see some people online react so negatively towards this new set 😔 Maybe this is why we aren't getting Itzaland themed 5 star banners when a part of the community reacts so disparagingly towards anything that isn't European themed 😢
(I want to preface this by saying that only a part of the community is reacting this way, not all)
I was really excited for 2.0 because being Indian, I thought my culture would finally get some representation as 'Wasteland' banners were based on countries from South Asia, West Asia, Africa and South America.
However we are halfway through 2.0 and are yet to get an Itzaland themed 5 star banner. Yes, the start of this year was not ideal. We all remember the controversial Native American head piece which was released during 2.0 as well as the Belly Dancing 4 star for Born Flawless, but I feel like this new Top Up set has been made while being mindful of their culture.
I have a few friends from West Asia to whom I showed this to. They seemed to love it and felt like it was cool to see it in a fashion game. So it's really odd when people who aren't part of the culture will be first in line to hate on it because those who are see it as cultural appreciation. When the Native American headpiece controversy happened, we had Native Americans who stated and explained why it was problematic. There was also a lot of information about why it was tone deaf to do it online. But now people are just labelling anything non European as 'oriental trash' (which in itself is problematic for them to use that word).
Itzaland/Wasteland themed banners from the other games are genuinely magical and dreamy! So many cultures are represented in this nation and I wish we at least had a few 5 star banners before we left to the next region in 3.0. It's like we are visiting this nation for a year but having nothing to show for it other than NPC's/4 star outfits. It's not like they are failing to do justice because many members here agree that the LN/SN banners are done well and not offensive.
I was so happy this patch when Greek themed 680 Stellarite set looked so much like the traditional Indian saree when dyed in darker colours. Same with the jewellery of the Saintess banner in 2.0 which was heavy like what Indian brides wear. I just wish Infold did banners based on my culture as well as others from places that Itzaland is inspired by rather than looking for crumbs from other banners.