1. Are tourists hated by natives?
2. Are tourists the most racist, ugly human beings or is everyone essentially the same in their self-centeredness?
3. How can someone or a government be so enriched in a culture, but not try to help it?
Jamaica Kincaid, an Antiguan, writes of the misgivings of being a tourist. I cannot help but agree with her when she makes the argument so convincing. Many people while on vacation go to get away from the reality and stress back home. Often times going to countries with people living in impoverished states with unfortunate circumstances. While there, the tourist can feel a sense of shame and anger towards how people are living, but it is a short lived feeling. These people are on vacation, looking to get away from problems, not to have more problems thrust on them by people they don't know or have any interest in. They don't have time in their itinerary to feel bad about other people nor how lucky they have been. They notice the injustice, but choose to enjoy the nature of the places they stay. Of course they are staying at the best places money can buy, too. Kincaid states, "A tourist is an ugly human being" (14).
I don't think it even has to be a tourist who does not care about their surroundings. Many "natives" do not even care where their clothes or food were made. No one really cares how or by what means their food gets on the table just that it is there. By this analysis, everyone is a self-centered, ugly human being, but is that not such a true statement. There is always something that someone can do for someone else that has had fewer opportunities, but with so many people in the world that is a hard thing to do. No one can really put everyone before themselves, only people they truly, deeply care about. I guess it is a bit harsh, but a tourist is not the only one with those same characteristics.
To add on to this, I think it is also unfair to blame a tourist or hate one because of the history that has led up to natives' circumstances. I think a lot of it has to do with envy as well, but with that being said, tourists should be more open minded and respectful to the places they're visiting, as they often are not as Kincaid points out.
ReplyDeleteI think you make a great point when you say that people don't care about how people get food on their table. That's a perfect example of the kind of self-centered behavior that happens in every day life and is not just exhibited by purists while visiting countries that live in poverty.
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