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Poverty Tourism
If you are a long-time traveler who enjoys venturing to distant locales and really experiencing a place, chances are you've found yourself in a place like Africa or India where the poverty around you is overwhelming. I was in India over a year ago, and could not believe my eyes when I walked around (and through) some of Mumbai's colossal slums. The average American who doesn't travel has no idea what real poverty is really like.The LA Times runs a really compelling piece by Susan Spano about travel and poverty that you should read. She talks about her own experience walking in India: "I clutched my money belt and walked fast. I was sweaty and scared by the time I reached my hotel, where I sat on the terrace and had a gin and tonic, chilling out but hating myself for behaving like an ugly American." If you've been to places like India, you know exactly what she's talking about. But as she also points out, these experiences are enriching. They expose you to how much of the world lives, and I'm not sure there could be a more valuable experience for the average person living in the first world. The article also talks about giving money to beggars and some of the other practical and emotional issues of what you might call "poverty tourism".
Filed under: Activism, Arts and Culture, Blogs, Stories, India
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Willy Dec 18th 2005 5:08PM
Great pano!
She's right; it's tough to break out of the comfort zone and see extreme poverty. It makes you feel bad about yourself. But the world wouldn't be a better place if you gave everything you have to the poor village or the township you're visiting.
Ram Dec 18th 2005 5:08PM
Comparison of India with Africa, and that too on a subject like poverty!!!Poverty Tourism to India!!!Yeah..it's meant for those who like to feel good about themselves by having a look at the poor. ( secretly, ofcourse) It's like this.You have so many other things to look for in India. The culture,traditions, art, music, food,landscapes and what not! everything varies from place to place in India.Being in India, I have not finished roaming around and finding out yet... Why not talk about the better aspect also?
This poverty in India can be addressed only thru education, and I should say that we are on the track with it, leave alone the politician bastards who squander the some part of the money meant for it.
if you ever happened to look back in to the history, you'll know that India was a British colony till 1947.I don't think it was meant for charity, because the riches were looted n taken out of the country. Which means, India has actually got 58 years to build back herself compared to the rest. It's happenin, n you'll know that if you have a look at the economic growth which hovers around 8% currently. If people do have a soft corner for India and the poor people of India, then why are they fighting against outsourcing jobs in to India? Why is the media in the west publishing blown up articles to stop the move?
Regret posting somethin out of the subject of tourism.