This article takes a close look at capitalism and compares those who have the most material assets with those who have almost nothing. Then it argues that capitalism as a means of creating a just world with truly meaningful encounters and connections between people, beyond mere cash transactions, isn't the right path to follow.
It says that work must be done to bridge the ever-widening gap between the haves and the have-nots, so that culturally diverse groups can enrich each other without stirring those feelings of loathing and resentment for being exploited that are now barely hidden beneath the surface of native/tourist interactions in the poorer countries such as Bolivia and Peru.
This is a well-informed and insightful article that doesn't pull its punches. Thank you, Megan.
I’ve always felt that way about American tourists and feel naturally uncomfortable when I am in another country and hear them complaining about a wait person or food that was not McDonald’s. It’s terribly embarrassing to me.
I do not have what others call a bucket list, although there are many places that I would love to travel to and in.
I’ve been pegged in several countries by people who think I am Greek, Parisian, or maybe Spanish. It’s humbling and I do appreciate not sticking out like a sore thumb because I am there to imbibe in their culture with them. I’ve always felt that way.
So glad to hear that others consider more about the travel and tourism industries and their effects. I find that it's not just American Travelers anymore but really the global industry. I've send considerate travels from all walks and incredibly entitled and rude ones. May we come together to treat each other like neighbors no matter where we are.
A very good article, it puts words onto the uncomfortable feelings I've had about tourism, particularly, but not exclusively, tourism to poorer countries. Thank you for posting it.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment. I really appreciate knowing that others have felt this conflict about global tourism. I totally agree its not just in the poorer nations but all over. the contrast tends to stick out a bit more here.
Thanks for sharing Megan. Capitalism has good and bad things. It was thanks to some liberal policies that the wealth needed to end some diseases and increase people's quality of life was produced. I understand what you mean, that someone is selfishly taking advantage of the wealth produced, while others live in poverty and misery. I know you've been on both sides of the coin.
As you know, I'm a psychotherapist. I witness people's suffering on a daily basis. Suffering at its most human, the inner suffering that accompanies them everywhere. I used to be poor myself, but now I have what I need to live peacefully. Fortunately, I had good parents who taught me the values of respect, tolerance and solidarity. As I've been on both sides of the capitalist coin, I'm relaxed when I say that the problem isn't capitalism or communism, just as it isn't Christianity, Judaism or Islam. The problem is the ethical decay of societies, which has produced worse people, more selfish, more self-centered, less empathetic. And that, to me, is a civilizational regression the like of which has never been seen before
I love your insight on this. I find that the extractive and resource part of capitalism and consumerism is the parts that i've delved further into over the years and don't want to simplify capitalism in general. Values to live peacefully. loved that part.
People complain about big pharma and etc, but no one seems to be concerned about big tourism and big nylon (those anti-big oil folks who make everything they sell from oil derivatives).
Maybe people should travel deeply instead of widely. William Leastheat Moon did just that in his book PrairyErth.
So many of these industries are deeply interconnected and so many are usually overlooked. I am grateful that i've been ale to travel and see more of the interwoven world. These things don't always have easier solutions. I did remember a writer who spoke about the depth of really exploring and knowing just one mountain, his own backyard. and he could discover it for his whole and not know all its mysteries.
“tall, loud white people shouting and drinking all day” - maybe it’s my 30 years in China, but I’ve noticed “white folks” have no monopoly, possibly not even first dibs, on boorish behavior. It’s a universal human trait to not acknowledge and underrate what we don’t know, and appear and act insensitive. 🙏
Completely agreed. Here in peru the observation was what it was. But it certainly doesn’t mean that people all around the world don’t act insensitive or have a cultural norm around travel mode. I have my my observations of ignorances that come from Peruvians too. Not here to romanticize nor demonize.
Thank you for taking us through the nuances and holding multiple truths about the world we are living in now.
You've reminded me of my trip to Bhutan last year, seeing how this landlocked country balances the need of preserving social coherence, clean environment, and ancient culture and spirituality, while ensuring a viable local economy through tourism and amplifying its impacts as part of the global community. Bhutan is not perfect but I admire their government for doing its best to prioritise the wellbeing of nature and the Bhutanese people.
Grateful for this thought provoking essay - you've inspired more questions and thoughts on how I'd approach my travel in the future. Thanks, Megan.
This article takes a close look at capitalism and compares those who have the most material assets with those who have almost nothing. Then it argues that capitalism as a means of creating a just world with truly meaningful encounters and connections between people, beyond mere cash transactions, isn't the right path to follow.
It says that work must be done to bridge the ever-widening gap between the haves and the have-nots, so that culturally diverse groups can enrich each other without stirring those feelings of loathing and resentment for being exploited that are now barely hidden beneath the surface of native/tourist interactions in the poorer countries such as Bolivia and Peru.
This is a well-informed and insightful article that doesn't pull its punches. Thank you, Megan.
Thank you I feel like i have more questions than answers but I will continue to be willing to look farther, deeper and ask more. Love you friend!
Ahhhhhh, Megan!
You bring out the soul spirit within me.
I’ve always felt that way about American tourists and feel naturally uncomfortable when I am in another country and hear them complaining about a wait person or food that was not McDonald’s. It’s terribly embarrassing to me.
I do not have what others call a bucket list, although there are many places that I would love to travel to and in.
I’ve been pegged in several countries by people who think I am Greek, Parisian, or maybe Spanish. It’s humbling and I do appreciate not sticking out like a sore thumb because I am there to imbibe in their culture with them. I’ve always felt that way.
So glad to hear that others consider more about the travel and tourism industries and their effects. I find that it's not just American Travelers anymore but really the global industry. I've send considerate travels from all walks and incredibly entitled and rude ones. May we come together to treat each other like neighbors no matter where we are.
Megan, Your perspective is honored as are your words. I loved this piece. D
I really appreciate your kindness and your words here. thank you .
A very good article, it puts words onto the uncomfortable feelings I've had about tourism, particularly, but not exclusively, tourism to poorer countries. Thank you for posting it.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment. I really appreciate knowing that others have felt this conflict about global tourism. I totally agree its not just in the poorer nations but all over. the contrast tends to stick out a bit more here.
Thanks for sharing Megan. Capitalism has good and bad things. It was thanks to some liberal policies that the wealth needed to end some diseases and increase people's quality of life was produced. I understand what you mean, that someone is selfishly taking advantage of the wealth produced, while others live in poverty and misery. I know you've been on both sides of the coin.
As you know, I'm a psychotherapist. I witness people's suffering on a daily basis. Suffering at its most human, the inner suffering that accompanies them everywhere. I used to be poor myself, but now I have what I need to live peacefully. Fortunately, I had good parents who taught me the values of respect, tolerance and solidarity. As I've been on both sides of the capitalist coin, I'm relaxed when I say that the problem isn't capitalism or communism, just as it isn't Christianity, Judaism or Islam. The problem is the ethical decay of societies, which has produced worse people, more selfish, more self-centered, less empathetic. And that, to me, is a civilizational regression the like of which has never been seen before
I love your insight on this. I find that the extractive and resource part of capitalism and consumerism is the parts that i've delved further into over the years and don't want to simplify capitalism in general. Values to live peacefully. loved that part.
People complain about big pharma and etc, but no one seems to be concerned about big tourism and big nylon (those anti-big oil folks who make everything they sell from oil derivatives).
Maybe people should travel deeply instead of widely. William Leastheat Moon did just that in his book PrairyErth.
So many of these industries are deeply interconnected and so many are usually overlooked. I am grateful that i've been ale to travel and see more of the interwoven world. These things don't always have easier solutions. I did remember a writer who spoke about the depth of really exploring and knowing just one mountain, his own backyard. and he could discover it for his whole and not know all its mysteries.
And partially because I am half first generation, with French and Russian blood, I consider myself more European than anything else.
we are children of the globe these days. I love the people who have crazy backstories that take a few good sentences.
“tall, loud white people shouting and drinking all day” - maybe it’s my 30 years in China, but I’ve noticed “white folks” have no monopoly, possibly not even first dibs, on boorish behavior. It’s a universal human trait to not acknowledge and underrate what we don’t know, and appear and act insensitive. 🙏
Completely agreed. Here in peru the observation was what it was. But it certainly doesn’t mean that people all around the world don’t act insensitive or have a cultural norm around travel mode. I have my my observations of ignorances that come from Peruvians too. Not here to romanticize nor demonize.
I’ve had my own share of guy-acting-dumb moments. 😄🙏
Same. Same 🙃😜. Hahah. Together !
Thank you for taking us through the nuances and holding multiple truths about the world we are living in now.
You've reminded me of my trip to Bhutan last year, seeing how this landlocked country balances the need of preserving social coherence, clean environment, and ancient culture and spirituality, while ensuring a viable local economy through tourism and amplifying its impacts as part of the global community. Bhutan is not perfect but I admire their government for doing its best to prioritise the wellbeing of nature and the Bhutanese people.
Grateful for this thought provoking essay - you've inspired more questions and thoughts on how I'd approach my travel in the future. Thanks, Megan.