Tourist Hatred

Tourists visiting the local farmers' market every Thursday during the summer.

Tourism benefits are well documented.  What isn’t, are steps governments take to educate locals about this economic activity.  Obviously, local people who work in hotels, bed and breakfast places, restaurants, entertainment centres, historic landmarks or drive cabs understand tourism benefits.

The man in the street might not.  He might see tourists as a threat to his religious beliefs or cultural values, especially what he believes is the woman’s place in society. 

He might resent their happy faces and photographic paraphernalia around their necks.  He might abhor sexual choices not enshrined in his religion or culture. He might hate money tourists use to buy people and ‘adopt’ children to give them a so-called better life in Hollywood.

Seasoned tourists know how to behave in certain countries for example, women cover their bodies as much as possible.  A man taking a stroll on the beach at night in a foreign country might invite danger.  Leaving the tourist bus without telling the driver where you are going might be a recipe for disaster.

What is most important though is the mindset.  Canadians and Americans should not go abroad with the us rich, them poor attitude.  Taking photos of local children and posting them on your blog is out of line, because you will not allow strangers to touch your kids, let alone take photos. 

Respect is the key.  Lack of respect will lead to resentment of how Britain, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal and the Vatican pillaged Australia, Canada, America, New Zealand, Ireland, Middle East, Africa and Asia under the guise of western civilization.  It was a big lie, just a means of stealing the land and using locals as slaves to dig up gold, diamonds and other mineral resources.

Tourists should be careful.  It is not business as usual.

By:  Nonqaba waka Msimang.