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Traveler Or Intruder? Being the visitor and traveler into a new country and culture, one must embrace a deeper sense of sensitivity for the culture and its people. Although you may be in a greater or lesser degree of agreement with the social customs or norms, remember you are the visitor. Taking the position of an ethical and moral authority on what is right and what is wrong will only create ill will between you and the locals and perhaps put you in harm's way. Encountering and discovering certain beliefs or practices in a specific culture, country, or religious community may provoke feelings of anger, outrage, and horror. Unable to understand certain practices and beliefs is not an uncommon experience when traveling. What is acceptable and commonplace in your own culture may be thought of as radical, corrupt, or sinful in another and vice versa. Talking to other travelers or your traveling mate will help you vent and process your stronger emotions. Do Your Homework Before You Go Part of the adventure of traveling is researching and getting to know the country in which you plan to travel before you even lift off the tarmac. Most of us would not set off to a country without knowing at least some of the general information. Just like being asked to a social event at home, you would generally want to know beforehand if the event was to be formal or casual, a small gathering or large, who are the guests, and the like. Gathering information to formulate and set your expectations usually results in a pleasant event. Traveling abroad requires the same information gathering process. Research And know The Basics Of The Culture
Women Travelers Female travelers must ask more in-depth questions regarding gender and social status.
Cultures Of Europe And European Descent Many European, Northern and Southern American cultures share many similar social practices, norms, and taboos. Some individuals may be first, second, or third generation, North or South American born Irish, German, Russian, Portuguese, Italian, or Greek. Many grandparents or parents set sail from European countries, docked at Ellis Island, and became United States citizens. Many descendants of those immigrants, still practice the religious and social traditions of their homeland. Traditions, passed on through the generations, reflect aspects of the way of life and beliefs held dear in the old country. Visit the small village of your Irish born grandmother. Witness the remarkable similarities between folkways of the village people and the manner in which your grandmother lives today in the United States. Many immigrants forever retain the qualities of their homeland, giving meaning to their present culture and life. Many European communities share many of the social norms and mores we uphold in North and South America also. What is not socially acceptable in North and South America will most likely not be welcomed in European society as well. Cultures Of Asia And Asian Descent Asia spans a vast amount of land, holds a great portion of the world's population, but also is the home of numerous diversified cultures and people. Asia bestows a continent of distinct richness. Buddhists, Taoists, Christians, Moslems, Hindus, Communists, Catholics, and atheists alike share the continent of Asia. Their cultures and religious beliefs may either blend in harmonious community or clash in a long bloody history of hatred and violence. In some Asian countries, women in society may be held in great esteem, sharing similar social norms and values of the European/American cultures. In other Asian nations, women are treated little better than slaves and held in less value than a domesticated animal. Expect diversity in the cultural do's and don'ts in Asia. Do your homework. Always lean toward dressing more conservatively (less exposed skin) in more religiously stringent countries. Cultures Of African And African Descent The African continent is the home to a vast array of cultures and people. The diversity in African nations ranges from the Moslem nations in northern Africa to the modern cities of Nairobi and Capetown and then, finally, to the heart of Africa, the tribal lands and the wide-open ranges. Many countries of Africa are no strangers to the customs of European countries. African people have struggled for centuries under the heavy hand of European colonialism, bringing outside infiltration and immigration. Thus, many African people have been exposed to, and are knowledgeable of, European ways. Unfortunately, many West Coast African nations are still riddled with political and religious strife and upheaval. Traveling to such countries will require much caution with an in-depth knowledge of the situations. Be A Detective, Watch For Clues One of the best ways to gather information about any way of life, when you are already immersed in it, is to observe the people, especially the women around you. Watch how the men and women interact with one another. Do men and women make eye contact? Are couples affectionate toward one another in public? What type of clothes are the women wearing? Playing the part of a cultural super sleuth will help you to assimilate and behave appropriately when traveling. You will be amazed at how much you will learn and benefit from observing others, especially the women, who live out the norms and social taboos. Not "Primitive" Culture And
People, Technology, industrialization, and the Internet have broadened the ever-widening chasm between many cultures. Even today, one may find themselves in the middle of a culture that wouldn't know the difference between a modem and a moth ball. In some countries, you may question how they are able to get along because of the lack of technological advancement. Many cultures may not be as technologically connected, with a computer in every household and business, but they share the same common, struggle to survive. We all face survival, as we move ahead toward the twenty-first century, no matter where you live or what your culture. Once you leave the familiar surroundings of your homeland, you have placed yourself into other worlds, different styles of living, and the opportunity to gain new insights and perspectives on the world. On my trips, I have listened to other travelers severely ridicule everything in the land, from the political system to the sacred customs. Some label a country as primitive. Primitive? I dare say this was anything but complimentary. I wondered how these negative, critical individuals believed they alone held the only true, just values and beliefs. I felt sad that they couldn't see beyond their own prejudice, fear, and small-mindedness. Remember that, wherever you travel, people are people. The issues these so called "primitive people and cultures" struggle with are different in shade and degree than what many others face. As human beings we share similar needs and desires, hold beliefs varying along political, social, and religious lines. Although you need never condone or be in agreement with cultural practices that are not your own, be respectful. Some of the people you may encounter in less-developed countries wouldn't trade places with you if they could. There are many people in our world that do not desire the ways of technology and industry. Many people from so-called "primitive cultures" believe Western society has abandoned spirituality for the demigod of technology. What you may hold so dear, another may see as a distraction or separation from the true nature of life and the spirit. Ironically, you may be the one such people feel to be from a primitive, spiritless culture. These "primitive cultures" pity the spiritual wasteland they believe the Western culture cultivates. In A Nutshell Remember you are a visiting guest of whatever country you choose to set foot upon. You are the guest. So you behave like a guest. Of course there will be moments of frustration and confusion; roll with them, learn, and get on with your travels. Being a visitor does not translate into being a doormat for abuse or abusive behavior from anyone. There are boundaries and limits. Courteous, respectful behavior transcends well into all cultures. Think of yourself as a diplomatic representative from your country. You represent the best of your nation. In some places of the world, where many Americans do not travel, you just may be one of the few Americans or Europeans these people will ever meet. Not to lay a load of responsibility on your shoulders but think about that. How you would like them to remember you and your country? Cathedrals, Temples, And Shrines Cathedrals, temples, shrines, and holy places can be some of the most interesting, spiritually-provoking places you will visit on your journey. Just thinking about who designed, constructed, and built the structures is fascinating. How long did it take to create? Who would come to pray and worship here? How many tears were wept upon this ground? What joyous celebrations were embraced within the walls of this holy place? These are among the questions I seem to unconsciously ask myself about such ancient and hallowed grounds. How many hundreds, if not thousands, of years were the churches and temples of the world the main community gathering point for the townships they served. These sacred places are still held dear to those whose families, for generations, have gone to pray at their altars. Although you may not agree with the religious beliefs and customs of the particular country you are visiting (which is just fine), do respect that the native people take their religious beliefs seriously. They will be quite offended by outsiders being disrespectful. The ritualistic nature of some religious ceremonies may seem a bit strange or just downright bizarre to a Western individual. However, these cultures have been practicing those rituals for hundreds, maybe thousands, of years and hold them very sacred and precious. Be wise and do not openly verbalize your shock or disgust. This is not only unwelcome, but may put you in an uncomfortable or threatened position. Often when you visit a holy place there are signs posted for the foreign tourists as to what is appropriate and what is not. There may also be an attendant present before you enter the holy structure to see if you are appropriately dressed, have removed your footwear, and do not have a camera. Take your cues from observing the people worshipping at the holy site. If they are quiet and not speaking, do the same. If people are chatting and no ceremony is taking place, then it is pretty safe to say you can chat as well. Photography may not be allowed. Look for posted information regarding the taking of any photographs. Generally, you do not want to take photographs during a religious ceremony, of people praying, or in the interior of a religious building. It varies from culture to culture. Look for the posted signs or ask the attendant if one is available. Women may be restricted from entering religious buildings because they are menstruating (I’m not sure how they check this), do not have appropriate clothing to cover the shoulders, arms, or legs (often there are long shirts and skirts available to rent for a small fee), or simply because they are women. You may be restricted from entering the holier areas of a temple or shrine because you are not of the religion. Although this can be annoying, it is the rule. Obey it. While exploring revered sights refrain from physical or sexual contact with your significant other. Handholding, kissing, hugging, or groping are not looked upon with favor at holy sites. In India, I traveled to the holy city of Pushkar, where the townspeople had posted a sign in English, approximately five feet by ten feet, in bold black and red lettering, of what was appropriate behavior and what was not. It was crystal clear what behavior would be condoned and which would be chastised. Outsiders Inside The Temple While in the port city of Madras, India, we decided to take a one-day bus tour of the shore temples south of Madras. Magnificent sculpted sandstone temples adorned the coast of the Arabian Sea and nearby cities. The temples were a featured national landmark and point of interest we didn't want to miss. The predawn boarding, a two-and-a-half-hour, bumpy, warm bus ride, lulled me into a hypnotic dozing state, no matter how earnestly I tried to stay awake. I kept dozing off, only to abruptly awaken after smashing my head into the window or snapping my head to avoid a face dive into the seat ahead. The endless ride seemed like a cruel dance of dozing, smashing, and whiplash. Our battered bus navigated its way through the crowded city street and arrived at the front entrance archway of the temple. Walking through the massive doorway, passing the dozens of people afflicted with disease, lost limbs, and a variety of physical ailments, we made our way to the inner courtyard of the temple. Most of the Indian people offered alms to the outstretched arms of the sick. Reincarnation, a strong tenet of Hindu religion, plays a part in the giving. Hindu people believe they will be reincarnated; maybe it will be them begging in the next life or maybe one of their family or friends. In the sprawling temple complex of carved stone buildings, we tagged along behind our tour group, like two young elementary school children on the first day of school. Through small shadowed doorways we crept, trying to avoid hitting our heads, while looking on at the colorfully painted and adorned religious and spiritual statues which lined the hallways. Ganesh, the elephant-headed god, towered over our tiny human frames, like a jolly hot air balloon in a warm, blue summer sky. Our friendly, courteous, but time-constrained tour guide motioned in annoyance for us to keep up with the group and follow him down the dark damp corridors. We picked up our pace. When we finally caught up to our congenial guide, he motioned for the rest of the group to continue on through a small passage but then indicated for us to stop. Were we going to be admonished for lagging behind? I waited for the harsh words but they did not come, just a smile. I was perplexed. I inquired why he asked us to stop. Our Indian Hindu tour guide explained that only Hindus may go into the inner temple area. A little surprised and bewildered by this announcement, I walked over to our guide, smiled, and chuckled, "but I am a Hindu, can I go in now?" His smile could have lit up the Eastern world, he laughed, shook his head and said, "no madam, you are not Hindu.' I have to admit it was pre-tty funny to see his reaction to my testimony. Luckily, he had a good sense of humor and responded with wide-eyed laughter. My friend, Joe, and I just looked at one another and had a good laugh. Suddenly, we realized that we were probably not going to see the inner area of any of the temples and somehow that made us laugh more. Here we had come so far, the whiplash bus ride, the heat and humidity, and then not to be allowed to enter the temple area. The present situation seemed so comical and yet such was the irony of my daily experiences in India. Joe and I decided to give the outer courtyard our attention and investigation. We strolled about, observing the people washing their rainbow collage of saris and clothing in the ghat. In one sun-filled corner we saw pilgrims laying their saris to dry in the hot noon sun, a kaleidoscope of color. In another corner of the temple complex we saw men painting designs of flowers upon the thick skin of Asian elephants, for the upcoming festival. Talking to and observing the pilgrims proved to be a fulfilling experience. The day was long, but satisfying. We had many laughs and make many memories. Thus, all in all, another great day of travel in India.
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