I can understand not wanting to see poverty because it's upsetting, but what is the Bahama lady supposed to do with her baby? Yes it's on a blanket in a cardboard box, but what should she use? I guess she could put it in her Baby Bjorn baby carrier or her Bugaboo stroller.
Wow. Good point. We avoid the Carribean because the poverty deeply upsets my husband. But people who live there really live off the tourist dollar... kind of a Catch 22.
I think Pete speaks for a lot of people, and I was enjoying his rant, agreeing with everything he was saying. But I really like your point. The Carribean is not fantasy land. You can only candy coat so much of the reality of life in other countries.
Perhaps we should be more upset with the reality of the poverty there and less upset with how it will affect our idea of the perfect vacation? Thanks for the reality check.
But the point that Pete was making, however you may look at it, was that while on vacation, you don't want to be reminded of the poverty that's in the world.
Take for instance, Key West. I was there only once, but the whole time I was there, I didn't see one homeless person, anyone carrying their baby with them while they "hocked" cheap t-shirts, or even accosted by anyone to be dragged into their shops. It's a much nicer island, albeit a smaller one, than the Grand Bahama.
I also agree that they should not be protesting certain groups to prevent them from coming to their country, or island, just because they don't agree with their way of life. Right there they were cutting their own wrists because the gay tourist dollar has become the new hot market in tourism. And being gay, I was seriously angry and shocked when I heard what the people were shouting at Rosie O'Donnell's children as they were getting off the boat. Kids that were 5, 6 and maybe even younger seeing signs out saying "You're going to H*ll!" and turning around and asking why these people didn't like their mommy or daddy. How hard it must have been to calm their fears! But once they've made their stand on the "gay issue" they've drawn the line in the sand. Now they've cut off the gay dollar, anyone who's sympathetic toward their issue, anyone who's in their family, and even quite possibly major travel agencies who have special packages for gay and lesbian travel. To finish, being gay, I WILL NEVER GO TO THE BAHAMAS! I would much rather go to Key West, at least there, I can see the Hemingway house, have a nice time at the local bars, and not have to worry that I'm going to be protested, or pulled into a shop to buy some cheap merchandise I don't want.
Sorry. I was ranting. Anyone want my soapbox?!
*hiding in the corner and whispers* I still won't go to the Bahamas. Sorry for the incorrect rant. I'll behave now.
Perhaps we should be more upset with the reality of the poverty there and less upset with how it will affect our idea of the perfect vacation?
To clarify, I totally understand people not wanting to see it on vacation. I just didn't understand being upset with the people there that are just trying to scrape by and living in substandard conditions.
I don't think anyone gets upset with them trying to earn a living, but when they paw at you, grab you, hound you and very often intimidate you, (which is fairly easy to do with Americans who aren't used to that type of situation), it becomes a problem. If this type of behavior was discouraged by the tourism board, I think a lot of cruisers would be far more comfortable getting off in these ports, which would do nothing but ultimately help the people in the long run. So many people say we should understand them and their culture, but if if they want to do business with us, shouldn't they try to understand how we live as well and understand that under most circumstances, we don't shop like that.
I guess I am so many people because when I travel I try to prepare myself ahead of time for the culture. I have seen travel groups from Asia in American stores and didn't see any of the salespeople changing their sales strategies. This is why Americans have a bad reputation. If you don't like shopping that way, stay on the ship and enjoy your day there. American tourists think the world revolves around them and it doesn't.
I guess I am so many people because when I travel I try to prepare myself ahead of time for the culture. I have seen travel groups from Asia in American stores and didn't see any of the salespeople changing their sales strategies. This is why Americans have a bad reputation. If you don't like shopping that way, stay on the ship and enjoy your day there. American tourists think the world revolves around them and it doesn't.
I dont believe anyone is asking anyone to change their culture, but as a business person looking to move as much stuff as possible...knowing your clientele makes for more business and more profits.
I think we are mistaking commerce and culture.
If you have visted Las Vegas in the last couple of years, you can see that American businesses are changing the way things are done. Casinos understand that there are a large number of tourists from Asia and have adjusted the gaming offered, the restaurant choices and the business model to accommodate these groups. This is smart business.