Consider your previous coursework in the tourism program (or your previous experiences with and knowledge about tourism, if you are in a different program). Identify something happening in tourism today that really irks you. Don’t feel that you need to weigh the options and determine what is the absolute worst, most horrible thing happening in tourism today. We would probably all agree, for example, that the kidnapping of children to work in the sex tourism industry is way, way worse than the issue of the profits of tourism development not flowing back to the host community, but this is not the point. The point is to choose one issue that’s really bugging you at the present moment, regardless of whether you could also think of more pressing issues that are also concerning to you—one issue that, for whatever reason, particularly frustrates you currently.
In your journal, spend a few sentences describing this issue and what you know about it. Then, consider the issue using your sociological imagination: What micro-level personal troubles are experienced by the people (or other creatures) impacted by this issue? What macro-level public issues are at play in causing the problem or in making it difficult to resolve?
Finally, consider the three ethics perspectives we read about this week: utilitarianism, virtue ethics, and care ethics. In what ways does this issue represent an ethical failure with regard to one or more of these perspectives?
(My coworker and I cheesing it up for tourist cameras this summer at work)
My current frustration lies in the inability to recognize that tourism is inauthentic. I feel that as a tourism provider I must put on a façade to please my guests. From the other side as a guest I leave feeling that while my experience is real that it was still contrived from a business man. Tourism is the industry of sharing and if there is money exchange no true authenticity will be shared.
Micro level: The frustration impacts tourists desiring to learn of the other culture they are sharing. It also impacts guides as we must day in and day out represent an image that is often false. I personally blame my tendency to abuse caffeine on this frustration.
Macro Level: We live in a capitalism, supply and demand-based world. Currently the consumer demands an upbeat and animated experience. This is not unfair but those seeking genuine connection may miss out. This mirrors the saying “the customer is always right”. This creates a power imbalance favoring the tourist over the locals and hosts.
Utilitarianism: From a cost benefit analysis. This could be seen as positive because the mass consumer receives the product they desire and expect at the loss of the host. We sacrifice authenticity for hedonistic positivity.
Virtue Ethic: This fulfillment of our role as a guide would suggest those whole participate are virtuous. The society needs those to provide recreation and distraction for others and this provides good for the larger group.
Care ethic: The guide has an obvious and legal duty of care to provide for their guests. This frustration realizes this. What is failed through my frustration, is the duty of care guests have to support those who provide experiences to them. While guides may be perceived as more than human, they struggle like anyone else but are unable to ask for help during their work. Basic humanity maybe lost by this process.