Why Tourism Matters

This article was very interesting to read because I love traveling and exploring new cultures. One cool statistic that stood out to me was that one in every twelve workers are employed by tourism in some way. It is sad to see how some tourists treat the locals in the country they are visiting. In this particular reading Gmelch addresses Barbados as the country affected. Local students would be mistaken for tourists and treated differently. Tourists give off an heir sometimes when on vacation. It is if they are the prima donnas of the place and everyone owes them something. Don't get me wrong, if I was to pay $3,000 for an island vacation, I would expect great service, but I would not make the local employees feel as if they are less than me. Each person shares the common attribute of being a human and we all deserve the same respect. Life is very precious and we should respect each person for who they are, even if you are different than someone else, that doesn't give you the right to judge, especially when you have your own flaws. Tourism is a very important aspect to have for a country, especially island countries. Tourists though should respect the culture they are becoming a part of on their vacation and engage with local people they meet. People can learn a lot by just carrying on a simple conversation.

“Cell Phones, Sharing, and Social Status in an African Society"

Two very important topics are discussed in this particular article, technology, and globlaization. Without either of these two, our world would not be what it is today. Technology has to do with inventions that surpass ideas and material objects we have up to date. Our world as a whole is an extrememly technologically advanced society. The U.S and China are by two of ther main world leaders in technology. With inventors like Steve Jobs and Bill Gates, the U.S has a lot to offer. Globalization as discussed in the reading refers to a worldwide transfer of technology, capital, industry, people and culture. I agree with the reading in that globalization most certainly brings the world together, and bridges the gap of long distances. However, it also damaged the world in the area of social inequality. One of the biggest tecnological advances the world has globalized is the cell phone. Some say that it bridges the gap of commuinication, and allows for easier communication. In this article, cell phones are the enemy to some poeple in Africa. People were told not use or answer their cell phone in fear of death or madness from certain numbers. This is a strange rumor to me, and people believed it. If something like that was rumored here in America, I can see two things that could happen, mad panic, or no one believes it's true.