Repressive to themselves like China, or repressive to others like the United States?
Probably none to both. Before and after i read the article.
Just this week my boyfriend and I have been gently arguing about this topic. He's expressed anxiety about his personal safety traveling to a place where the government is communist. But for me it's not about the government, but about the people I want to connect with. To share some moments in time with another human being will enlarge us both as people no matter what the government. I personally can't change that government (or my own), but I can change myself and be an instrument of change in another's life. I would go.
Funny. I'm writing an article for matador about this.
but in general, i guess the answer is personal, and i would say no. just because the government is bad doesn't mean the people are.
Peggy and Nomadic Matt-
I absolutely agree with you. And this is precisely the reason why I travel to Cuba.
I tend to think that a boycott is a fairly useless device.
Even in a repressive dictatorship style country, tourism opens the eyes of the traveler and of those that work in the tourism industry.
A boycott would, essentially, further the repression that the citizens of these countries already exist. The smart thing to do when visiting these countries is to try and sponsor small business and local business. Stay away from paying for goods with plastic currency and pay cash to individual people.
A visitor is often a window into another world for these people. Imagine, in countries where media is censored, if a foreigner could shed some light on international events that may be unknown to local residents.
Remember, to tip good service and speak openly to people. You might be surprised as the level of happiness people have in these "repressed" nations.
TravelJeff-
Well said. And this is precisely why I asked the question and exactly why I travel.
Joined: 09-14-06
That is the question posed by John Rosenthal on MSN Travel. (Link for article below).
Once you've read the article, chime in. What was your first response to the question, and did your answer change after reading the article?
Do you have any criticisms of the way Rosenthal frames the article?
http://travel.msn.com/Guides/article.aspx?cp-documentid=473062>1=41000