I have been accepted to do an internship with the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, through the York International Internship Program at York University. This is so exciting! Where do I begin?
My first step was to email family friend, Larry Krotz, and make a date for dinner. While the families are always looking for an excuse to get together, the real reason was because Larry has not only been to Kenya before, but he has written a book about his travels and work as a journalist, entitled "The Uncertain Business of Doing Good: Outsiders in Africa". The second step of course, was to open the book and start reading. As a student of International Development Studies (the industry that loves to hate itself), I have mixed feelings about being a privileged person visiting the Global South. In terms of Africa, this book quite honestly describes many of those feelings.
I love to travel. I was born in Ireland and grew up in Canada. Since I was a baby we've been traveling all over Europe. But it wasn't until I was in Ecuador a few years ago, that I realized what poverty really was. At first, I felt ashamed to have so much, when I saw people who, materially, had so little. Sure I had to save up, max out my credit card, put in extra hours at work... But the fact was that I had, and still have, the opportunity to go anywhere and do anything, and other people don't.
When I travel, what does it mean?
Am I supporting economies, learning, contributing my skills and spreading knowledge? Or am I reinforcing colonialism, consuming other cultures for my pleasure, appropriating styles, helping homogenization, patronizing with my 'outsider's expertise', and taking advantage of goods that are inexpensive because they are made by very poor people? I guess I'm doing all of those things. I'm trying to be conscious of myself. For now I hope that's enough. I am learning as I go. And I'm still going.
Don't get me wrong. I am super-excited about my trip to Kenya. Apart from it being a dream come true as a photographer, an outdoorsy person, and a traveler who soaks up other cultures' music, dance, costumes and customs... It is also an amazing learning experience in terms of the internship position. I have enjoyed and gained so much from my classes and my academic experience in general. But in the end, the best way to learn is to do, and if I can also contribute my skills, this trip will be just the type of challenge that I love.
Larry Krotz is a family friend?!? No way! I bought his book last month and it is next on my list to read. I am making my way through The Blue Sweater (http://www.thebluesweater.com/) first, which is along the same line.
ReplyDeleteI like your analysis of who you are as a traveler and the dichotomy you must negotiate. I remember in my younger days making a big fuss that I am a "traveler" not a "tourist" because of all the connotations attached to either. I have since gotten over myself and realized it doesn't matter what I call myself, I am an interloper and I need to recognize that within the scope of where I am. Whoa! That is deep for a Friday afternoon.
I mentioned it in the email but I have to repeat it. Greeeeeen with envy!
Kate i can really relate to feelings of, dear i say, guilt for privileged enough to venture off to the global south like it was a bus stop away. While studying IDS indeed gives you mixed feeling about traveling and working abroad it has always instilled in us the importance of learning to listen. The stories you hear and the leaders you meet may not have the opportunity to interact with as many cultures as yourself but they can have their stories travel with you and through your shared experiences.
ReplyDeleteps dido to Larissa envious note!!