I think that travel writing reflects the overall system of white privilege and appropriation. Black and brown people are typically treated as the exotic other and rarely given voices. I've gotten into various discussions about the depiction and portrayal of people of color in travel stories. I think there needs to be more awareness and acknowledgement of the power of privilege so that the lens becomes more balanced.
Yes, i never thought of it that way but you're right The supremacy of developed countries and the people who control them have mostly been the voices heard. But I do think that the foundation of travel writing has become more diverse because of travel blogging. There are many more voices of color, gay voices and from all incomes writing about their travel experiences.. The issue is that they rarely get mainstream exposure. It's these travel stories outside of the mainstream that would help the overall travel narrative change and become more inclusive.
I think it's both. There are many travel blogging groups of color online that connect and support each other. Often, the discussion is about being excluded or ignored from mainstream networks and conferences. But I have also seen travel bloggers of color use their platform to obtain writing assignments with mainstream websites and magazines. This needs to happen more often but I think there has been some progress.
No, the field is not even close to being leveled. Media in this country will always reflect the voices of the powerful and until there is more equity overall, that will not change very much.
I'm a member of Nomadness and it has been a supportive outlet for travelers of color for years. It's good to see Evita and the group get some recognition.
Amy, the travel industry is very insular and based on your connections. I get invited to some events and conferences, I was actually a speaker at the first TBEX but most of the time, I am the only poc or one of maybe 3 or 4. It is a very isolating experience and I don't get the impression that the organizers are interested in increasing diversity at all. White organizers are not talking about it because of fear. Fear of being called out on some of their racist travelogues. Fear of opening up the field to people who are unfamiliar to them. Fear of change.. I am part of several black travel blogger collectives (Kerwin as well) who have pushed for more inclusion but with little improvement. We have been submitting proposals and applying to events as Bani said but I personally believe that the cliquishness of the industry leads gatekeepers to select people like themselves, which is white. So we have created our own spaces and events. I think a network of people interested in promoting diversity would definitely help. When you are at events and there are no voices of color, ask them why. Suggest speakers when they present the every popular excuses of not knowing any qualified travel writers. If there were more people in power positions advocating for us, things would start to change.
Thank you Gigi for being interested in diversity and feeling strongly enough to want to make a difference. i think conversations always help but in the end, you need actions to inspire change.
I totally agree Paige. I believe it is the wide acceptance of cultural appropriation in the West that makes people not even question the practice. The best way to learn and adopt traditions is to connect directly to the people and learn about the culture firsthand. One on one interaction makes it more difficult to adopt traditions in a disrespectful manner.