“Cecil Rajendra, a Malaysian human rights activist, and lawyer, said “the raw material of the tourist industry is the flesh and blood of people and their cultures.” These instances reveal the truth behind that statement; instances in which the cultural exchange is unequal: locals in positions of subservience, performing for the entertainment of foreign people for poor compensation. Cultural exchange should be organic and as equal as possible and no performance at a resort can ever be an equal exchange. All of this paints a sad picture for local communities that are forced into vulnerable positions in which they are overworked, underpaid, mistreated, forced to peddle a bastardized versions of their culture, and then are barred access resources which foreigners enjoy in excess. For me, it is a price that’s much too high to pay no matter how cheap the choice. Instead, for those who can afford it, extra research into destinations and their offerings can go a long way towards creating more of a demand for ethical travel options which funnel money, opportunities and resources into locally-owned businesses and the families they support. Learning the language, finding a cultural guide, and supporting economic structures that maintain local access in tourist destinations are just some of the ways, a visitor can try to be a socially responsible tourist.” Article by @unavainabienrd #responsibletourist #tourist #resortsrd #tourismrd #disruptthenarrative #ecologyovereconomy #decolonizeyourmind #caribbean #caribbeanlife #touristtrap #dominicanslovehaitians https://www.instagram.com/p/ByaUem7FlWY/?igshid=1qyzf3bp53eaa