Yes, you are a visitor. And you, and you, and you!
Whether you’re a digital nomad, tourist, traveler, or expat, the reality is the same:
no matter how long you stay in a country outside your own—you are always a visitor.
This perspective is essential for guiding how you interact with and respect the local communities you encounter.
Visiting Colonially Marginalized Lands
When you move to or visit a country with a history of colonization, you enter a socio-cultural landscape profoundly shaped by centuries of exploitation and displacement. This history has created intricate dynamics affecting local customs, social structures, and community interactions. Even if you reside there for an extended period, the legacies of colonialism—such as systemic inequalities and cultural disruptions—persist.
Despite the length of your stay, you remain fundamentally an outsider to the deep-rooted experiences and realities of the local people.
Unlike the people who have been marginalized due to colonization, and face the enduring impacts of colonial histories daily, you retain the option to leave and return to your home country at any time. This ability underscores your status as a visitor, highlighting that you engage with a society shaped by forces beyond your personal experience. Recognizing this status is crucial for interacting with respect and understanding, acknowledging the enduring imbalances and cultural complexities created by colonial legacies.
Acknowledging Historical Context
Colonially marginalized countries often possess rich, diverse cultures and histories that have been overshadowed or disrupted by colonial powers. These societies may have faced centuries of exploitation, displacement, and cultural erosion. As someone from outside these communities, it is vital to acknowledge this historical context. Understanding how the past influences current social and cultural realities is key to respectful engagement.
The Impact of Your Presence
Your presence, whether brief or extended, affects the local community. This impact can be positive or negative depending on how you engage with the culture and people. Acting as a responsible visitor means being mindful of your actions, respecting local customs, and acknowledging the sovereignty and rights of Indigenous and marginalized communities.
Practical Guidelines
Educate Yourself: Learn about the local culture, history, and social issues before arriving. Understanding the historical context of the region helps in appreciating the present dynamics and acting with sensitivity.
Respect Local Customs: Engage with local traditions and practices respectfully. Avoid imposing your own norms or expectations on the community or appropriating their cultural practices.
Support Local Initiatives: Contribute to local economies and support businesses run by community members. This approach helps ensure that your presence has a positive impact.
Be Mindful of Your Impact: Recognize that even well-intentioned actions can have unintended consequences. Be aware of how your presence affects the local environment and community.
Listen and Learn: Prioritize listening to and learning from the voices of Indigenous and marginalized communities. Their experiences and perspectives should guide your engagement with the culture.
Advocate for Respect and Equity: Use your platform and voice to advocate for the rights and respect of local communities. Support efforts that promote equity and justice.
Building Positive Relationships
Acting responsibly as a visitor involves fostering positive, respectful relationships with the local community. This approach promotes mutual understanding and contributes to a more harmonious coexistence. It’s not just about being a guest; it’s about being a responsible participant in a shared space.
By recognizing your role as a visitor and embracing it with respect and mindfulness, you support the dignity and rights of the local communities you engage with. This approach aligns with the vision of K’amoj Ri’i’l, contributing to vibrant, just, and respectful communities worldwide.
Disclaimer:
Ideas for this insight by (me!) Carly, with writing support from AI
—without which my ideas would stay stuck 😊
The information has been carefully reviewed, but mistakes can happen
—whether by humans or robots 🤖