The destructive effect of tribal migration on its culture
Answers
Deteriorating Cultures: The Destructive Effects of Tribal Tourism
July 22, 2014 COHA
By: Grace Kranstover, Research Associate at the Council on Hemispheric Affairs
Indigenous populations compose an estimated 370 million people in the world today and are often central to a state’s culture and history. Indigenous people comprise five percent of the world’s total population and live in approximately 90 countries.[1] However, indigenous people also make up 15 percent of the globe’s impoverished population. This is especially true in Latin America, where 40 million indigenous people live in rural areas, often below the poverty line.[2] Yet, as travel to Latin America has soared in the past few decades, tribes living in the region have a newfound source of income in tribal tourism, an emerging industry. However, the social and moral implications of this form of tourism must still be explored.
Tribal tourism refers to a new form of travel in which tribes allow tourists to visit their villages in order to be “exposed to a culture completely different from [their] own.”[3] In recent years, this opportunity to experience “authentic” indigenous life has grown in popularity across the globe. This holds true for Latin American nations with large indigenous communities, such as Peru, Brazil, and Guatemala. One positive outcome from increased tribal tourism has been the financial opportunities that have been created for many tribes. Additionally, tribal tourism has helped foster greater awareness of indigenous people, many of whom face oppression, forced land relocation, and challenges to social and economic integration.
Yet, the social consequences of tribal tourism are more detrimental than beneficial. In regions where tribal tourism has become especially popular, the cultures of some indigenous villages have undergone changes that have turned some important spiritual rituals into spectacles. For example, in the native Guatemalan community of Santiago near Lake Atitlán, where the revered pre-Christian deity Maximon has become more of an attraction than a spiritual figure. Traditionally, Maximon emerges from his shrine once a year during Semana Santa, or Holy Week, for various parades and festivities. However, since tourists have started to come to the area, many visitors have begun paying the guardians of the memorialized deity with money or alcohol to see him throughout the year. This has turned Maximon into an exhibit tourists now disrespect; for example, some tourists have even dressed the deity in Mickey Mouse ties.[4] For many indigenous natives, these displays have degraded the meaning of their tradition.
Tribal tourism has also had a negative impact on indigenous populations that do not wish to be contacted by the outside world. The Guardian estimates that there are about 100 indigenous tribes that have chosen to live in complete isolation around the world.[5] Because of the growth of tribal tourism, many tourism agencies have sought to exploit these secluded indigenous populations. Investigative journalists from The Guardian have also found that some tourism agencies are willing to force contact with isolated indigenous tribes, like the Mashco-Piro in Peru’s Amazonian rainforest, if clients are willing to pay enough money.[6]
Scientists and indigenous rights organizations have expressed concern and condemned any agencies offering this service. Two main factors have prompted many to call for immediate government action. One factor is the fear of spreading diseases to secluded tribes like the Mashco-Piro that cannot defend themselves because of their unexposed immune systems. Another is putting the tourists themselves in danger of being attacked by frightened indigenous people, as has occurred with the Mashco-Piro before.[7] “We need governments to act to protect indigenous communities, tour operators need to follow a code of conduct, and tourists need to be educated and informed,” stated Mark Watson, director of Tourism Concern, an organization committed to fighting exploitation from tourism.[8]