Are there any stereotypes about the image of India and the Indian people's culture in Western tourist websites? If yes, inna0001: Are there any stereotypes about the image of India and the Indian people's culture in Western tourist websites? If yes, how many? Geoff: Tourism websites are trying to sell the image of another country to potential visitors. So I would say that if such stereotypes do exist, then they will be solely positive ones. I K R: i think the main stereo types found in holiday brochures is that everyone is smiling and having a great time ...no clouds in the sky ...life is wonderful n all that inna0001: Geoff, colonial and backward representation of any country is not a positive image. I K R well its more than weather represented in travel websites like national geography travelers. and my political philosophy defence is comming soon! Zanjan: Well, if you didn't show any stereotypes, like over-stuffed trains with a goat in the seat next to you, or bus roofs piled high with people sitting on a hundred bushels of rice, I'm sure the tourist would experience extreme culture shock after leaving the airport. People travel half way around the world to experience the exotic so, would likely be extremely disappointed and ask for their money back if they didn't see that. I mean, the Taj Mahal is lovely but I wanna see the colourful saris, the intricate hand made crafts, the dusty villages with fire-cooked foods, and talk to the toothless beggar, squatting in the market. He wont lie to me. (Edited by Zanjan) inna0001: Main results of this thesis are that Western tourist websites describe Indian economy as a backward economy. It is unclear whether Indian politics is described as undemocratic or democratic. Indian people are described as a mix of traditional, modern, unfree as well as free people. Indian culture is described as ancient and collective. Zanjan: Well, I don't see the guys wearing those great mustaches, illustrated in paintings. I mean, when was the last time you saw an East Indian, who wasn't a Sikh, sport a beard? Obviously the culture is mixed; if you're going on a guided tour, you'll be assured of luxury hotels and dining - no one will let you see the suffering and you won't feel the discomfort of 50 deg C heat or have to swim to the store in a monsoon inspired flood because travel agencies tell you which is the right season to go. People conduct themselves according to the seasons. As others have indicated, organized tourism is a carefully prepped long view of historic events and the best spots to visit today. We know there are sweat factories and children living away from families due to indentured servitude but who wants to see that? You will be warned where to go and where not to go so that you'll have a good experience and be pleased enough to return. I think everyone knows there's always been a great rift between the rich and the poor, and it seems the rich have always lived in cities and the poor in slum or rural areas. Depends on what the tourist finds interesting or entertaining. If I pay to see a performance, I know I'm not getting the real India. I'd probably find that out if I landed in a hospital.....of course, you never see that info in tourist brochures. To my knowledge, India still uses traditional farming methods - a few small innovations but not employing the big agricultural machinery. The poor still work incredibly hard, which is why they aren't fat. More than two generations can still be found living together in the same dwelling. Maybe these are stereotypes - I've never been to India - but you can view that as being backwards or, as maintaining eco-friendly harmony with nature. I don't think the tourist cares about their politics so, that's generally not reflected in promotions. They do care about showing the proper respect to others, according to their local customs. A good tourist doesn't want to offend anyone so, that's always in guides. Namaste (Edited by Zanjan) Zanjan: Personally, I'd want to know how a place gets rid of their tropical bugs, if at all. I'm sure you've heard of those two female tourists who died because the hotel used a chemical in the carpets just prior to their visit. Some people are sensitive to that. Also, I'd like fair warning about the bugs. For instance, when I went to Israel, there was this giant...I mean GarGANtuous insect sitting on the bathroom floor that looked like a cross between a june bug, a Volkswagen and Mothra. Yes, I screamed and nearly wet my pants. Rather than disturb the hotel clerk with something that just might be common there and embarrasingly harmless, I got my son to throw a towel over it - the cool thing is there are no screens on the windows in Israel so, he chucked it out the window and it flapped away. To this day, I know nothing about that bug and whether or not my son saved our lives, but it did make me take pause over the cleanliness of the hotel. (Edited by Zanjan) (Post deleted by Titanser ) | Off Topic Chat Room 1 Person Chatting Similar Conversations |