Would the world be different if more of us had traveled to Iran?
June 19, 2009
You know what struck me watching the post-election events unfold in Iran this week? How something as seemingly simple as the act of traveling can make SUCH a difference when it comes to intercultural understanding. Thank goodness we in the United States now have a president who’s thoughtful and respectful of other folks in the world… but there are still some who still see the world as “us” versus “them.” I just wonder what our country’s – and the world’s – relationships would be like if more of us traveled to “their” nation, saw how “they” lived, understood how “they” thought.
And that reminded me of a thought-provoking and in hindsight, truly prescient new book I just picked up from acclaimed travel writer (and of course, PBS television star) Rick Steves. In Travel as a Political Act, Steves explains that there’s far more travel than “good-value hotels, great art and tasty cuisine.” While he writes about travels throughout Europe (the main focus of his travel business), El Salvador, and Morocco, it’s his “Mission: Understand Iran” chapter that speaks most to me now. Last spring, Steves and his crew traveled to Iran for filming, a real rarity for Western and especially American crews. And his latest book incorporates this trip, as well as many other fascinating ones over the years.
I got a chance to hear Steves live last November at one of his weekend Travel Festivals in scenic Edmonds, Wash. He spoke to a more-than-packed house that clung to his every word as he showed the hour-long film, then thoughtfully answered questions about his 12-day filming trip. The timing was extra-powerful, as the conference fell soon after the historic election of now-President Barack Obama. For those of us who believe in giving peace a chance, Steves’ mission in Iran sounded in lockstep with our new Commander in Chief’s philosophy of approaching folks with open minds and respect rather than tired old stereotypes and automatic distrust. If you haven’t seen “Rick Steves’ Iran: Yesterday and Today,” it’s SO worth checking out—especially in light of what’s happening in Iran right now. And not surprisingly, media outlets like PRI’s The World radio show have been seeking him out lately, hungry for perspective on what life’s REALLY like in Iran these days. It makes for fascinating listening. His life’s a testament to what he writes: “thoughtful travel comes with powerful lessons.”
I love what he writes in the Iran chapter: “I’m convinced that people-to-people travel experiences can be a powerful force for peace. People traveling to the Soviet Union helped us get through the Cold War without things turning hot. Travel to Vietnam has helped heal wounds left in the aftermath of that war. And, as the USA and Iran continue their dangerous flirtation with an avoidable war, travel there can help build understanding between our nations.”
On the back cover of Travel as a Political Act, Steves says, “We can’t understand our world without experiencing it.” Amen to that.
I’m curious, though. How has traveling abroad rearranged your OWN “cultural furniture,” as Steves calls it? How do those experiences make you rethink assumptions you held about other people, other countries? I’d love to know, and I’ll bet the rest of you would, too.
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4 Comments Leave a Comment
1.
planetnomad | June 20, 2009 at 7:28 pm
I think this is an excellent point and I’m going to have to look for that book. My family lived in Mauritania for 6 years. An isolated, poor, Muslim desert nation, Mauritanians have had little contact with the west. Honestly, living there was an eyeopener for us, but also for many of the friends we made there. They often told us, “You’re not like other Americans,” and then they’d quote us a list of stereotypes. Many people told us that knowing us had changed their views on Americans.
Love the title of this post!
2.
urbantravelgirl | June 20, 2009 at 10:44 pm
Hello there, Planet Nomad! You certainly have a fascinating — and unique — perspective, having spent significant time in the Muslim world. I’m hardly an idealist, but I SO strongly believe that the more we know about each other firsthand — not just through the ridiculous, vapid pop culture America exports to the rest of the world, nor us from the stereotypes forced down our throats by war-hungry American politicians — the better off we ALL will be.
Glad you liked the post’s title. I’m a journalist, but I struggled with what to call this. But essentially, that’s my feeling: it’s really hard to hate people once you get to know them. So as Rick Steves signs off at the end of his travel shows, we must “keep on traveling!”
Maureen
3.
Mary R | June 22, 2009 at 6:01 am
Travel has certainly opened my mind to different views of the world and life…I was a Peace Corps volunteer in Namibia in the mid 1990’s not long after its period of apartheid. As a caucasian and foreigner, I felt for the first time what it was like to be singled out because of being different…not a pleasant experience!
I’ve also learned so much about the world by having friends from different countries. For me, I need the friendship first and then I get interested in visiting that country, and then I get interested in that country’s politics and current events. Happened that way for so many places for me– Turkey, Czech Republic, Japan.
4.
urbantravelgirl | June 22, 2009 at 8:51 am
Mary, you’re SO right about how personal friendships can make us much more interested in learning about a culture. And seeking out and cultivating these friendships can be so rewarding. I know it’s not possible for everyone, but those of us who live in diverse cities (as I do in Chicago) have the world outside our front doors, with people hailing from nearly every country and culture RIGHT HERE in the city.
Of course, it may take a little more effort or work, but taking language classes at cultural institutions (such as the Alliance Francaise or Instituto Cervantes, for French speakers) or getting involved in more internationally focused organizations can help foster these relationships naturally. And what can be more important during changing world times like these?
Can’t wait to spend more time checking out YOUR blog about your lives in Okinawa!
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