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Jan 9, 2024
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ATH-315 Final Project: Tourism in Colombia
Arianna Reiley
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I.
Approach:
Country Overview and Rationale:
•
Select a Country:
Begin by choosing a country in South America. Consider its
cultural richness, historical significance, and tourism potential.
•
Rationale:
Explain why this particular country was chosen. Factors may include
cultural diversity, historical narratives, or untapped tourism potential.
Addressing Historical Issues:
•
Anthropological Theory:
Utilize anthropological theories to address past historical
issues or negative press. This might involve employing cultural relativism or
historical particularism to present a nuanced view of the country's history.
•
Ethical Highlighting:
Discuss strategies to ethically highlight histories of resistance
and domination. This involves sensitivity, accuracy, and a balanced narrative that
respects diverse cultural perspectives.
Research Methodology:
•
Research Track:
Choose a specific research method tailored to the country's context.
Justify its suitability based on the nature of the project and cultural nuances.
•
Logistics and Planning:
Explain how this research method will inform logistical
planning, such as infrastructure development, cultural preservation, and community
involvement.
Theoretical Perspectives:
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•
Anthropological Theories:
Select Western or non-Western anthropological
perspectives to shape the proposal. Consider how these perspectives illuminate or
obscure the diverse cultural identities within the country.
Logistics and Planning:
Using environmental sustainability as our guiding principle will change the way we
approach infrastructure needs for tourism in Colombia. There are various theoretical outlooks
within anthropology that can aid in creating a positive relationship between the environment,
culture, and tourism, one such theory being ecological anthropology, or the study of the
relationship between humans and their environment. Ecological anthropology affirms the
idea that the ongoing contact humans have with their environment significantly impacts their
social, economic, cultural, and political ways of life (“Ecological Anthropology,” 2017). By
combining ecological anthropology theories with environmental sustainability strategies, we
can prioritize environmentally friendly infrastructure, which will in turn have effects on the
relationship between Colombia's population and their environment.
Environmental anthropology provides us with a holistic understanding of how the
environment and culture interact and influence each other. It also combines multiple
disciplines like cultural studies, environmental science, and socioeconomics, making it an
effective tool when it comes to collaborating with multiple parties that may have varied
interests. Anthropology has also been a helpful tool when addressing the 'disruptive
connotations of infrastructure' by focusing on management, maintenance, and positive human
intervention with the environment (Rippa, 2023). By applying the principles of
environmental sustainability and ecological anthropology to our tourism proposal, we can
provide a framework that is sensitive to the environment while also being culturally sensitive.
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It’s also important to consider potential social, cultural, and environmental impacts that
tourism will have on Colombia,
Cultural Identity Impact:
There are various global, historical, and social factors that influence the diverse cultural
identities within Colombia. Two external factors that have largely shaped the culture of
Colombia are Spanish colonization and globalization. Aggressive implementation of
language, traditions, and social structures of Spanish culture have led to an established split
between indigenous culture and Colombian national identity (“Colombia: A Case Study of
Archaeology and Nationalism,” 2014), which reshapes the cultural identities of its people.
Contemporary globalization, or the connectedness of different parts of the world due to
economic, environmental, cultural, and political change, has also created new cultural
dynamics through things like art, music, and social norms. Technological advancements and
modernization have allowed for the introduction of new cultural influences. Internal factors
that influence cultural identities within Colombia are things like pre-colonial legacies,
traditional indigenous knowledge and belief systems, and the ongoing socio-political
transformations taking place. Social justice movements and cultural revival efforts play
important roles when it comes to communities expressing their heritage and cultural beliefs.
All of these factors combined lead to resilience and adaptation within a culture, contributing
to its diversity.
As anthropologists, it's our duty to recognize any potential impacts, both negative and
positive, that infrastructural development might have on any cultural group. Increased
tourism and investment in infrastructure can have multiple aspects beyond just the tourism
industry, all of which can drastically shape and influence the dynamics of communities.
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While the increase in tourism in Colombia can introduce economic opportunities, it can also
disrupt and alter previously established socio-economic dynamics within a community. The
development of tourist sites and accommodations can create jobs but can also lead to the
displacement of individuals that rely on agricultural or local trades. Any such development
might call for the repurposing of land that is integral to cultural practices, which can disrupt
traditional practices and destroy culturally significant areas. Increased tourism in Colombia
can also lead to cultural adaptation and change within communities: interactions with tourists
can lead to individuals and groups altering their practices in order to meet tourist
expectations or to preserve their traditions. It can also potentially lead to the growth and
sharing of culture, leading to positive exposure and the enforcement of cultural relativism.
All of this being said, strategic infrastructure development can also lead to communities
being empowered. New economic and cultural opportunities and investments that include
locals in decision making can both preserve cultural integrity as well as welcome tourism.
There are many strategies that can be used to foster an inclusive and welcoming
environment for diverse cultures while promoting tourism. In order to foster community
engagement and participation, local communities should be involved in cultural presentations
and heritage preservation initiatives. This allows for communities to showcase their culture
while ensuring representation is authentic and ethical. Locals and visitors should also interact
in spaces that allow for cultural exchanges and understanding. Programs that highlight
Colombia's diverse history, practices, and beliefs as well as traditional storytelling,
performances, and artistic demonstrations can all be ways of promoting mutual respect,
awareness, and sensitivity. The preservation of cultural heritage sites and landmarks is
equally important: awareness of historical and cultural significance is crucial to ethical
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development. The diversity and beauty of Colombia's cultural groups should be represented
in things like cultural centers, museums, and promotional materials. This encourages tourists
to be both interested and respectful when they interact with the nation and its environment.
Potential Ethical Repercussions:
The surge in tourism following our proposed plan has potential ethical repercussions that
need to be considered. Tourists that engage with Colombia's heritage sites and diverse culture can
potentially transform their perceptions and identities. Tourism allows for authentic cultural
experiences; visitors may find they have a deeper understanding and appreciation of these
cultures. An integral part of an evolving worldview is valuing diversity, as well as having a sense
of cross-cultural empathy. Exposure and education through tourism can lead to more of this. On
the other hand, tourism has the potential to negatively impact the native people and residents in
many ways. Development, while creating opportunities and facilitating tourism, has the potential
to disrupt ecosystems and ways of life. Increased tourism can lead to harm of the environment as
well as exploitation of cultural practices and knowledge. Additionally, socio-economic shifts
caused by increased tourism can alter traditional ways of living and displace individuals, which
threatens cultural continuity. All of these things need to be considered in order to create a balance
between cultural preservation, the well-being of a community, and tourist experiences.
There are multiple strategies that we can implement to address these ethical
repercussions. First and foremost, once again, engagement with indigenous communities in
any development decision-making is not only crucial but necessary. Local communities
should be able to actively participate in and benefit from tourism initiatives. The environment
also needs to be prioritized, and this can be done through sustainable infrastructure
initiatives. Environmental assessments and eco-friendly regulations should guide
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development in order to preserve and protect cultural heritage sites and the environment as a
whole. All of this should be done while recognizing and emphasizing cultural sensitivity;
programs should highlight the significance and history of local traditions, customs, and
beliefs in order to facilitate respectful engagement. Paired with the preservation of cultural
heritage, we can create an environment of community pride and safeguard important cultural
practices. We can foster relationships with various environmental and governmental
organizations, NGOs, and community leaders in order to implement these programs. It's with
these strategies and relationships that we can mitigate potential repercussions on tourists and
natives alike.
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Works Cited
Ecological Anthropology. (2017, April 24). Retrieved November 27, 2023, from Anthropology
website:
https://anthropology.ua.edu/theory/ecological-anthropology/
Rippa, A. (2023). Infrastructure and the environment in anthropology - Alessandro Rippa, 2023.
Retrieved November 27, 2023, from Social Science Information website:
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/05390184231189126#:~:text=To%20understand
%20the%20environment%20as,understanding%20of%20the%20natural%20world
.
Colombia: A Case Study of Archaeology and Nationalism. (2014). Retrieved November 27,
2023, from Harvard.edu website:
https://projects.iq.harvard.edu/expose/book/colombia-
case-study-archaeology-and-nationalism
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