Travel Log 15: “There’s No Place Like Home? Rites of Reincorporation” By: Erin Foley, Dedham, MA

After what seemed like an eternity on an airplane and waiting for luggage that I thought would never come, my homecoming had finally arrived. When I awoke last Wednesday, I was honestly nervous to return home. Had a lot changed since I left? Would I be able to easily reconnect with family and friends? Would they be annoyed after the fifth time I mentioned Paris (I have many stories to tell!)? But as I walked out of the double doors at the boarder patrol station and saw my family waving teary-eyed with huge smiles on their faces, all of my concerns vanished.

That is not to say, however, that I have not come across specific challenges. Many of my friends say, “Tell me Paris stories!” or “I want to hear all about it!” But each time, I cannot seem to express my gratitude for the experience that made me contemplate my entire future—quite a big deal for anyone who knows me (I always have everything planned to a tee). How do you sum up four months into four sentences? In my opinion, it is impossible and utterly inadequate to briefly describe the trip of a lifetime that made me seriously reflect on my true passions for the first time in awhile. As I may have mentioned in previous logs, I feel as though I have not yet left the liminal phase. Instead, I am in a limbo of indecisiveness; what do I do next? Who do I seek out to help me through this life transition? What will ultimately be the right career choice for me, moving forward?

After writing my reincorporation letter, I was satisfied with its message. Sometimes, I feel like writing down your ideas expresses them more thoroughly than simply stating them. When written on paper, words are permanent and difficult to disregard. Although someone may refuse to address them, your ideas are well thought out and subject to change; you can always return to a paper or a journal entry to edit but words are much harder to take back once they are said. In the same token, I wanted to write a letter that explained the difficult reincorporation I would face, without seemingly placing the blame on my family. Parents want to do everything in their power to help their children through a tough situation but I unfortunately have to brave this one alone. I asked for their utmost patience and that it would be a two-way street: I would be patient with my newly unfamiliar communitas and that they would provide patience with frustrations that I may encounter. After reading, my mother thought it was simply stated and well written and she agreed to try to be as patient as possible.

Obviously the study abroad experience does not simply end after your return home. Think about it: you underwent a transformation and whether you like it or not, those memories will stay with you for the rest of your life. That being said, I want to take the time to discuss how I will carry forward all that I have learned. I touched upon it briefly before, but studying abroad taught me to be independent, relying upon my own knowledge to find solutions to problems. Heading back to campus, I hope to employ the same mindset throughout the semester. If there are any issues with scheduling or coursework, the first thing I do is immediately email the professor. Perhaps before that step, I can do my own research and solve the problem myself, without relying so heavily on my wonderful advisor (who I am sure is sick of our incessant email correspondence).

Although study abroad is an all-together positive experience, it can sometimes highlight our biggest faults. I personally need to work on being more independent, using my advisor as a resource as opposed to a crutch, but also learning to be patient. I have already found myself reflecting upon my impatience in the most random of places—driving (once a familiar habit), grocery shopping and simply occupying my time. Studying abroad has a feeling of instant gratification—everything you could ever want is in one place. If I were bored, I would venture out into the streets to discover a new little corner of Paris. Now, I have returned to a town where I have lived for twenty years, with little left to discover…or is there? By being patient, I can allow everyday life, although sometimes boring and grueling, to occasionally surprise me. After all, Miriam Beard said, “Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.”

 

 

 

Travel Log 13: “Connecting Rites of Passage and Digital Storytelling” By: Erin Foley, Barcelona, Spain

With only one month remaining in the semester, my “communitas” has adapted a new meaning. Although originally used in reference to members of my immediate host culture, I have made remarkable connections with some students in my program. Spending four months traveling and studying with the same students encourages a strong bond in which we mutually learn through one another’s experiences, positive or otherwise. Communitas, according to Rite of Passage Theory, is the population that strives to improve as a direct result of the traveller’s personal growth upon return. They will bring with them the fruits of their experience to nourish a mutualistic rapport. More often than not, study abroad students return with empty memories; they may have pictures with all major landmarks, but they did not dig deep and discover a new facet of their character that could be beneficial to the communitas.

As I have made clear in my previous travel logs, my language acquisition has improved immensely. Without the weekly dinners with my host mother or culture workshops with my program, I do not believe I would have successfully adapted to the French culture. Not only does that include proficiently speaking the language, but also familiarizing myself with the food, art, music and history that encompasses all that is France. This way, I am interacting with the global community and making more meaningful connections than a tourist simply passing through for the sake of traveling.

I have already addressed one element of rites of passage (program success relies on relationships). Without the cohesive relationships amongst study abroad staff and students, it would be quite difficult to establish a “strategy [that] can be implemented with sufficient commitment and creativity to make it a success,” as stated by authors Blumenkratz and Goldstein. One of the deepest connections you can form with someone, in my opinion, is one connected with travel. In essence, these are the only people that are experiencing the exact same thing as you. No one, apart from the members of your program, is experiencing the same destination during the same semester in its current political or social climates. For instance, only my fellow classmates and I will experience Paris after the November tragedies. For my digital story, I could potentially focus on the relationship that I have formed with my three closest friends in Paris and how they helped me through the transitional period of liminality.

Time alone for reflection is another essential aspect of study abroad. Sometimes we become lost in translation, literally and figuratively. As humans, we need time to process all of this information. We may find ourselves blindly following our peers’ interests, instead of pursuing our own. While it is great to broaden your horizon and visit a museum with your friend who loves art, maybe you could also reserve time to read a book at your favorite reading spot. I try to go to a location once a week by myself. I think solitary reflection is necessary for overcoming liminality; how can you become a new version of yourself when the opinions of others are affecting your experiences? Because my favorite reading spot is the Luxembourg Gardens, perhaps I could center my digital story around my independence and newfound freedom to venture out on my own which is something that I would never do at home.

Lastly, and arguably most important, is the idea of giving away one’s previous attitudes, behaviors, etc. One cannot expect to be fully immersed within a culture without abandoning their preconceived notions and old habits that may plague the voyager as they embark on new adventures. Allowing myself to relinquish American stereotypes of the French cleared a pathway to traditionally learn about the culture instead of blindly assuming all I have ever heard was true. Perhaps I could focus on my relationship with my host mother and how she either defies or supports typical stereotypes and how that has affected my experience overall.

After reading both digital story drafts, I felt I connected more with the first student’s. The writer beautifully described the process of familiarizing oneself with the host country through a specific location, which is similar to my favorite niche in France. The Luxembourg Gardens has allowed me to break out of my shell and independently explore the city.

Travel Log 14: “Global Connections and Rites of Separation” By: Erin Foley, Paris, France

As my semester is winding down and I am preparing to leave my temporary home of four months, Paris is heating up amidst new labor law reforms. President François Hollande has just forcibly approved a reformation to France’s Labor Code, facilitating easier lay offs without the consequence of harsh payoffs. A popular phenomenon amongst young sojourners, Richard Slimbach suggests that, “if we allow, global learning will not only carry us into the world around us, but also into this world within” (54). I believe that is the difference between being a resident of another culture who experiences life as a local and being a vacationer who simply observes this new world from afar. In order to delve into unfamiliar and sometimes uncomfortable depths, one must actively participate in the community to reach a sense of integration and comprehension. As a student attending a French university, I like to stay abreast of impending protests and strikes by watching the news and listening to the radio. Since many of these demonstrations affect my everyday life, from public transportation and even to safety, it is imperative that I remain hyper vigilant. This, however, is what separates the temporary visitor of the surrounding world from the citizen of the world within. Although a resident of four months, I understand the frustration and empathize with the French, who feel betrayed by their government. Instead of maintaining the typically rigid, American view that that the French are “lazy” for only wanting to work thirty-five hour weeks, I at least make an attempt to understand the root of the problem. Understanding does not necessarily equate to support and acceptance.

As someone with uniquely American roots, I sometimes think I lack important knowledge of the global community. Traveling abroad, I can affirm from personal experience, has opened my eyes to worldly issues. Due to a seemingly geographic coincidence, the United States seems to turn an unintentional blind eye to the social and political turmoil happening in Europe at the moment. That is not to say that we have not done our part on the war against terrorism, for example. I, however, am speaking purely from a personal standpoint. As an American citizen, I do not feel as informed as I should be on events happening in Europe. France, one of our closest allies, is facing a new revolution that recalls “May ’68,” a month-long rebellion that paralyzed the entire country until its end. In addition to political unrest, France is also trying to rebuild solidarity after the November 13^th terrorist attacks. The responsibilities of a global citizen include staying informed and understanding how the instability in one country, may affect yours. For instance, if France was the United States’ main supplier of cheese, yet the trucks are unable to make it to the airport due to protestors blocking major routes, this presents a problem for consumers. If only some goods make it to the U.S., the demand may be high but the supply low, thereby raising prices. Although a small scale, hypothetical issue, France’s continued disorder may have an unintended ripple effect on many other nations. As an informed global citizen, it is important to understand all of the possible consequences.

Since it is inevitable, I now must discuss separation, but this time from France. Because my host mother has been such an integral part of my study abroad experience, I want to make sure she knows how thankful I am for welcoming me into her home, encouraging me when I had an upcoming French exam, surprising me with little gifts, and lastly, offering me a real look inside what it means to be part of a French family. Before I leave, I look forward to sharing one last meal with her to express my utter gratitude for giving me all the keys to success this semester. I cannot help but feel melancholy. Since all my friends have left before me, a quote from Slimbach sticks out in my mind: “It is little wonder so many returnees speak of their sojourns as “life changing,” as they often generate vital reconnections with oneself and the outside world” (40). I wonder what reincorporation has been like for them and what sorts of things I can look forward to in the upcoming week. Although it excites me, I am also sad to be leaving the city of lights, which I was lucky enough to have had the chance to call “home” for four incredible months.

Travel Log 12: “Service” By: Erin Foley, Paris, France

Volunteering at any point during your life, especially while abroad, can be a rewarding and fruitful experience. Personally I believe interacting with the local community would be mutually beneficial—I would practice my French while giving back to the neighborhood that welcomed me in January. Volunteering can also be a way of observing different facets of the culture in which you are temporarily immersed. It may also help facilitate the liminal phase in which you retain an anonymous identity in order to discover yourself in a new light.

Given that it is very difficult to find volunteer positions that work perfectly with my schedule, I decided instead to research a non-profit organization that is based in France called, “Médecins Sans Frontières” or “Doctors Without Borders.” Founded in 1971 by a group of doctors and journalists, MSF (as it is commonly referred), employs teams of medical personnel to countries where the standards of living are quite low due to natural disaster or war. Their mission statement is as follows:

We are Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF).

We help people worldwide where the need is greatest, delivering emergency medical aid to people affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters, or exclusion from health care.” (Doctorswithoutborders.com)

In France alone, there exist nine satellite offices. Future volunteers flock to these centers to receive the best training before being shipped to a more permanent site. These offices keep in close contact with their affiliates to stay abreast of the political, religious and social climates in that particular country at that particular moment.

Aligned with the Universal Human Rights doctrine, the physicians and journalists who founded MSF felt that health care was an inherent right that all men, women and children bear. It should thereby be respected and carried out with the equality with which patients in first world countries receive: their lives matter just as much as ours do. Dr. and founder Bernard Kouchner explains,

It’s simple really: go where the patients are. It seems obvious, but at the time it was a revolutionary concept because borders got in the way. It’s no coincidence that we called it ‘Médecins Sans Frontières.’ (Doctorswithoutborders.com)

Global community is, according to our class, a shared living space of interdependent individuals endowed with universal human rights while choosing to act upon them, embracing differences and working towards common goals. Although I may not live in the same state or even the same country as those lacking basic medical care, we still partake in the same global community. An article from Business Insider titled, “The Ebola Epidemic Threatens the Global Chocolate Market” dated October 13^th, 2014, shows how a mass outbreak of a disease can impact an entire industry. Any farmers working the crops, for example, were susceptible to exposure, thereby weakening the work forces needed to harvest. Not to overshadow the seriousness of a life-threatening illness with what seems to be a frivolous market, but this example articulates the ripple effect felt by other nations if there is political, social or economic upheaval.

Author Richard Slimbach says,

The first step in this journey is to venture outside our comfort zones and get involved directly and personally in the lives of others, especially those occupying the margins of society…to create respectful and mutually beneficial relationships.

I have chosen to include a scene of a mountain where one man is reaching out his hand to assist the other to the top. This symbolizes the work of MSF: the man at the top is the physician with first-world training and experience, while the climber is an underrepresented nation that is in the process of improving, but just needs a little help getting there. Through this philanthropic interaction, we are able to create life-lasting relationships with people, as they will not forget that they were helped in a time of dire need.

Travel Log 11: “Holding up Half the Sky” By: Erin Foley, Paris, France

The overall message of Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide is to provide viewers with an inside look into the atrocities and inequities that many women in third world countries face today. From sex trafficking and slavery to genital mutilation and rape, these women, but most often young girls, are at the receiving end of some of the most inconceivable and heinous acts of oppression. As a way to draw media attention to these pressing matters, co-authors and husband-wife team Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn brought six actresses to six different countries where these issues are most prevalent. The goal of this book and later documentary is not to offer a philanthropic outlet to benefit the public appearances of each actress or provide publicity for WuDunn and Kristof’s book, but instead to inform the public of the goings on in countries to which we rarely give thought. Returning to the notion of Universal Human Rights, each person born unto this earth is entitled to certain freedoms. If you are a member of a first world country where these rights are inherently respected within your society, you hardly give a thought to an alternate universe where the opposite is true. If, however, you have the misfortune of being brought up in a third world country where violations of these rights happen often, perhaps you are unaware that such a document even exists, let alone that you are entitled to the same rights as your first-world counterparts.

After watching one of the girl’s stories, I was left feeling inspired instead of hopeless, like I felt with the others. Actress Gabrielle Union, equipped with her own tumultuous past, traveled to Vietnam to visit a young girl who travels thirty-five miles a day by bicycle just to attend school. In order to support the family, her father forced her to get a job selling lottery tickets at the local market. If she did not sell a certain amount, he would beat her as punishment. Unfortunately, there was also speculation that because she shared a bed with her father and brother, that perhaps she was also being sexually abused. Not only was there one cot but the flooding season had also left the dilapidated hut inundated with water and sediment. Despite all of the adversity in her life, she continues to pursue academics and the support of the program “Room to Read,” which encourages young girls in difficult situations to use literature as an escape. The smile never left her face, regardless of her situation, representing true courage. One particular thing is quite unsettling, however. This young girl did not once think to question her situation or wonder if all girls in the world commute over four hours a day to school. To her, this is normal. The abuse she faces when not accomplishing her tasks is commonplace. It is not until writers like Kristof and WuDunn shed light on these issues that the victims begin to question their situations.

Psychologists, although not highlighted in this documentary, could be useful personnel to employ in these countries. Once these oppressed women realize that the acts carried out against them are not normal but actually detrimental to their well being, they will need someone to help them cope with their trauma. Therapists help clients accept what has happened to them and understand how to change the current situation. In conjunction with the great programs that have already been started like Room to Read and New Light, psychologists could help these young girls better transition into their new lives. Even if they are unable to be completely removed from the situation, like the young girl from Vietnam who is too young to live on her own, at least a psychologist provides another helping hand to facilitate smooth life transitions.

Travel Log 10: “Encountering Globalization:” By: Erin Foley, Paris, France

When traveling to another country, it is impossible not to interfere with the flow of globalization. Everything you do is different from that of your host culture: the way you eat, dress, and talk, for example, are representative of your home culture. That is not to say, however, that these disparities impact the receiving culture in a negative way, but that there must be a healthy balance between celebrating differences while attempting assimilation.

The series, “The Travels of a T-shirt in the Global Economy” is a perfect example of how Western globalization can negatively impact a society. According to export agent, Barney Lehrer, “the largest export product from the United States to Africa, in general, is used clothing.” The camera then pans hundreds of Zambians wearing shirts with the faces of American celebrities, like Kurt Cobain and Michael Bolton, or slogans of American organizations like Boy Scouts and Disney World. One man sporting a Detroit Pistons t-shirt says, “I think it’s got a name of a basketball team…I think…in Detroit, Michigan…yeah.” Personally, I think it is quite odd to wear clothes representing people or organizations of which you are unfamiliar. Therein lies the problem of Western globalization; North America has strongly imposed its culture, via secondhand clothing imports, rendering Africans blind supporters of things of which they are clueless. Interestingly enough, Mark O’Donnell, spokesperson for Zambian Manufacturers Association, informs us that before 1991, clothing was the sole product that was not imported, but instead made in Zambia. Due to the incessant arrivals of used clothing, however, all of the manufacturers lost their businesses.

During my two-month stay in Paris, I have readily observed this type of negative globalization. French teenagers sport Adidas sneakers while drinking caramel macchiatos from Starbucks and snacking on a bag of Chicken McNuggets. It is even recognizable in the Americanized slang that has crept into the French language. Words like “stop,” “relax” and “job” are a few of the many English words that have found their way into the Francophone vernacular. Furthermore, much of the music and cinema in France are indeed, American. I even went to the movies last week to watch an American movie that did not have voiceover, yet still displayed French subtitles. Thus, my purchase of a ticket reinforces the demand for American cinema in France. This is true of most examples mentioned above, like “McDonaldization” or the high demand of American coffee.

Not all of globalization is negative, either. It can be a mutually beneficial experience for all parties involved. For instance, the French public transportation system is significantly more efficient than its American counterpart. Conversely, Americans know how to successfully get their point across during a disagreement without holding up its cities and half of the surrounding suburbs during strikes. If each country respectively extracted different aspects from the other’s culture, this would support the theory of positive globalization. Kevin Robins, author of “Encountering Globalization,” explains, “With mobility, comes encounter. In many respects, this may be stimulating and productive. Global encounters and interactions are producing inventive new cultural forms and repertoires” (240). In other words, the ideal culture should not be uniformly American or French. Instead, we should strive to incorporate ideals that the other cultures perform better, as I mentioned before. Without American musicians and actors, the French would not have much of its current music or cinema. Without French Haute Couture, Americans would be strangers to Chanel or Dior. Modern cultures would not be what they are today without the influence, positive or negative, of globalization.

I have included a picture of two opposing faces: one adorned with the American flag, the other with the French flag. It symbolizes that while they are two very distinct cultures, they are able to work in harmony and mutually benefit from each other’s strengths. This is especially apparent in today’s society when the world must unite in the fight against terror.

Travel Log 9:”Exploring Stereotypes”-By: Erin Foley, Paris, France

When a student decides to study abroad, they must not only accept the physical and symbolic separations of the home culture, but assimilate to an entirely different one as well. Naturally, the sojourner will juxtapose the cultures in an attempt to understand. This is the moment when many stereotypes arise. These all-encompassing terms exist as a way of categorizing certain facets of a culture. To Americans, the French (particularly Parisians) are snobby, stripe-wearing chain smokers who carry a baguette in one hand and a beret in the other. While some of these descriptions may ring true, it is unjust to classify a city of eleven million people, consisting of Paris itself plus its conglomerating suburbs, under a specific yet harsh definition. (For instance, I could count the number of people I have seen sporting a beret on one hand).

One particular hurdle I will overcome by the end of my semester is adopting the softness with which the French speak. They also tend to speak rather quickly, although probably their natural pace, and only quasi-pronouncing words. Therefore, the French view Americans as loud speakers who over-annunciate. This, however, is very apparent on the Metro, especially if I am with fellow Americans. The boisterous, and not so auditorily pleasing English drowns out the eloquent mutterings of French. That is not to say that English is an ugly language and French is the best in the world! In contrast, every time I visit Franprix, the cashier asks me, just above a whisper, if I have a “compte fidelite.” I have yet to understand him the first time and must ask him to repeat the question. Speak up for the deaf Americans, please! I have found this same issue at boulangeries and clothing stores. I do not understand this, as my host mother and I have no trouble communicating.

On the other side of the Atlantic….

Given the tumultuous state of the upcoming presidential election with Donald Trump leading the delegate count in the Republican race, opinions of Americans amongst the French have since declined. They are disappointed in their ally, as they should be. Although I am unable to speak from personal experience, a friend of mine wrote a Facebook post that detailed her experience in Paris. She describes being asked how our country can support a candidate as wildly outspoken and pompously ignorant as Trump, to which she recalls a feeling of being “lost for words.” Just as I have previously explained Americans’ narrowed view of the French, the opinion that all Americans are enabling and supporting Trump is infuriating. Due to my four months abroad, I was too late to submit an absentee ballot. I surely would not have supported and would have in fact, endorsed any candidate but him.

Stereotypes have existed for many generations with some validity. The majority of French people, if one is not educated about the many aspects of their culture, may come off as rude and unfriendly. This is simply because they do not smile at strangers with whom they make eye contact, as is common practice in the U.S. Most of the French, once you get to know them, are very friendly and approachable. The stigma simply originates from the perception that the majority represents the whole, which is a common misconception. This is the same logic behind the French disappointment in the American Trump supporters or that we are “loud or too friendly.”

I have included a picture of what appears to be an American southerner greeting a French man, who is sitting on the same bench, with a huge smile. The American is sporting a loudly printed shirt with a baseball cap and a large camera around his neck. I liked this image in particular because it portrays the common misconceptions between each culture. One key element of the American stereotype is that we all wear white tennis shoes. Interestingly enough, white Adidas are extremely popular amongst the French youth. I think this fashion trend that is continuously gaining status is symbolic of the breakdown of cultural typecasts between the French and Americans. Although it seems ridiculous that a sneaker could change the view of one culture, perhaps in the future we will see this new footwear fad spark a series of cultural adoptions, instead of barriers, between both France and the U.S.

Travel Log 8: “Global Responsbility,” Part II-By: Erin Foley, Paris, France

Social media resources—be it Facebook, Instagram or Snapchat—are the most successful and detrimental inventions to today’s society. As humans, we feel an innate need to belong to the “it” crowd. Many a time I have scrolled through my newsfeed to discover sites I must see in Barcelona or food I have to eat in Rome. Sightseeing and dining, although imperative to traveling abroad, are both consumerist activities. After all is said and done, am I going to remember the gift I bought at a store or perhaps the embarrassing but enriching interaction I have with a local when attempting to speak the native language?

I have found that there is a certain perspective that exists when examining the study abroad experience. Many students, American or otherwise, tend to aggregate with their own. I wonder why, then, did they choose to study abroad in the first place? The goal of study abroad, especially with this course, is to move outside of your comfort zone and learn about another culture through assimilation. Many Americans would describe having a strong sense of nationalism and believing the United States is “the greatest country” on Earth. While it is great to have national pride, it can be harmful to your host culture and your experience as a whole. In Rite of Passage Theory, this is what we call a “trickster:” a person or thing that interrupts and perpetuates the transitional phase. Although most students do not purposefully exude and impose their native ideals, they subconsciously shy away from the new culture. Slimbach states, “ American students abroad may not have stars-and-stripes patches sewn onto their backpack, or see themselves as having much in common with their “tourist” counterparts on luxury cruises and package tours. But neither are they eager to relinquish many of the comfortable amenities and social networks of home” (35).

For example, most French cafés and bistros offer a selection of burgers, as well as many French dishes. Instead of trying the escargot or duck confit, the American will order what they know they like, sometimes even in English, instead of venturing outside their comfort zone.

To combat the temptation of reverting to old ways, students can try different approaches. For every verbal exchange you have in your native tongue, try to match it with one in your host country’s language. Instead of pulling out your GPS for navigation, you could ask a native to show you the way. When you are eating a meal at a restaurant, ask your server what traditional meal they suggest. While out with friends, perhaps you strike up a conversation with locals of your age. All of these instances refute the stereotypes that study abroad students are reluctant to assimilate and temporarily adopt the host culture. Even after posing these suggestions, I have realized that I could improve in all these areas. Each day, the study abroad student should maximize their potential to portray global responsibility, instead of isolating themselves by clinging to remnants of their home culture.

Travel Log 7: “Global Responsibility, Part I”-By: Erin Foley, Paris, France

After being introduced to the horrifying events of the Rwandan genocide of 1994 through Shake Hands with the Devil, I was astounded by the lack of global intervention. Given that I was born two years after, I had heard of this atrocity but never fully understood the preface of the issue that led to full-scale massacre. According to the video, conflicts amongst the Hutu and Tutsi ethnic groups grew increasingly tense during the early 90s. The Hutu people, fearing minority status, waged a war that systematically eliminated a significant portion of Tutsi population. While this was a civil war in which only Rwandans perished, many other nations are blamed simply for their lack of involvement.

For my political cartoon, I have chosen a scene set in the United Nations headquarters that depicts a representative holding up a scroll to an empty room, albeit one person vacuuming, acknowledging “the UN’s role in the Rwanda Genocide.” The second air bubble says, “We won’t do anything” because that is exactly what they did twenty years ago when the violence was at its peak. I believe the artist included a single person seemingly occupied with her vacuum to represent the attitudes of major countries that had the power to prevent the genocide. She is ignoring the address while occupying herself with an arbitrary task in order to avoid acknowledging the issue all together.

Unfortunately, there were many human rights violations in the Rwandan genocide that are represented in this political cartoon. I have chosen three in particular: “everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person” (Article 3), “no one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment (Article 5) and “everyone has the right to a nationality…no one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his nationality nor denied the right to change his nationality” (Article 15) (Universal Declaration of Human Rights). Most obviously, the Tutsi people’s rights stated in Article 3 were infringed as the Hutu people used the rights stated in Article 5 against them. Therefore, the Tutsi people were denied right to a nationality and were treated quite poorly simply because of this. More powerful nations who freely possess these freedoms—like the United States or wealthy European countries—should have defended these human rights. Because these rights are human, every person inherently should have the power to exercise them. The rest of the global community feared involvement because of the widespread panic it would have caused. Instead of protecting human lives, the more powerful nations of the world preferred to turn a blind eye to the situation in Rwanda.

The parallel between the Rwandan genocide and the ongoing Syrian crisis is astonishing. Members of the Islamic extremist group are killing fellow Syrians if they do not agree with nor wish to follow the beliefs set forth. Innocent men and women alike are being slaughtered simply for holding different religious beliefs than those of their extremist counterparts. Fortunately, global treatment seems to have changed as more nations are realizing the severity of this group’s actions. France, England and many others are joining the United States in the fight against ISIS.

Travel Log 6: “The Mindful Traveler” By: Erin Foley, Paris, France

What comes to mind when I hear the term “mindful traveler” is a genuine and utmost respect for one’s host country. Therefore, one is mindful of the cultural, religious, socioeconomic and political differences that may differ greatly from those of the home nation. Too often I have vacationed in a country less off than the United States and only recounted what I did, bought, saw or learned there. This implies that everything I did was to benefit myself. About a week after my departure, I never give a thought to my impact on my temporary host culture. Because tourism is the main source of revenue in these countries, leaving a positive impact is especially crucial. According to Slimbach,“…we are all agents of cultural change…Because culture is never static, the question is not whether we will introduce change but in what direction? How might we journey in ways that strengthen rather than undermine the goals of economic growth, cultural preservation, social harmony, environmental protection, and spiritual flourishing?” (82).

Without the help of this course, I am unsure that my transformation from “careless drifter” or “mass tourist” into mindful traveler would be fully complete. One of the sole purposes of Rites of Passage Theory, though there are many, is to leave a positive impact on your host culture through observing, learning and embracing its differences. I also think that living in another country for an extended period of time forces one to integrate into the respective new culture. The act of rapid assimilation allows the traveler to reflect upon the host culture’s values in an attempt to truly understand them. If you do not adopt cultural norms rather quickly, you soon become the outsider.

Our class definition of global community defines said population as “a shared living space of interdependent individuals endowed with universal human rights, while choosing to act upon them, embracing differences and working toward common goals. Participating in the global community is absolutely voluntary. Although each individual is equipped with the same universal human rights, as stated by the definition, it is up to us to utilize these tremendous opportunities. The global community is the common thread that binds while there are many intricacies interwoven among us.

It is entirely possible to travel mindlessly, remaining ignorant to the host culture. In my opinion, this unfortunately happens quite often during short trips where the visitor may not have time to truly delve into the country’s history or culture. In order to actively participate in the global community, however, it is imperative that the traveler creates a mutually beneficial relationship with their host culture. There are many ways in which to become involved such as, studying the language of the host culture or working for an international corporation. While living in France this past month, I have pondered careers where I can employ my French skills. The United Nations, for example, is an organization that has strong ties with Europe and particularly, France. By getting the opportunity to work with this corporation, I would be forging international relationships within the global community.  Slimbach highlights an important tendency he calls “autopilot” that many travelers impose: “While autopilot helps us stay “on course” in the rush and pressure of daily life with a minimum of expended energy, there is a major downside. It tends to undermine our capacity to be “mindful”—to consider why, how, and with what effect we do what we do” (74). By inhibiting ourselves from understanding what kinds of changes our presence inflicts on the culture, we are therefore not partaking in the global community. For instance, I attempt to speak with locals when I can. I understand and appreciate the French wanting to preserve their language from being inundated with English vernacular. However, when they immediately detect a slight American accent, they may switch to English. We eventually reach our common goal of, say, a pastry sale. At the same time, I have displayed profound respect for their culture while they courteously use English in an attempt to facilitate the exchange more easily. Sometimes, this can be extremely frustrating because I am trying to improve my language skills. It almost discourages me from trying to adapt to their culture because I know that while they may appreciate my attempts, there is still something obstructing my entrance into their intimate, yet global, community.

I have chosen to include a picture of L’Arc de Triomphe, which was constructed under the reign of Napoleon I to commemorate his victories. Before crossing under the arch’s threshold, I was a representative of my American life, blind to any other culture. Passing through the other side is symbolic of my transformation into an active participant in the global community. Completing this process, through mindful travel, is a personal victory of sorts. Although incomparable to Napoleon’s many war triumphs, entrance into the global community is a large hurdle that I hope to overcome during my semester abroad.