The seminar dealt with the issue of colonialism and neo-colonialism. The discussion was mainly based on four articles followed by five questions that were given as a guideline for the seminar. The following articles have been used: “Dukes earls, and ersatz Edens: aristocratic nature preservations in colonial Africa” by Neumann, “Third World tourism as neo-colonialism” by Pleumarom, “There's no such thing as ecotourism” by Rufus and “Mainstreaming holiday sex and the neo-colonial attitude” by Michel. The first four questions discussed the notion of colonialism as reflected in the work of the Society for the Preservation of the Fauna of the Empire. The fifth question was to critically evaluate that colonialism is not dead, relying on the last three articles mentioned above that concerned the work of corporate tourism industry.
The intention was to demonstrate that colonialism as understood in past terms is no longer existent, yet it developed new forms of oppressions that are skilfully camouflaged in the actions of corporate tourism companies based in developed countries that control most of the tourism industry in the undeveloped world. The attitude of the visitors towards the visited is reflected in the complex ‘master-servant relations’ that are discussed in the second part on the example of Green tourism and sex tourism.
Table of Contents
1. Setting the frame
1.a. SPFE- Society for the Preservation of the (wild) Fauna of the Empire
2.a. Master-servant relation in ecotourism
2.b. Master-servant relation in sex tourism
Objectives and Topics
This work examines the continuity of colonial structures in the modern tourism industry, specifically focusing on how neo-colonial attitudes and master-servant relationships persist in ecotourism and sex tourism. The central research objective is to demonstrate that while historical colonialism has officially ended, it has evolved into new, camouflaged forms of oppression controlled by corporate entities from developed nations.
- Historical context of colonialism and the "emparkment" process
- The formation and ideologies of the Society for the Preservation of the (wild) Fauna of the Empire (SPFE)
- Critical analysis of "Green tourism" as a reinterpretation of neo-colonial power dynamics
- The complex power interplay between tourists and local populations in the sex tourism industry
Excerpt from the book
1. Setting the frame
The seminar opened with a brief explanation of two terms: colonialism and imperialism in order to draw a distinction between them and so ensure better understanding of the topic. The definitions were taken from the web page of the Princeton University (2007).
Colonialism – exploitation by a stronger country of weaker one; the use of the weaker country's resources to strengthen and enrich the stronger country
Imperialism - a political orientation that advocates imperial interests/ a policy of extending your rule over foreign countries
The term colonialism was further illustrated with a cartoon (Hall, 1997) that shows an innocent white girl with her adult African doll. This picture reflects the relations between the colonists and the colonised, the superior behaviour of the first towards the latter who need to be looked after. The doll can be read either as a symbol of child-like innocence and pure intentions towards the colonised, or in satirical terms, as a representative of naïve attitude towards and complete ignorance of the inhabitants of the black continent.
Summary of Chapters
1. Setting the frame: Defines core concepts like colonialism and imperialism, and provides historical context on "emparkment" and the origins of the SPFE.
1.a. SPFE- Society for the Preservation of the (wild) Fauna of the Empire: Examines how the SPFE justified wildlife conservation as a moral battle, despite its role in displacing local populations.
2.a. Master-servant relation in ecotourism: Discusses how modern Green tourism often maintains unequal power structures that echo historical colonial patterns.
2.b. Master-servant relation in sex tourism: Explores the exploitation within sex tourism, highlighting the blurred roles of "master" and "servant" through case studies in the Dominican Republic, Palestine, and Thailand.
Keywords
Colonialism, Neo-colonialism, Imperialism, SPFE, Ecotourism, Sex tourism, Master-servant relation, Nature preservation, Corporate tourism, Exploitation, Power dynamics, Tourism industry, Displacement, Global inequality, Cultural representation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental focus of this publication?
The work explores the transition from historical colonialism to contemporary neo-colonial structures, specifically as they manifest within the global tourism industry.
What are the primary thematic areas explored?
The key themes include nature conservation (specifically national parks), the ideology of ecotourism, and the power imbalances inherent in international sex tourism.
What is the central research question?
The research asks how modern tourism practices perpetuate colonial-era power dynamics and "master-servant" relationships under the guise of progress or environmental protection.
Which scientific methodology is utilized?
The text employs a comparative analysis of scholarly articles, historical records, and case studies to link historical colonial justifications to current tourism industry trends.
What topics are covered in the main section?
The main sections analyze the origins of the SPFE, the critique of "Green tourism," and the exploitation found in the sex tourism trade in various geographical locations.
Which keywords define this work?
The work is defined by terms such as colonialism, neo-colonialism, ecotourism, power dynamics, master-servant relations, and corporate exploitation.
How did the SPFE impact local populations?
The SPFE facilitated the displacement of indigenous people to create private-style hunting parks, justified by the belief that aristocrats were "protecting" the land from "savage" natives.
How does the author characterize the relationship in Thai sex tourism?
The author notes a complex duality where economic reliance and emotional manipulation can shift the power balance in ways that are not always clear-cut between the tourist and the worker.
What does the term "emparkment" imply in this context?
Emparkment refers to the historical UK practice of fencing off common land for aristocratic use, a model that the authors argue was exported to Africa during the colonial period.
What is the significance of the quote by John Stuart Mill?
It illustrates the historical tendency of colonial powers to perceive themselves as altruistic "missionaries" and "providers" rather than oppressors.
- Quote paper
- Franziska Bauer (Author), Magdalena Holowinska (Author), 2008, Colonialism and Neo-Colonialism, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/137116
