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
- Setting the frame
- SPFE- Society for the Preservation of the (wild) Fauna of the Empire
- Master-servant relation in ecotourism
- Master-servant relation in sex tourism
Objectives and Key Themes
This seminar explored the enduring legacy of colonialism through the lens of tourism, demonstrating how modern practices like ecotourism and sex tourism can perpetuate colonial power dynamics. The seminar focused on the historical development of colonial practices and their impact on the present-day tourism industry.
- The perpetuation of colonial power dynamics in modern tourism practices.
- The role of nature preservation in colonial history and its relationship to ecotourism.
- The 'master-servant' relationship in tourism and its connection to historical power imbalances.
- The impact of tourism on developing countries and the agency of local populations.
- The role of corporations and international organizations in shaping tourism practices.
Chapter Summaries
The seminar began by introducing the key terms 'colonialism' and 'imperialism' and illustrating them with examples of colonial practices in Africa. The concept of 'emparkment' was introduced, emphasizing the historical process of land enclosure in Britain and its connection to the establishment of national parks in Africa. This section highlighted the role of the Society for the Preservation of the (wild) Fauna of the Empire (SPFE) in shaping nature preservation in Africa and the motivations behind its actions.
The second part of the seminar delved into the concept of 'master-servant' relations in tourism, specifically examining how ecotourism can perpetuate colonial power structures. The seminar questioned the motives behind ecotourism and highlighted the potential for exploitation of local populations. The seminar further explored the complexities of the 'master-servant' relationship within sex tourism, highlighting the intersection of colonialism and gendered power dynamics.
Keywords
Key themes and concepts explored in this seminar include colonialism, neocolonialism, ecotourism, sex tourism, master-servant relations, nature preservation, power dynamics, corporate tourism, and the agency of local populations.
- Quote paper
- Franziska Bauer (Author), Magdalena Holowinska (Author), 2008, Colonialism and Neo-Colonialism, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/137116
