Slumism

Another intriguing NYT article Slum Visits: Tourism or Voyeurism?

I read many of the comments linked to the article. The comments are certainly mixed. And while I visited a lot of slums and rural villages around the world - I really not sure how I feel about the concept.

Most of the time, it doesn't bother me, mostly because there is an element associated with most visits that hints of tourism, not voyeurism. Like when visiting a African village in Tanzania, the inhabitants run behind their huts change out of their jeans and put on their native dress. And prior to the tour group's departure they present a credit card machine and indicate they will accept the entrance fee in cash or credit.

But there was one time in Laos when that wasn't the case. It was true voyeurism. It was when we participated in a two day hike and overnight stay. The big difference was that this village was newly introduced to the "tourism" concept, and seemed somewhat oblivious as to why tourist would to pay to visit their village. It was a bit unsettling, very voyeuristic.