Reflecting Back on this Semester
This semester i was able to learn a lot in my PRT 5610/6610 International Tourism Class. I learned about the borders that exist not only on maps but culturally, socially, economically, and politically. I have also learned how to effectively use technology to improve my writing skills and reach more individuals through the use of blogs, Pinterest, and creating infographics and other images. These skills will greatly help me in the future as I plan to interact with many more people across the world and across cultural barriers.
Terrorist or ally?
When you look at this man do you imagine a terrorist? A freedom fighter? A global citizen? A father? Could he be all of these things? He may be aiding coalition forces against insurgents in the Middle East, or he may be aiming at a US convoy. The issue is we don't always know. Some of this confusion is due to boundaries that are set up, sometimes even subconsciously. The average American could not speak with this man, visit this man, or understand the political and economic turmoil he and his neighbors are going through. This man comes from a background very different from most Westerners. He speaks a different language, practices a different religion, comes from a society with very different rules, and understands money and politics in a very different light. Understanding all these barriers and how they interact with other cultures is important for a global society. Globalization is constant and changing the face of the Earth every day. Some day I may have to do business with this man or another very much like him. I'll need to understand what offends him, his honor, his family, his religion, how to avoid that and how to make him feel as if I am not a threat to him or his culture. Learning about different cultures, experiences, and habitats in my International Tourism class has helped better prepare me for this by highlighting these boundaries and how to overcome them.
Another useful skill I have learned in this class is the use of multimedia and internet writing tools to help bring awareness to issues in the world. Using Pinterest, Facebook, and my blog here I have helped spread awareness about terrorism's affect in the Middle East and the world as well as the current problem with landmines across the globe and how we can help to demine the land that has been contaminated. Creating a blog is something I had never done before but I really enjoyed making it and adding to it. Writing to inform an audience is something that I enjoy and learning how to better use tools on the web like Pinterest and blogging made it more enjoyable as well. Using these tools is crucial in this age because technology and the internet can reach millions of people at the click of a button. One "pin" shared on Pinterest can be re-shared a thousand times over and seen by millions. The technology of today is phenomenal and really does a lot for the cause of the eco-tourist, eco-scientist, and all around eco-friendly person. We can continue to use these tools to share vital information, raise awareness, and help change the planet.
Another useful skill I have learned in this class is the use of multimedia and internet writing tools to help bring awareness to issues in the world. Using Pinterest, Facebook, and my blog here I have helped spread awareness about terrorism's affect in the Middle East and the world as well as the current problem with landmines across the globe and how we can help to demine the land that has been contaminated. Creating a blog is something I had never done before but I really enjoyed making it and adding to it. Writing to inform an audience is something that I enjoy and learning how to better use tools on the web like Pinterest and blogging made it more enjoyable as well. Using these tools is crucial in this age because technology and the internet can reach millions of people at the click of a button. One "pin" shared on Pinterest can be re-shared a thousand times over and seen by millions. The technology of today is phenomenal and really does a lot for the cause of the eco-tourist, eco-scientist, and all around eco-friendly person. We can continue to use these tools to share vital information, raise awareness, and help change the planet.