Other Travels

A long, long time ago I was a student at a prestigious PWI where I majored in African American and Diaspora Studies. Of all the things I remember, the concept of “Otherness” or “Othering” sticks with me most. Othering is in essence the idea that people we can’t relate to are something to be consumed. The thought that anyone who doesn’t fit becomes object instead of subject fascinates and disturbs me even now. As I watch, read, and listen to the tales of other travelers it’s never far from my mind. Sometimes the traveler is the Other, and sometimes the traveler is doing the othering.

Other

Being othered is such a common experience for Black women. Our style, our mannerisms, even our bodies are ripe for consumption without acknowledgement of our humanity. I can admit that I consider the likelihood of uncomfortable othering when I think about travel destinations. WTF is “uncomfortable othering” exactly? I probably made it up to be honest, but for me it’s a situation where I am objectified to the point that it is obvious that the other party doesn’t see or respect my humanity. I like to think that I’d be brave in the face of people sneaking to take my photo or attempting to touch my hair or body. In reality, a language barrier changes a lot of things, and I feel that I might not be so brave if I can’t verbally defend my personal space.

Anger

I’ve read countless stories about Black people who are photographed or touched without their consent while abroad. Every time it makes my skin crawl, and I get angry. I’m angry that people treated them this way. I’m especially pissed when they are complicit in their own othering. Every time someone says, oh they don’t know about Black people, or they’ve never seen Black people, I cringe.

I become absolutely enraged when these same Black people tell stories of how they danced or sang for the people othering them. Yeah sure, it’s their prerogative, but at the same time it’s further illustrating the beliefs that many people have about Black people existing for solely their entertainment. Yep, I’m the angry Black woman. Don’t touch me, don’t touch my hair, don’t take my picture, and for the love of God don’t talk about my ass because you think I don’t understand you.

RESPECT…

Now let’s have a look at the other side of things. As much as Black people (women in particular) are othered, we aren’t completely innocent when it comes to othering. Are we? I’ll speak for myself here. I’m a people watcher. Sometimes I want to photograph those people, but I know that there is a thin ass line between observing and othering.

These days, I always ask for permission, and explain what I’m doing with the photos. A lot of that is based on my personal hatred of being photographed. The rest is knowing how awkward it is to catch a stranger taking pictures of you. I also get that my camera can be a tool for destruction if I don’t check myself. When it comes to pictures, I always try to apply the following rules:

• Seek permission before photographing people.
• Obey the rules if you enter a space that doesn’t allow photography.
• Pay attention to your surroundings, and don’t feel entitled to take over the space inhabited by others.
• Remember that no one is obligated to help you take your pictures. Don’t impose on folks; it’s rude.
• Don’t go where you’re not supposed to just for the sake of a photo. You are endangering yourself and others.

I know this isn’t photography etiquette 101, but showing respect let’s people know that you see them on all levels. At the end of the day people aren’t props or accessories for you IG photo shoot, and you should at the very least show respect for spaces you’re allowed to enter. Travel is a privilege not a right. * ends preaching *

Beyond photos there’s the general reality that you are visiting someone’s home. You’re leaving at some point, but they live where you’ve come to play. They worship at the temples you gawk at, and they feed their families off of the goods/services you purchase. They are human, period. When you dismiss the rules or try to under pay folks, you’re saying I don’t see you, and you don’t matter to me. That takes a certain amount of othering to accomplish. Don’t be that person.

On Bias

Above I speak very generally about how we as travelers can be guilty of othering. It’s general because I’m at a loss. I can think of pointed examples of othering. My issue is that they all lean drastically in the direction of a group of people who are frequently guilty of othering people. Well not all people, just the ones who don’t match their idea of humanity. Writing this post that way would be neglectful on my part.

Thoughts?

It’s not that I have a problem calling people out for trash behavior, but I do I have a problem with incorrectly describing a situation. So let me stop here, and leave you with a question. Can a group of people who is classically the “othered” be guilty of othering? If othering requires a power dynamic to exist, is it possible for Black people to be guilty of othering when visiting places where they themselves are seen as Other?