Earlier I expressed how tired I get from time to time when I read just about any news out there pertaining to black Americans. Most of what we here in the press is our so-called never ending struggle to be seen as “equals” in the eyes of whites.
When this kind of rhetoric is played over and over again, the obvious effect it leaves is a very bleak picture of yourself as well as the black community at large. Doing things like travel (outside the typical places we may go like to the Caribbean, Florida, etc.), camping, skiing, or even learning a different language seems like something that only whites should do for many in our community. I will mention here that fortunately there is a tiny “up tick” of black folk that are venturing out in these areas.
One of the reasons you will get from many black Americans as to why we do not travel as much will be an issue of economics. As true as this may be for some, I submit that it has more to do with the fear of the unknown and our willingness to allow media and our false perceptions of the rest of the world than the lack of finances. If this trend could be simply blamed on the lack of finances, why is that Africans can be seen traveling as well as taking up residences all over places Europe? Answer: many Africans are taught that the world is just as much theirs as anybody else while black Americans are taught that that the world owes us (”why should I visit somewhere like The Netherlands? They haven’t done anything for me.” This would be a typical response you would get from many black Americans. ) Simply put, if we can save enough money to go to places like the Caribbean, Las Vegas, etc. , we can do the same for places like Europe and beyond. It may cost a little extra, but it is something that I know we are quite capable of doing. Bottom line, it is all in how we manage our money (which is a whole issue in of itself).
Here is an excerpt from an article that I just came across that further discusses what I have been talking about in this piece:
When was the last time you hopped a plane and jetted off to Paris? How about Milan, Toyko or even Sydney? The fact is, not a lot of young african-americans venture to foreign countries. There must be a reason for the low numbers of black travelers. Could it be fear, lack of travel funds, lack of interest or unfamiliarity with possible destinations? Most travelers have crossed paths with one or a combination of all of these at some time or another, but while walking the streets of Stockholm, Madrid and Krakow, I noticed a familiar site….the absence of black faces. (more…)
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Although you concentrate on Black Americans, the vast number of Americans in general do not travel abroad. The percent of Americans who hold a passport ranges from 7% to 20%.
Outside of the military, Americans who travel abroad for business reasons is very small.
America is a very insular country and its neighbors don’t require a passport for short visits. Europeans, by contrast, are expected to learn multiple languages in school and the time and expense to visit another country is very minimal.
I absolutely agree that traveling to another country is eye-opening and actually makes you appreciate America more (at least it did for me). I have been fortunate to travel to the Middle East and Europe and plan on expanding my travel in the future. More Black Americans should visit another country just to find out there are brothers and sisters living on every part of this globe, not just in the ‘hood.
many african americans do not travel abroad, because african americans live in america, and most americans do not travel abroad for various reasons.
i believe the number one reason is fear and ignorance
the fear of the unknown. people are comfortable with being around people who are more or less like themselves.
african americans might feel uneasy visiting a place like Korea or Japan, because the belief that they will not be accepted. maybe a korean shopkeeper mistreated an african american, so in turn the whole korean race is judged to be like this, which is not true.
I have noticed that africans (immigrants) tend to be more open, and travel around the world extensivly. Not sure why though.
I agree with you on the number one reason African Americans do not travel abroad is out of fear and ignorance.
Reason 2 is poverty, lack of education and the “peculiar institution” or entrenched lunacy of ghetto life. No one is allowed to leave or advance unless they also bring along and support some low life from the hood.
Africans travel if they have money and education, and are no different than African Americans in that regard. From watching Oprah and reading media reports, it is not open (education and advancement) to all Africans and especially females.