Tourist gaze

Definition

The tourist gaze refers to the way tourists view and interpret the culture and environment of a destination, shaped by their expectations, experiences, and cultural backgrounds. This concept emphasizes that the way people perceive a place is influenced by what they have been exposed to through media, advertising, and personal experiences, ultimately affecting how they engage with local art and culture.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The concept of the tourist gaze was popularized by sociologist John Urry in his 1990 book 'The Tourist Gaze,' where he explores how tourists engage with destinations.
2. Tourists often seek out experiences that align with their preconceived notions of a culture, which can lead to a superficial understanding of local traditions and practices.
3. The tourist gaze can contribute to the commodification of cultural artifacts and performances, turning them into products for consumption rather than preserving their original context and meaning.
4. This concept highlights the power dynamics between tourists and local communities, as the perceptions of outsiders can shape how local art is created, displayed, and valued.
5. Understanding the tourist gaze helps in recognizing how cultural tourism can impact the authenticity and integrity of African art as it is influenced by the expectations and desires of tourists.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of the tourist gaze influence the way tourists interact with African art?
  • The tourist gaze influences interactions with African art by shaping tourists' expectations based on media portrayals and stereotypes. This can lead to a desire for authenticity that may not align with the local context, causing tourists to overlook the true significance of the art. As a result, the engagement can become superficial, focusing more on aesthetic appeal than on understanding the cultural meanings behind the works.
• Discuss how the tourist gaze contributes to the commodification of African cultural expressions.
  • The tourist gaze contributes to commodification by transforming authentic cultural expressions into products that meet tourist demands. Local artists may adapt their works to fit what they believe tourists want to see, thus altering traditional practices. This shift can lead to a dilution of cultural significance as art becomes less about expressing community identity and more about catering to external expectations for consumption.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of the tourist gaze on African art and culture in relation to globalization.
  • The long-term implications of the tourist gaze on African art and culture amidst globalization can be quite complex. On one hand, increased visibility may provide economic benefits to local artists through tourism. On the other hand, it risks eroding traditional practices and altering cultural expressions to fit external perceptions. Over time, this dynamic could lead to a homogenization of culture where unique local identities are overshadowed by globally marketed versions of art designed for tourist appeal, ultimately impacting cultural heritage preservation.

Related terms

Cultural appropriation: The adoption of elements of one culture by members of another culture, often without permission or understanding, which can lead to misunderstandings and exploitation.

Authenticity: The perception of genuineness or originality in cultural expressions, often sought after by tourists when experiencing local art and traditions.

Ethnography: A qualitative research method focused on understanding cultures through immersive observation and participation in the daily life of a community.