Poor Behaviour Abroad – It’s On Us
As borders reopened in the early 2020s after the Covid-19 pandemic peaked, most people were itching to fly abroad for a long-awaited vacation. Since then, there have been recounts of tourists violating local laws, disrupting local culture and being a nuisance to society. But can we really be blamed for this night-and-day change in our behaviour just because we’ve lived through a pandemic, or just because we are in a foreign land?
As a frequent traveller, I obey all rules and laws in the countries I visit, but even I know that there is a tendency to completely let loose once we are in a different country. Humans are capable of processing cognitive processes, being self-aware and adjusting their behaviour based on social norms. However, this isn’t necessarily reflected in some people’s conduct.
Sociologist and tourism scholar Doctor Peter E Tarlow stated that travel leads to lowered inhibitions and policing unruly tourists is getting tougher.
He says, “Many travellers enjoy the feeling of anonymity. They are more willing to engage in rude, semi-legal or even illegal activities which they would not engage in at home."
I’ve also worked part-time in customer-facing jobs and I’ve had my fair share of discourteous tourists who leave the shop in a state of disarray, or go to the extent of mistreating service staff. That had me wondering if this is how they would behave back home too.
Source: India Today
In Italy last year, a tourist was caught carving his initials into the 2000-year-old Rome’s Colosseum. When he was apprehended, he claimed that he did not know how old the monument was. Is the point really about how old the monument is, or that his mindset was completely wrong?
Adding to the list of sinful behaviours, a couple was charged for defacing the Tha Pae Gate, a popular Thai attraction dating back to the 13th century. The couple spray painted the side of the wall, causing irreversible damage to the monument.
Source: Chiang Mai News
Just this year, the Japanese town of Fujikawaguchiko erected a 1.8-metre high metal mesh fence to prevent tourists from jaywalking to take photos of the country’s iconic Mount Fuji. These are just a few of the many measures which various countries have taken to combat undesirable tourist behaviour.
Source: New Straits Times
Some tourists exhibit behaviours which reflect cultural insensitivity and entitlement. From insensitive treatment of local customs to degrading the environment, these appalling actions demonstrate a lack of empathy and understanding towards host countries. Bad behaviour should never be condoned, as it not only tarnishes our image as travellers but also reinforces stereotypes and fosters resentment among locals.
Ultimately, addressing our poor behaviour overseas requires a change in our mindset. Good behaviour beyond our borders is necessary as it not only enhances personal experiences but also reflects positively on one's home country. Maybe the pandemic kept people at home for too long…till they forgot how to behave overseas? While there aren’t any case studies to prove this, do you think the pandemic had a part to play in our poor behaviour overseas ?
