2. Why does Kincaid have a negative view on tourist going to Antigua?
3. Why was the library important to Kincaid?
Jamaica Kincaid
expresses her opinion about the development of her hometown Antigua in her
memoir A Small Place. She begins by
writing about the tourist’s outlook on Antigua and her view on the tourist as a
native. Next, she reflects back on the memories of old Antigua and the British
colonial rule, which was a bad memory for her. Then Kincaid ends with some
present feelings of her hometown. Her story goes over major experiences or
issues that affect her and most likely other natives of Antigua.
She
explains Antigua is an Island full of poverty, yet it is a beautiful vacation
spot. Usually you would think that poor vacations spots would love when tourist
come because they will spend their money. However, tourism was one of Kincaid’s
major issues. Within the first page, she shows a negative viewpoint on tourism.
Kincaid has a lot of anger towards the Antigua government and feels they care
more about the tourist then the natives. She describes all the hard work and
suffering the natives go through each day while the tourist look at how
beautiful the place is and ignore the drought, poverty, and limited fresh
water. As Kincaid says the tourist are traveling to get away from their
everyday lives and boredom. I think she feels tourist come into Antigua with a
misunderstanding on what an Antiguan natives everyday life is like and only
care about enjoying the beautiful land. Another issue that upsets her is the manners,
she writes that Antiguan people look at the tourist as “ugly” people and they
are laughed at behind closed doors. I think those are perfect ways to show how
the natives have such a negative view on tourist. Kincaid looks at the tourist
like they are invading a land that does not belong to them. Her tone she writes
with in the entire memoir shows her frustration with the tourist coming to
Antigua.
Hi Samie! You have made some greatpoints. I wonder if Kinkaid is actually looking at the tourists and colonists in the same light. After all, both groups have arrived to exploit her people and native land by reaping the benefits of Antigua for their own benefit.
ReplyDeleteYour response is interesting because this made me think, do tourist really think about droughts or the problems of the places they go and visit? Personally, I don't think so because people travel to get away for awhile and unwind, but since she is from Antigua she knows the issues and the suffering the natives go through.She does seem frustrated with the tourism going to Antigua but do you think that they would view her as a tourist for going to Antigua.
ReplyDeleteI can see where you are coming from. It's true. When I go traveling, I tend not to look at the actual culture of the place and just search for things to entertain me on my stay there. Indeed, I am guilty of this action. Then again, I am pretty sure a majority of travelers suffer from this unfortunately. However, at some rare moments, I some times actually admire the culture, and when I do, I see the natives give off a more approving and welcoming aura to me. After all, everybody wants to be recognized for what they do. Therefore, what Kincaid talks about is not just something that goes on between tourist and native but it is simply human nature.
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