I have to say I was a bit deflated on the bus ride from the border to Bangkok. Was Thailand going to be a modernized place? The highway was large and paved, with green reflective signs above, just like the US. Sigh. But soon we drove by traditional houses and in Bangkok proper there was a wonderful mix of old and new, sort of like Hong Kong.
What is it about modernized countries that bores many travelers...or in other words, what is it about developing countries that draws such a loyal following? In a word, the answer is Authenticity. Developing countries still exhibit signs of real life. People go to markets, make food at home, share with their neighbors, are generally warm and friendly, have some guiding life philosophy usually wrapped up in rich culture, and more importantly, are not tainted by the ills of modern society: greed, violence, certain health problems, among others. In their simplicity and authenticity, they seem happy.
We envy them for that, and at the same time, feel lucky enough to be invited into that peaceful existence during our visit. If we could, we would protect them from modernization: save yourself! keep your chopped mango instead of packaged potato chips! play games outside instead of on the computer! In what direction is modernization taking them? If we could envision the future state of these countries, is America really the model?
It would be nice to think that we could learn from the West's mistakes and help these countries grow into something more balanced and holistic than our countries are. A country that stays grounded rather than swimming in excess and one that looks after its environment. But alas, it's not likely to happen that way: there isn't someone in charge of Development across the globe that is looking at development and its problems as a larger system. (Oh where are our systems engineers when you need them?). Already, families here watch TV 24/7 and eat Pringles. Modern packaging - plastic of all kinds - litters the streets. ETC.
Where we will turn in 50 years to observe and experience authentic, untainted, and dare I say, happy, societies? Are there enough remote tribes to quell the desires of searching travelers, and once they are found, how soon else will they become tainted? Because unfortunately and ironically, tourism is the numero uno way (or is it TV?) to kick off the process of modernization.
It's not all that bleak. But there is a wonderful and interesting world out there - and a lot that we "lucky" ones - people born in modern countries - can learn from it. Maybe by taking back some of their old world ways, we can make our own societies, and lives, more balanced.
I have noticed this convergence of societies as well in my travels -- of course, people have (correctly) described my travelling philosophy of that of a fifty-year-old: mostly developed countries.
ReplyDeleteI don't know that I share your view that the old way really maximizes happiness, in fact. The anti-modernization view is IMO more of a nostalgia; a penchant for a simpler/better/etc life.
But this is often mistaken. Would you trade your life in a modern world for the life of one of the people you meet in some of the villages? It seems tempting, but ... scarcity of proper medical care, inability to travel (no money for it), being subject to capricious government action, etc. are all substantial costs that are easy to overlook at first. Modernization, for all of its ills certainly improves efficiency -- and that lifts people out of poverty. Figuring out how to modernize while not completely sacrificing one's culture is a laudable goal, though, I agree.
Also, greed is often maligned, but it is really at the core of capitalism and as such is really the driving force behind elimination of poverty. Sad as it is, it's probably one of the few things that's endemic to people regardless of culture.
ReplyDeleteyes, greed is central in us. but it can do good and evil, if left unchecked. (more that in the next post).
ReplyDeletere. simplicity and happiness. i agree its not completely accurate that they are "happy." without real opportunities and freedom of choice, speech (in cases of crap govts), etc, its almost like they cant miss what they dont have, or have to be resiegned to it. there are many societies still in that state, and its interesting that a common outcome in all cases is seeing this sense of satisfaction or real joy in the people, unmatched (or not found, or transformed somehow) in the modern world. what does this mean? perhaps they know better how to deal with the good and the bad that life brings them, since they are braced for it. maybe in this state, they appreciate more the little treasures of life are often overlooked by people in modern societies. its this sort of double-sided but vivid happiness that I mean. and i do think nostalgia plays into it - but in the form of actual nostalgia for the type of joy that is found in the old world.
An excellent book all about this is The City of Joy about the slums of Calcutta. It is REALLY ridiculously shocking and amazing. I recommend anyone to read it.