Are our codes of conduct decided as we journey through life, or are they instilled in us from childhood?
We personally are currently facing an ethical dilemma!
There is a country that we have talked about visiting for years, and now an opportunity has arisen. However, since making up our minds to go, the current regime is treating a section of the population in a way that makes our blood run cold.
Do we go or stay away?
Of course there are two sides to this coin as many other people in this country rely solely on visitors for their livelihoods - cooks, cleaners, farmers, shops, drivers, guides.
If you have been faced with similar challenges what decision did you make?
Of course there are two sides to this coin as many other people in this country rely solely on visitors for their livelihoods - cooks, cleaners, farmers, shops, drivers, guides.
I shouldn't go if I was you, it must feel uncomfortable to know people are suffering there...
ReplyDeleteThe atrocities conducted are over now, but it has still left us feeling uncomfortable.
DeleteHello Rosemary, For all I know, you could be talking about the United States, but in general I would not want to support an area whose official principles and actions I do not approve. As you point out, you do in some degree support the people themselves, but you also support the government with taxes and with your tacit (but public) approval that it is doing the right thing.
ReplyDelete--Jim
Hello Jim - we will not do anything in haste, but bide our time and see how things develop before making any commitment.
DeleteThat's a tough one. Someone I know well had no scruples about going to Mayanmar recently - and of course the other aspect is one of personal safety. Would you have the same hesitation about visiting China - or anywhere else with dodgy human rights, or a government that you disapprove of? I can think of several without trying very hard - including some friendly powers! On balance, I think I'd go, but warily; realistically, going or staying won't help the people concerned.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mike - I have found your comments in particular very useful - thank you. You are right about other countries - it is a question we need to mull over carefully before coming to any definite decision.
DeleteMy Rare One and I sometimes travel with a lawyers' group who organize an annual international guided trip to various countries (for example, we went to Japan and Tahiti with them). They chose not to organize a trip to Uganda after being advised of its death penalty for homosexuals.
ReplyDeleteWe refused to consider going to South Africa many years ago, and only went this year because of apartheid. However, whether or not things have really improved very much for so many people, I am not so sure.
DeleteDear Rosemary, If you feel, that on this trip, you would be safe, than I would go. Then you can see for yourself and maybe arrive at a better understanding of why things are the way they are.
ReplyDeleteDear Gina - there are no safty issues for travellers as far as I am aware - thank you for your helpful response. I think that we will not do anything in haste and watch the situation carefully.
DeleteIf I truly found the government repugnant I wouldn't go. We use to live in Turkey and have talked about revisiting, but with the current government and their policies we won't go.
ReplyDeleteTurkey is country that I have travelled in widely and love. I understand what you are saying about the present government; Erdogans political initiatives are not democratic but are divisive. However, I have several blogging friends who live in Turkey, and I know that many who rely on tourists are really suffering now.
DeleteI would go, so long as your personal safety isn't an issue. Though saying that.... If I felt that I was going to constantly be offended by the treatment inflicted on others, the trip wouldn't be worth it to me.
ReplyDeleteThere would be no problem with our safety Catherine, and we would not see anything offensive either. The action took place in a very remote corner of the country and is now no more.
DeleteI have found everyones comments extremely helpful - I think that we will just hold off at the moment and see what happens.
I have made a habit of not going to places that are having any turmoil that might impact my safety or the stay .. If I am spending that much money and time to visit a place, I do not want to be sad, afraid, offended or in danger .. political situations are an immediate sign to me to avoid that visit .
ReplyDeleteIt might be selfish, but I have gotten to the point where I think of myself first when it comes to travel in far away places.
You have to decide for yourself .. what harm will it bring ? cause ? will you be in danger ? will you be helping by being there ? Good luck on your decision ..
As I have mentioned to Catherine comment the action happened in a very remote corner of the country and there would be no problem at all to our safety.
DeleteI think that we should wait and see just how the situation is resolved.
I would feel uncomfortable about going to a country as a tourist whose governing regime was treating one of the ethnic minority groups badly. I don't think a regular tourist would be able to go to the region where this particular situation is going on. Spending money as a tourist might help the economy, but I wouldn't go until the regime had changed the attitude and actions of discrimination. To go or not to go? I'm sure you're better informed about the country you would like to visit and can make your decision based on what you know.
ReplyDeleteFrom your comment I am guessing that you know which country I am talking about! I do know that the local people are very kind and gentle, and not responsible for the regime that has been inflicted upon them.
DeleteCan't help with your dilemma but I love your photos.
ReplyDeleteYes, it is a dilemma that we have to work out for ourselves in the long run, but thanks for your comment re the photos which I appreciate.
DeleteThat is a difficult decision. Personally, I would not go. Would rather not take the risk.
ReplyDeleteYour first photo is beautiful and suits the dilemma well: inviting, but uncertain.
Everyone has been so helpful Betty with their comments - thank you.
DeleteI am so pleased that you interpreted the photo correctly.
Code of conduct is instilled as a child with 2 parents if possible, later in life we adjust that code of conduct to the times of today.
ReplyDeleteIf the problem of where you might go passes and you feel comfortable then go, if not stay at home or go elsewhere. It's a gut feeling I expect, I know it would be for me.
This is good advice Margaret - message 'wait and see'.
DeleteThe world seems more complicated now than when I was a child. I saw things in black and white as a young woman; now there are so many shades in between. Making a decision like this is one to consider, as you are doing, and to not rush. I feel the same about investing in companies that profit from things I consider unethical or immoral.
ReplyDeleteThinking some more...I do not know of any country whose human rights slate is perfectly clean. I think of Canada and the shameful way the First Nations peoples were treated, and the prejudice that continues in the United States and the gypsies in Europe and the UK, and on it goes.
DeleteDear Lorrie - I agree so much with what you say. The world for me too used to be black and white. We didn't know or even have any awareness of what went on in the world whereas today we are bombarded with atrocities in our livingrooms on a daily basis.
DeleteAs a child we used to celebrate Bonfire Night and burn a Guy Fawkes dummy - I would not do that today or attend a firework display - it was horrific the way in which the Catholics were treated in our country during that period of our history, and certainly not something to celebrate.
You have given me so much food for thought - thank you.
I hear that we should listen to our instincts, but being a scaredy cat like me you would never go anywhere.Selfishly I would say go, but that is because I would like to see the beautiful pictures and informative narrative.
ReplyDeleteI am not scared myself Janey - most of the places that I have travelled to have never given me any concerns. However, my husband once flew into Beirut and found himself in the middle of a battle - now that would make me terrified.
DeleteI agree about "instincts" .. there are places that some say are perfectly safe or fine etc but I have a hesitation in finding out for myself .. and I have traveled quite a lot and often on my own. Most ... maybe all the decisions I made and places I went , were perfect ... that is not a brag, I have made some doozies in mistakes but those have oddly been personal, trusting the wrong people etc ... but as far as where I wander, there hasn't been a really big mistake yet :)
ReplyDeleteI have no doubt you will do what is exactly right for you and it will be perfect.
Thanks for your seal of approval Candice - I shall mull over all of these interesting comments and make a decision in the New Year.
DeleteTricky one but I've not been in that situation fortunately. I'd be more worried about my own safety, as I have been in minor conflict zones in the past. I was not that concerned then about what the locals were confronting- only me :o)
ReplyDeleteThere would be no risk to ourselves Bob but I have taken your comment onboard.
DeleteDefinitely a dilemma , I never was in a situation like that, but I wouldn't go if it meant I wouldn't feel safe in the place.
ReplyDeleteThere would be no problem at all surrounding our safety, it is just the fact that the ruling regime has treated some of its people in a way that we do not approve of.
DeleteI would say go - the people of this country have enough problems from their government, depriving them of income from overseas visitors will not make their lot any easier.
ReplyDeleteI know you speak from your local experience in Turkey, and what you say is so true.
DeleteGood morning dear Rosemary,
ReplyDeleteMost important thing is, only go when you feel safe.
Have a wonderful day
Rosehugs Marijke
Good advice - lovely to see you here♡
DeleteA difficult dilemma. The only thing I could say is that it would depend on the individual situation.
ReplyDeleteThank you William - we have decided to make our minds up after Christmas and the New Year are over.
Delete