Beyond Fairs, Contemporary Cultural Tourism and Ehtnokitsch (Essay Sample)

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Beyond Fairs, Contemporary Cultural Tourism and Ehtnokitsch
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Beyond Fairs, Contemporary Cultural Tourism and Ehtnokitsch
In this reading, Jonaitis and Glass use the totem pole to analyze cultural tourism. Today’s artists and the native society exist within the contemporary world. “The dynamism of cultural tourism in the current global ethnic marketplace is more than simply evidence of the failure of total colonial assimilation and the error of the “vanishing races” trope: It is central to the First Nations strategies of visibility and self-determination.” However, many of the artifacts in the culturally attraction are not a true reflection of the natives because outsiders have tampered with them. For instance, not all totem poles displayed sold at native sites made by the local people. In summary, this reading covers a collaboration of multiple aspects of today’s cultural tourism. In specific, aspects such as the digital media, souvenir kitsch, theme parks and native-operated businesses are explored. In addition, the changing dynamics of totem poles as a contemporary art are put into perspective.
Totem poles have maintained a constant presence in fairs and theme parks. Since the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition, totem poles have taken center stage in many theme parks.  These attractions still captures the imagination of tourists and other art-loving people. They are not only the main attraction of the Northwest coast, but a representation of its natives. As the article maintains, these carvings provide the intercultural history of the Northwest from the eighteenth century to date. However, focusing on historical artifacts alone has seen museums compete unfavorably with theme parks for visualization. An article by Barco reiterated that attracting more visitors remains the main challenge for venues and attraction today. In this digital era, passive audiences are few since tourists either want to participate actively or drown in the experience. For that reason, theme park concepts are now widely applied in the exhibition of totem poles as they provide visitors with an almost authentic demonstration of Native Americans’ history.
Although contemporary tourists can consult an array of guide books and tour companies, the internet provides a better alternative. The internet is a medium through which a wide range of updated information is accessed. With the help of the internet, information on where to see or how to order poles is obtained instantaneously. Furthermore, museums have uploaded their photographic collections of totem poles on their sites or in promotional sites. The reading further reiterates that the US library of congress has a large collection of the totem pole database. The database contains 2300 photographs and 7700 pages of information borrowed from various sources. In addition, theme parks and museums have adopted interactive technology. For instance, people are able to observe live virtue sessions of how totems are assembled. Some animations add sound and movements to the virtual totem pole experience. Moreover, video games are making these arts relevant through their interactive nature.
Contemporary cultural and ecotourism is a fast growing niche in the tourism sector. The term ‘ecological Indian’ was coined to restate the importance of the natives to a tourist attraction. “Indigenous people are intrinsically both components and custodians of nature.” Live dances and story-telling session complements the wildlife and the art. Native outfits are distinguished from their non-native competitors through cultural presentations and demonstrations. Nothing offers more satisfaction than visiting a native site where ancient poles and buildings are still intact. Tourists often return home with photos or souvenirs as memories of their visit. Sadly, it is common to find dubious and poor quality totem models since some come from as far as Asia. Therefore, production of native-looking artifact overseas is a serious issue. To say the least, native artists lose their source of income. Nonetheless, original artists may legitimize controlled production of the “Kitsh” artifacts. In this regard, the natives control the distribution of the art. As a result, the destination and its people are transformed.
Finally, new technology has made the theme parks more eventful. Technology is capable of manipulating people’s relationship and understanding. Although many people believe all totems are ancient artifact, some are recently done artistic coverings designed to meet the needs of the current generation. Nonetheless, Cultural attractions are not just to be preserved for future generations, but are assets for the natives. Thus, tourists are advised to buy souvenir kitsch from the natives and use native guides, whose families have lived in the attraction sites for many years. Cultural tourism, when managed well, can provide employment and economic development to the locals. Money generated from cultural tourism motivates communities to preserve their culture, heritage and artifacts or device better ways of attracting tourists.
Bibliography
Barco. Site...