Expert: Ralph Salier - 7/30/2006

Question
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO STUDY CULTURAL CONSTRUCTION AND ALTERNATIVE TOURISM GEOGRAPHIES?

Answer
Mr. Guanzon,

Cultural Construction is a recent development in the field of Anthropology in which we explore the cultural diversity of behavior and its spread.  This would include the changes in behavior surrounding sexuality in a world with HIV, the changes in views around the world concerning terrorism and also tourism.  As we (humans) move around the world and see things our world view changes and these changes become ingranined in how we behave after the experiance.

An example of this would be to visit the Costa Richan Rain Forest (An alternative tourism geography) and how this experiance changes you as a person.  What has been found in research studies, is that we develop a profound sense of awe and a desire to preserve and protect the rain forests which remain around the world.  This is not a change of heart but rather an educational experiance in which we loose our ignorance and gain knowledge and an appreciation of life beyond our limited scope.  

Since this is a growing phenomena around the world, it has garnered the value of study since it can be used by every one today to manipulate populations and belief systems.