Travelling Perceptions & Safety: Why I don’t Allow the Experiences Stop me From Seeing The World?
The social digital world will tell you how unsafe the world is. The media will show you the poor areas of Africa, screening epidemics of Ebola and all types of diseases. They will even go as far as showing documentaries of drug cartels in South America – many that can be found on Netflix. But should you allow the digital world stop you from seeing the world.
They will go so far till you have become so scared of the place. You no longer want to go or have an interest in travelling.
Another thing they do is show black people in a bad light – this is the worst. Why would you wanna go somewhere that doesn’t welcome black people?
The digital world has grown so much more in the last few years. And more people are travelling around the world. However, there are many people in the world that are terrified of seeing the world. Some of these people have a personal choice of not seeing the world. They allow the world to dedicate how they live or how one should live their life, which is a scary feeling.
Let me give you an example.
I have been to some (not all) places which are considered to be ‘dangerous’ and for a black young woman! In saying that, I’ve also been to real safe countries. Take Singapore for example, it is considered one of the safest countries in the world. Safer than England.
I remember the first time I told people that I was moving to Singapore. Many were, of course, happy for me. There was also the other side which surprised me! Several peoples reactions where – oh my gosh but there are no black people there! This saddened me because I was about to take an adventure of a lifetime, but some just didn’t get it.
Looking back now, I am so glad I didn’t let this get to me. Let people negative reaction get to me. If I did, I wouldn’t have seen all of South East Asia and met worldwide lifetime friends! In all honesty, it’s about finding the time to do your own research of a country and deciding whether it’s safe for you to go!
As I have grown older I have learnt, to taste and see the world for what it really is. After the ordeal, I received while in Greece, Athens. I never imagined writing something like this. It saddens me that people can take time out of their lives and lie on someone and authorities with no evidence can take on such fabrication.
On that day. I faced a harsh reality that I am black and I am female. How I perceive myself is not the same as how people perceive me. Being black can get you into some real shit. You may never understand why people choose to be the way they are. In this circumstance, I can put it down to one thing. People hate themselves and have serious insecurities. And if you let them win you won’t see the world freely.
As I have grown older I have learnt, to taste and see the world for what it really is
Should this stop you from seeing the world?
My immediate answer after what I experienced would be to say yes. However, my next question would be to ask why shouldn’t we travel because people discriminate in the world? There are racists, sexist all types of people and things everywhere! There are people who will try and do anything to ruin an experience. Or your views of the world – only if you let them. The fact of the matter is SHIT HAPPENS. This is the truth; anything can happen to you anywhere you are it’s how you decide to deal with it as an individual.
Travelling the world can be hard when the social world can be constantly placing fear in you. Not to mention family and friends. As a child my mother was always the worst, constantly planting fear in me. Oh no don’t go near the water, don’t go to that country, there are no black people there. Why you would go there? I had to decide as an adult that I wanted to see the world for what it really was.
Living Abroad
While living abroad I was lucky enough to take up a job that would require me to live in China. Again, friends and family showed their disapproval particularly my mother. She stressed the importance of me coming back to London once I had finished my exams. Sadly, I did come back which I am still quite resentful for. I believe there is so much for us in this world. People shouldn’t stop us from chasing our dreams because of a few comments.
Other places such as doing NYSC in Nigeria (a camp in Nigeria to serve your country) I have been hindered from because family or friends have once again got in the way of my decision making. I remember my father going as far as saying if I moved to Nigeria, he wouldn’t speak to me! Since he left Nigeria, he has not ever been able to say one good word about it! Of course, I listened and didn’t go but it’s another thing I wish I did.
And this is my problem. There are so many perceptions of the world that makes one believe that you can’t go anywhere. This perception can hinder someone in not travelling and it drives me mad! People tell you their negative views of a country because they are so fixated on what the news or the social world tells them. I believe the digital world can be such an exaggerater and anyone that takes everything word for word might live a sheltered life.
Don’t get me wrong there are some countries that I wouldn’t dream of travelling too. Many that I wouldn’t name. But it doesn’t mean that my experiences and what I see on the news should stop me. So why should it stop you? I would never tell anyone not to visit Athens because everyone’s experience is different.
Final thoughts on seeing the world…
Honestly, the world is not scary…
No matter the destination, being informed and using your initiative is the best way to stay safe. I am not saying you will go somewhere, and you will always be safe. A life I’m afraid doesn’t always work like that.
