Almost immediately upon arriving in a foreign place I try to imitate the natives as much as possible. Every day I pick up a new item of clothing, a new phrase, a new mannerism that will help me blend in. It must seem a little ridiculous or pointless now because I'm obviously not one of the natives, but I try anyway. I realize this doesn't make me a sociopath -- I could be a hippie backpacker, a travel writer, or a spy. But I think being a sociopath makes me this type of traveler. Another thing I like about traveling is the chance to see how arbitrary your own culture's traditions are. Everyone makes a big deal about conforming to social norms and ostracizing those who don't quite fit, but that is just a tool of oppression. The social norm is not the important feature to society, the conforming is.
I don't think it's a coincidence that nonconformist Gypsies are sometimes called "travelers."
I just play the goofy but likeable American tourist.
ReplyDeleteIt's important to offer them an inkblot, then react appropriately to what they see. Just like anywhere.
-Vigilius
Oh yeah, "Fellow Traveller" is also a colloquialism for Freemasons! FEAR THE LORDS WHO ARE SECRET AMONG US!
ReplyDelete-Vigilius
"i realize this doesn't make me a sociopath -- i could be a hippie backpacker, a travel writer, or a spy, among other things."
ReplyDeleteIt's not a choice or a lifestyle or a job. The fact you obviously see it as such speaks mountains. Let me put it to you like this, how you'll understand - you're Foster, not Ridgway.
nonconformist gypsies are sometimes called "travellers."
ReplyDeleteGypsies ain't non conformists.
Gypsies and Travellers are two completely different ethnic groups. That's like saying Indians are also called black people.
An Irish Sociopath.