Poorism

The New York Times ran a story last week on slum tourism.

I have mixed feelings about this.

On the positive side, I think it can be a worthwhile experience for all involved, raise a little consciousness, spread some cash around...









photo: John Maier for The New York Times

Incidental slumming is acceptable. Institutional, exploitive 'poorism' is not.

Zooming by in a bus snapping pictures is lame. Hanging with the locals is cool.

Critics are reminiscent of those down on ecotourism.

There are obvious connections with Dark tourism, as well.

Here is a good brief from Christine Bowers on Foreign Policy with some relevant and related links, including Robert Neuwirth's blog on squatter cities.

via disinfo.com