Ahhhhh Europe. From the time that I was much younger than I am now I have wanted to go to Europe. There is in my mind, as well as in the minds of the majority of Americans, a certain perspective on Europe and the things that one would like to see there. The pervasive feeling that is present here seems to be one of pop culture. It is the 'in' thing to do when you go to Europe to see Big Ben, the Eiffel Tower, the Leaning Tower of Pisa...the list can go on and on.
As a matter of fact one only needs to type in a search for European attractions and they will find these lists and travel guides already made for you. As an interesting question, are these guides made by Europeans or Americans? One has to wonder if these places that hold the captivation of the American public mean the same thing to those who live there. For instance if someone from Europe were to visit me, I would naturally take them to Niagara Falls, and they, if they are any indication of the majority of people have heard of it. However there are obviously other places that I would take them as well i.e. Duff's or even Pearl St. Brewery. Now they probably have not heard of these places (maybe), but they are well known to most who reside in the Buffalo region. Therefore it almost feels as though the importance of these places of great tourist importance are subject to a great deal of relativity. I have a feeling the same things happen in Europe and that those who take the 'standard package tour' might miss much if they choose to stay on the 'beaten path'. Having said this there truly is a vast difference between the type of attractions that are directed towards Europeans and those which are directed towards Americans.
The difference is that we are directed towards BUILDINGS. At least as far as I can tell, the vast majority of attractions which are directly advertised are cathedrals, castles, ancient ruins, monuments. Places that are old. I believe that this is what it breaks down to. We are a young culture, even though each of us comes from a much older culture historically speaking. The places of attraction that one is given as suggestion upon visiting Europe are those that portray the age of European cities and structures as contrasting the veritable newness of our own.
Now if we consider that the attractions in Europe are attractions because of their age (obviously there are other factors, not all old things are pleasant to look at) then to what does one ascribe the wonders of America? Although there are clearly suggestions to Europeans to visit the cities of the United States, the predominant amount of literature devoted to touring America focuses upon its landscapes. Even more specifically a great emphasis is placed upon its national parks, battlegrounds, and scenic locations. So in Europe, modern-day Americans, not unlike those of the 19th century, are encouraged to take in the architecture and monumental buildings. However those traveling here from Europe are greatly encouraged to visit National Parks, and areas of 'wilderness'. It feels as though not much has changed from colonial times in that respect.
Do you think the emphasis on America as a land of wilderness, untocuhed by history and culture, influences the way Europeans view Americans?
ReplyDeleteYes absolutely, It is almost as though America were still viewed as a land of savages, those rejects that were shipped here from Europe and lost their mother tongue. Obviously we have history of our own but is it comparable to the breadth of history contained in a European perspective? I'm not sure I'm only American after all
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