I’ve been meaning to go to the dentist for some time and last week I finally popped myself in for a cleaning. As usual, I had to whip out my phone to translate what I came for. In the process of asking a bunch of questions and trying to understand if they use similar techniques as the U.S, I realized how serious I felt about this situation. I really don’t play when it comes to my teeth – especially considering how oral health affects our well-being. Plus I just wanted my teeth to feel all types of squeaky clean.
Going to the dentist (or any other service) can be a mission living in a different country, especially when you’re not fluent in the local language. And having to always rely on others to be your translator isn’t all that fun either. Of course, some things will be very similar, but again we live in a vast world where different practices are done depending on where we go. And sometimes, what we see as “professional” or rather “best technique” can be clouded by our judgment AND privilege. I was reminded of this. And though I am well aware that some things I am used to back home are due to privilege, it can be difficult to step away from accepting what I am not completely used to.
This goes beyond just a trip to the dentist, to the way we walk into spaces where WE indeed are the “new” ones. Let’s start by stating how travel in fact is a privilege. First off, my presence in China is primarily because I’m a native English speaker and the fact that I’m from a native English-speaking country. And because of this, I have access to find work freely in many parts of the world, let alone travel for that matter. Not to say I didn’t work for it, but let’s keep in mind how access and privilege can lead the way.
To be able to go to a different country, city, etc., and automatically form an opinion whether that place is worth our money and time are also based on privilege. Those who have access to travel, myself included, know this. And though it may go over our head because we believe we’ve earned the long-awaited vacation (which in most cases we do), it’s access the majority of the world does not have. Just because you and I can do it, does not mean everyone else can. Primarily speaking to those who carry a US, Canadian, and Australian passport, and those from countries in Western Europe.
There’s an unspoken privilege that we carry and it’s seen as the norm. It’s unquestioned. Your nationality gives you access, with regard to the socio-economic and political status you have. That also goes for many who come from countries with a stable economy and currency that can take them far whilst travel. I know how much of an advantage it can be to travel with the dollar because let’s face it – travel ain’t that cheap! Not to say this privilege is bad, but it’s something that needs to be acknowledged and not only noticed when we hear of different situations.
So let’s keep it real and remember that though we see many people possibly within our circle or on social media that have the luxury to travel and fill their passports, yes they may have worked for it, but it’s also a privilege. Not everyone who works hard, in many cases will therefore have that ability. Though we may think otherwise, let’s remember not everyone’s circumstances are the same.
I recently had a conversation with my coworkers (a local Chinese male and a South African white male) regarding travel. It got to the point where it got real personal particularly when my Chinese counterpart mentioned how “brave” we foreigners are for choosing to leave home to work and live in a different country. Whereas the South African male had the nerve to point out, “It’s my life, and no one can stop me from living it and telling me how to live it”. From his standpoint, I could understand what he was getting at – him referring to not always staying comfortable with what you know; equally it was clear his privilege was screaming loud and clear. To him, it’s about choice, but to many, that choice isn’t an option.
What many don’t realize is, although we all have the free will and ability to do whatever the hell we want at the end of the day, not everyone chooses to for the sake of whatever circumstance they’re in. This ranges from many things, from having to support your family, not having the financial means, health, documentation, or simply other obligations that are more important.
To keep it short and hopefully meaningful, I’d like to stop there and hear others’ thoughts. What’s your take on travel and privilege?
