Let's start by defining supposition via dictionary.com:
SUPPOSITION - noun
the act of supposing.
something that is supposed; assumption; hypothesis.
Now that we understand the word's meaning let's talk about our plans for our SUNDAY SUPPOSITION blog post.
I'm an opinionated guy. Some are controversial, some are not. Most of my opinions are related to travel and/or lifestyle. I plan to release more of those travel-ish opinions on our SUNDAY SUPPOSITION post. Maybe folks will read it; maybe no one cares what I think. If it's the latter, I'm cool with that. The writing may be therapeutic for me. Maybe.
Anyway, on to today's topic. "Travel Can Unite The World" is probably a little dramatic for how casual and uninformed I am on a subject like this, but I genuinely feel this way. Going to new places, meeting new people, and experiencing other cultures has changed how I think. It has shaped my outlook on issues in my state, country, and internationally.
We are all a product of our culture. The humans we become are formed by a variety of contributing influences. Still, I think three essential pieces shape who we eventually turn out to be and our cultural and moral strongholds:
The geographic location we are raised in.
The people we are raised by and around.
The financial circumstances we are raised under.
These critical pieces of our upbringing define our religious, political, and physical baselines that shape every piece of our lives.
So where does travel fit in this conversion about the shaping of us as individuals? It's simple: we behave in a manner compatible with our surroundings and upbringing. Changing the surroundings, seeing people with different geographical, cultural, and financial circumstances, and understanding them can change how you view not only the outside world, but your own.
All disagreements are the results of misunderstandings. I'll die on that hill. To quote the greatest fictional President ever, Jed Bartlet, "Every once in a while, there's a day with an absolute right and an absolute wrong, but those days almost always include body counts." Racism, bullying, wars, sexism, and basically any other -ism you can think of are all the results of disagreements and misunderstandings. These misunderstandings come from a lack of familiarity with where the opposing party is coming from. Most likely, it is an understanding of what "right" really is.
There is an epidemic of people who have never dared to venture much past their own backyard, both physically and mentally. The term "stuck in their ways" is applicable but likely an understatement. Not that those who are this way aren't right morally or culturally, but that same logic tends to lend itself to a lack of acceptance of outside viewpoints.
When you travel, you meet people, you see things, you experience different. Sometimes, that difference is better than your current reality; sometimes, it's worse. Either way, it shapes you and your outlook on the world. According to fee.org, the poorest 20% of American's would rank near the top percentiles in the world for wealth. Not that we don't have people struggling, but getting out of your geographic footprint would show that we are all still highly privileged.
The border is a hot-button issue in the United States. I dare to touch on this subject, but I think everyone on all sides can agree that we have a problem and I think its applicable to discuss in a travel-related forum. For those who want to legally enter the United States, the process can be nearly impossible without significant resources that most people trying to immigrate don't have. This leads to an influx of increased illegal crossings. Let me be clear: I'm not advocating for a wide-open border here. I am advocating for seeing the humanity in the border topic. These people travel, sometimes walking, for thousands of miles with nothing more than the shirts on their backs to search for a better life for their families. I am emotionally influenced by that. I've traveled, met people, and seen other cultures and situations. I see immigrants as people just trying to do their best, like you and me. Their geographical footprint, cultural upbringing, and financial situations are different and often more difficult. Sure, some people can be dangerous, and that's why I'm not advocating for an open border. I am advocating to see the humanity in finding a good way to allow people a chance at a better life. Travel has helped me see people, it's helped me see that we as an extremely privileged nation need to find a better, controlled mechanism of immigration to protect our national interests while also helping our neighbors. It also makes me want to hold the corrupt governments that impoverish these people and ravage their home countries accountable. Either way, most of these people wanting to join us in our pursuit of happiness, are PEOPLE.
How does this relate to travel? I simply don't understand how someone can have a strong opinion on the border if they've never personally crossed one.
Politics aside, it's hard to hate people that you understand. When you travel, if you open yourself to experience someone else's reality, it becomes impossible to not grow as a human. The growth comes from knowing that there's a whole world operating in a different (better or worse) environment than we have every day. There's more to it than our tiny little slice of it. An abundance of alternative lifestyles and ways of doing things are out there, some better, some worse. Your problems are never as big as they seem when you put them to the global test.
This is not intended to be political. I don't identify as a Democrat or Republican. I think politics is a man-made idea to drive humanity into a submissive corner. Governments are often the problem, not people. If you travel, you've likely experienced this. That's why I side with people.
Next time you leave your geographical environment, take a look around. If there's something you don't understand, ask questions and have conversations. Do it with an open mind. You may not always agree with others, but you will undoubtedly grow.
Seeing people as people, not objects or a collection of political ideals, is a starting point for unity. Traveling and exploring is how we add a human element to global issues and cultural differences.
This is undoubtedly an oversimplification of more significant issues at play. Still, I know that travel has changed me for the better. I'm not perfect, and I only have a few answers. I do know that getting out of my own backyard has changed our family and its outlook on the world for the better.
The CruiseNReview family believes that travel is the silver bullet to making the world a better place. Your neighbor doesn't have to live in the house next door.
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