Citation

Shackel PA. Int. J. Herit. Stud. 2011; 17(1): 81-88.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/13527258.2011.524008

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

In the twenty-first century people are looking for exotic places to visit, places that they consider to be the last frontiers. Tourists are sometimes led to believe that these places are untouched by the globalisation of the world's economy. Outsiders visiting an indigenous community in Greenland are led through the 'front area' where Inuit in traditional clothing greet them and perform a drum dance for a short time. Unknown to the tourist the drum dancer may be insulting the intruders as he sings in his native language. This may be a form of resistance as the Inuit are suffering from western policies as well as an extremely high level of suicide and alcoholism. The tourist who sees housing, dog sleds, and a drum dance comes away with a 'snapshot' of what indigenous culture is like. Once tourists leave, the community's 'back area' - those parts that only insiders experience - becomes accessible once again. © 2011 Taylor & Francis.

Language: en

Keywords

Greenland; Resistance; Heritage tourism