Ethical Question about Tourism

[karl262]

Is it ethically OK to travel to a country for a holiday whose relaince on tourist dollars keeps its citizens repressed? I'm referring to Cuba. Please discuss.

[evman150]

There are a lot of assumptions in those 27 words.

[SeoulFire]

Yes because the cigars and rum are cheap.

[GGG]

The problem is embargos hurt citizens first. So if your purpose of an embargo is to drive citixens to revolution then it makes sense to have an embargo.

If you want to benefit citizens more stay at cheaper hotels and tip directly to people.

[SebC]

The citizens would be repressed either way. But at least if you go, you're helping their quality of life a little.

[karl262]

Originally Posted by evman150

There are a lot of assumptions in those 27 words.

Well I suppose I could have worded the OP question a little better, you are right. There are a couple of facts though that bother me about travelling to Cuba:

1. Tourism is by far the largest single source of income to the Cuban government.

2. The Cuban people are repressed in many ways by said government.

So, is this situation ok with people?

It was only after the Soviet Union collapsed taking with it a great deal of monetary support for the communist dictatorship in Cuba that they began courting tourists, but they had to. They call the hard times experienced the "special period" and the government did indeed almost collapse.

Now they have tourist dollars to keep themselves in power. Canadians, in fact, are their biggest draw.

And besides, I've heard the food in Cuba is terrible.

[FlamesAddiction]

My brother in law worked for a company that did business on Myanmar before Canada put sanctions on them. The last he heard, the people in the village he was close to have almost all dispersed and had to move to the cities to find work (probably in sweat shops).

I am sure the people in power are still well fed though.

[Ace]

The problem is, if this is the logic you use then you basically cant buy anything, since it's made in China.

The solution has to be something different than boycotts. Even if mass boycotts work in your example I doubt the politics of Cuba would change, just more poverty for the masses, and plenty of riches for those in power.

[onetwo_threefour]

Sometimes repressed is a matter of perspective as well. Don't get me wrong, obviously the people escaping to Florida see something wrong there, but doesn't Cuba have one of the best medical systems in the world as well?

[evman150]

Don't believe everything the US government tells you about Cuba and Cubans.

[driveway]

Go to Cuba, Cuba is awesome. Bring a duffel bag full of things like toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, laundry detergent, and new socks. Give these to the unbelievably friendly people you're going to meet.

[NBC]

Originally Posted by karl262

Now they have tourist dollars to keep themselves in power. Canadians, in fact, are their biggest draw.

Don't worry, the Castros will be gone soon enough and Cuba will prosper.

[Thor]

The embargo on Cuba is a political toy of the US to get votes in the all important swing state of Florida.

Its shameful and should end, these people have suffered for far too long because of this irrational hatred of Castro and his regime. Nevermind the horrible propped up US dictator before Castro who let US interest rape the nation of its resources and near slave labor.

Go to Cuba, enjoy the awesome people there and have fun. They love the tourism dollars, of course there is a darkside to everything but that is why you leave your resorts and visit the places people live and spend money outside your all inclusive.

[NBC]

My hatred of the Castro regime is completely rational.

[transplant99]

Originally Posted by Thor

The embargo on Cuba is a political toy of the US to get votes in the all important swing state of Florida.

Its shameful and should end, these people have suffered for far too long because of this irrational hatred of Castro and his regime. Nevermind the horrible propped up US dictator before Castro who let US interest rape the nation of its resources and near slave labor.

Go to Cuba, enjoy the awesome people there and have fun. They love the tourism dollars, of course there is a darkside to everything but that is why you leave your resorts and visit the places people live and spend money outside your all inclusive.

So you dont believe an embargo against a nation that nationalized all US interests after the overthrow of Batista was a reasonable response, and only is a toy to buy votes....for someone?

Strange logic.

That being said, I agree it's time for Obama to fix this thing once and for all.

[Thor]

Originally Posted by transplant99

So you dont believe an embargo against a nation that nationalized all US interests after the overthrow of Batista was a reasonable response, and only is a toy to buy votes....for someone?

Strange logic.

Batista was a puppet of US interests who let US corporations rape their land. Cuba was just one of may regimes the US has secretly supported and propped up in Latin America to ensure their self interests were taken care of, damned be those people living in those nations; the US could care less about that.

But beyond that I understand the initial reaction and embargo, they had to do at least that, even if the US was abusing and taking advantage of that nation.

However to let it still continue today is what I have a problem with, and that is exactly what my point is, they are using it for the last 20-30 years as political capital. Insert any candidate when asked about Castro, answer "you think he is evil and you will continue to sanction his regime," then collect your votes Cuban Floridian votes.

[transplant99]

Originally Posted by Thor

Batista was a puppet of US interests who let US corporations rape their land. Cuba was just one of may regimes the US has secretly supported and propped up in Latin America to ensure their self interests were taken care of, damned be those people living in those nations; the US could care less about that.

But beyond that I understand the initial reaction and embargo, they had to do at least that, even if the US was abusing and taking advantage of that nation.

However to let it still continue today is what I have a problem with, and that is exactly what my point is, they are using it for the last 20-30 years as political capital. Insert any candidate when asked about Castro, answer "you think he is evil and you will continue to sanction his regime," then collect your votes Cuban Floridian votes.

I really dont disagree with most of what you say, but there really is a reason that boat after boat of refugees have been landing on US soil ever since this thing started....and it isnt because of any US embargo.

WHen i lived in NC I got to know a few Cuban ex-pats and every one of them had a maniacal dislike for Castro and his henchmen and not once did i hear from them that the embargo nor anything to do with Batista was a reason for there families to flee. The human rights issue was the only thing ever mentioned....and that is something the US simply cannot ignore, both politically and ethically.


As mentioned though...I believe that Obama needs to get this thing resolved however, as he has no need to pander to any single voting block any longer, but I still dont see it happening.

[Chingas]

IMO the embargo appears to be a crutch that they are not willing to throw away.

There are likely 3~6 planes a day from Canada alone that could be carrying a plethora of required items. We don't have an embargo, every country from Mexico and South America don't have embargoes.

There is no reason for Cuba to be stuck in the rut it is, except for the fact that it is somehow convenient to them.

Until Cuba gets it sh#t together I won't go back, there is much better value for your dollar other places, starting with Mexico.

[ken0042]

Originally Posted by transplant99

I really dont disagree with most of what you say, but there really is a reason that boat after boat of refugees have been landing on US soil ever since this thing started....and it isnt because of any US embargo.

While I agree that the embargo was neccesary when it was put into place; the need went away with the collapse of the Soviet Union. I also believe that the inabillity to do business with the largest econmic power in the region; as well as any company that also does business within the US.[Edit- didn't finish this sentance. Meant to say the embargo is a major contributing factor in maintaining the poor conditions there.]

The comment earlier about China was spot on- if we want to impose embargos on nations that have terrible human rights violations; we should start with China. I would also submit that since China has increased it's dealings with the US in the last 20 years, the living conditions for the average Chinese person has increased significantly.

[spetch]

Don't worry about Cuba, once the zombie apocalypse happens the country will thrive!!!