This question can be looked from several points of view. Firstly, tourism should be considered in relation to a country’s economy. Secondly it can be seen in terms of its effects on the countryside and environment. Thirdly, the influence of the tourist industry on culture must be taken into account.
T he economy of a country often benefits as a result of tourism; foreign visitors come and spend their money, and this creates jobs for those who run hotels and restaurants. However, there are also certain drawbacks. Whereas the people directly involved in the industry may benefit, other may find that they are worse off. This is because the cost of living goes up and goods become more expensive since tourists are prepared to pay more for them.
A s far as the effect on the environment is concerned, tourism is often a bad thing. While it is true to say that development results in better roads being built and improvements for poorer areas, it is sometimes very harmful. In some countries, huge hotels and skyscrapers have ruined areas of unspoilt beauty.
T he cultural influence of tourism is difficult to measure. In some countries foreign influence can destroy the local way of life. On the other hand, countries which do not encourage tourism may miss the benefits that foreign technology and investment can bring.
I n conclusion, it can be seen that tourism has both advantages and disadvantages; if it is controlled properly, it can be good for a country, but there will always be a danger that it may do a great deal of harm.
Immigration to the USA
Twenty seven million white immigrants entered the United States between 1880 and 1924. Two thirds of these so-called new immigrants came from different parts of Europe that were economically underdeveloped. In the first decade of the 20 th century, about six million immigrants arrived from Russia, Austria, Hungary and Italy. They were drawn by the flourishing manufacturing sector of the economy. They not only brought their labour force but also their skills that were vital to industries such as construction and textile. Nevertheless, their customs and culture struck native-born, Americans who considered them as impossible to assimilate.
That phenomenon did not last forever. With the end of the colonial empires in the fifties and sixties and emergence of independent Asian and African countries, a new law was voted: The 1964 Hart-Cellar Act. This law gave equal access to Asians, Africans, Latin-Americans and Europeans. Since then, over eight million legal immigrants have entered the United Stated, about half of them from the Third World.
The new immigrants are likely to change the composition of the American population. Some demographers predict that by 2030, American and Europeans roots will not be a majority. Even the dominance of the English language is seen as uncertain. The problem is whether the diversity of origins will continue to maintain American Society as united as it has been so far.
Racism
Turkish children playing in a muddy courtyard; faces of Vietnamese girls pressed against the windows of dirty barracks; security guards with their guns standing near the fences. This is an area in Cottbus, an industrial town in Germany that the police are trying to protect. It looks more like a prison than a refuge for immigrants who are more and more exposed to the violence of racist groups, like the skinheads.
E arlier this month, gangs of lawless German youths began attacking Vietnamese, Turkish and African labourers, so the authorities have rushed the victims to such places like Cottbus. Indeed, a wave of anti-immigrant violence is sweeping Germany. Every day brings some new spectacle of terror.
L uckily the violence is limited to small uncontrolled groups. Most Germans are outraged at those racist gangs and refer to them as criminals and delinquents looking for fun. Thousands of Germans have marched in Berlin and other cities to protest against racism.
H owever, foreign workers in Germany still fear for their lives and their families and do not feel totally secure. Some are thinking of going back to their native countries.
Americans
Among the reasons why immigrants have traditionally come to the USA is to have a better life – that is to raise their standard of living. It was properly the most important reason for leaving their homeland. Because of its abundant natural resources, the United States appeared to be a “land of plenty” where millions could come to seek their fortunes. Of course, most immigrants “didn’t get overnight” and many of them suffered terribly, but the majority of them were eventually able to improve their former standard of living.
Americans pay a price, however, for their material wealth: hard work. Hard work has been both necessary and rewarding for most Americans throughout their history. Because of this, they have come to see material possessions as the natural reward for their hard work. In some ways, material possessions are seen not only as a clear evidence of people’s work, but also of their abilities. Most Americans believe that if people work hard, they are likely to have a good standard of living.
S ince people’s status in society is frequently measured by how much they own, Americans often feel pressured to buy more than they need. They want to appear as prosperous as everyone else round them, and this means making a continuing effort to buy newer and better material.
I n reality, some people have a better chance for success than others. Those who are born into rich families have more opportunities than those who are born in poorer families. Inheriting money gives a person a real advantage. In spite of laws designed to promote equality of opportunity for all races, many black Americans have fewer opportunities than the average white Americans.
a suivre
