Blogs
Sometimes I'd rather not ponder authenticity.
Is this pack of Americans at an AUTHENTIC Argentine soccer game?? or is it.... STAGED?!
Since reading the MacCannell piece on “Staged Authenticity” and other travel theories last semester, there is nothing that makes me more frustrated than attempting to define tourists, travelers, and the differences between the two. Before reading any of these pieces, I had little problem identifying with tourists. But after reading the consistent negative connotations associated with tourists, despite my hesitation to agree with or accept these “tourist-bashing theories”, I still knew that I did not want to be the kind of “tourist” they described.
As a result, I struggled to formulate an opinion on tourists, travelers, and authenticity. I was unable to determine if as a student in New York I was still a tourist because I enjoy both native or “authentic” experiences as well as more touristy attractions. Soon enough, I began to feel completely hopeless for my upcoming trip to Buenos Aires because I was bothered by the theory that all tourists are ignorant and simply unable to find authenticity. I was worried that when I studied abroad there would be no way for me to escape such negativities and that like all other tourists, it was inevitable that I would never really be seeing or experiencing the things that I thought I was.
In Buenos Aires I have done my best to avoid analyzing my day-to-day experiences in terms of authenticity. Although I have partaken in obvious tourist/staged attractions and admittedly enjoyed them, I am still hesitant to accept the idea that as a foreigner I am never “truly seeing or experiencing”. Despite my visits to cheesy tango shows, American bars, and blatant tourist traps in San Telmo, I feel that that I have been truly immersed within the culture and lifestyle of Buenos Aires several times throughout my stay. Still, as MacCannell points out, I can’t help but ponder if what seems or appears authentic to me may in fact be staged. Fortunately, most of the time I figure it is impossible for my “authentic” experiences to be staged… this is because I consider authenticity in Buenos Aires to be the Argentine friends that I have made, the get-togethers that they have invited me to, the cat calls I get on the street from police men, and the stores that I have shopped in that only sell jeans for size negative two thousand. How can these things be staged? Regardless, I appreciate how MacCannell explains these kinds of complexities within social spaces (how something that appears staged may be authentic and vice versa) because ultimately, I believe that the lines between tourist/traveler and authentic/staged are un-definable as they are far too blurry and complex.
On a final note, the picture I posted is of the Argentina vs. Venezuela world cup qualifying futbol match this past Saturday. As we walked to the stadium, the fake Argentine jerseys and other kinds of cheap fan merchandise (that we all went crazy over) could definitely be considered the “staged/touristy” region of the game. I’m sure that a lot of the venders intend to target tourists. Still, I don’t think that it is so black and white considering that I’m from Boston and when I go to a Red Sox game, I likewise go crazy over the cheap and unofficial merchandise. Maybe this region only becomes unauthentic when you aren’t an authentic fan?
true
I totally understand this dilemma. I have begun to just accept the fact that everyone, at one point in their life has to be a tourist, the same locals we admire now, if they visit new York…we would view them as the “annoying tourists”. Like you mentioned, sometimes the “unauthentic” is often the most authentic. I mean some people come to New York and can’t wait to ride in a taxi(and view it as some sort of carnival ride)..and then there those of us “natives”, who often have to take a taxi out of pure need. And everyone, not just tourists, can appreciate a view of New York’s sky-scrappers at night. I think authenticity comes from acknowledging that everything withholds a certain amount of the real and the self-created.
true
I totally understand this dilemma. I have begun to just accept the fact that everyone, at one point in their life has to be a tourist, the same locals we admire now, if they visit new York…we would view them as the “annoying tourists”. Like you mentioned, sometimes the “unauthentic” is often the most authentic. I mean some people come to New York and can’t wait to ride in a taxi(and view it as some sort of carnival ride)..and then there those of us “natives”, who often have to take a taxi out of pure need. And everyone, not just tourists, can appreciate a view of New York’s sky-scrappers at night. I think authenticity comes from acknowledging that everything withholds a certain amount of the real and the self-created.
you just know
Overthinking these things can really be a downer. What could make something feel less authentic than considering if its authentic or not? SO i think, while I'm very much attracted to theorizing about social space, that authenticity is what you make it in many cases.
Buenos Aires also seems to take foreigners into itself in a different way than other places. While there are no shortages of McDonalds there is also a disctinct pride in being Argentine. Mate for one. A traditional drink that has stayed in this culture for centuries. I also feel I hear the word "Argentina" spoken far more here in supermarket lines, cafes, epic (if unevenly matched) futbol games. I don't know. I'm grabbing for examples of national and cultural pride that i feel Argentines want to share with you and not just show you for money. And that desire is shown so well in the hospitality of Argentines: their willingness to teach you tango or have a cigarette with you---provided you make an effort to meet them and don't just bump into them at a club. But I'm rambling; which means I liked your post.
Happy Travels next week by the way!