Different education, different gaze!

All students within our group have a different background, ranging from Economics (which is me) to Classical antiquity. Following that, I notice that my view of Jordan differs from students with a different background and I remember other details than others. This effect is explained by John Urry with the gaze. This theory refers to the fact that people gaze upon an object in a socially and culturally constructed way. People view that object regarding their relation and a frame of gender, social class, educational background etcetera. The gaze differs per region or culture, and is strongly influenced by the use of internet and social media. In this case the gaze even differs per faculty, hence imagine how tourist from another region would differ in gaze with me. (Urry, 2002)

Jordan is probably most known for its archeological sites, such as Petra and Jerash. Because these sites (and many other) have such a central role, we receive a lot of information about the history of Jordan. Unfortunately I sometimes find it difficult to keep paying attention, even though I do find it fascinating.

However, one morning we were invited at the USAID, which is an American organisation that helps out to renovate the archaeological sites, stimulates education and promotes Jordan as a touristic destination. I couldn't stop listening.

With my economic background I find it interesting to see how they try to promote the country via different channels: as a destination famous for its archaeological sites (authenticity), as a destination for dark tourism, which is a kind of tourism where people visit war zones or other countries in danger, or muscular tourism, where they promoted adventurous activities available in Jordan. In light of the gaze, those different types of tourists (in search of authenticity, dark tourists, or adventure tourists), all gaze towards Jordan in a different way.

Conclusively, everyone gazes upon the country in a different way. This can be because of education, region, interests or many other. However, gazing does not explain everything. Why? Keep reading!

References:
Urry, J. (2002). The tourist gaze. Sage.