Home
ShowsBefore You GoBulletin BoardContactAboutSearch
Show and Features |
Culture Watch | Question of the Week | Letters of the Week |
Traveler's Aid | Library | Host's View
 

 

Death of Japanese tourists in Guatemala

In commenting on the sad story of Japanese tourists killed by Guatemalan villagers who thought the tourists had come to steal their children. It might also be mentioned that Guatemala is one of the countries where many childless Americans have gone to adopt children.

Because giving away of children for adoption to foreigners is often a source of national shame for many people in poor countries, one wonders if resentment and rumor, against the background of decades of repression of Indian communities, may have been a factor in producing that situation.

I would urge people who want to do "off the beaten path" traveling to learn a little more about the political and social situation in their target country before straying too far from the standard routes.

Peter


 

{ Previous Letter | This Week's Index }

{ Main Letters Page }

American Public Media
American Public Media Home | Search | How to Listen
©2004 American Public Media |
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy