Claiming the Right to Say No-30 Nov 09-EQUATIONS - Equitable ...

Theologizing Tourism: Towards a Pastoral Care of Tourism
1.3 Family, Religious, Moral and Socio-Cultural Values: Cry for
Meaning
Family is the first and vital cell of the society. It plays a vital and organic
link with the society as it gives foundation and nourishes it continually
through its role of service to life. It is within the family that the social virtues
and values are inculcated. Goan families are traditionally known for their
way of functioning where each family member fulfils their responsibility
with utmost care and concern. But, down the years due to rise in tourism,
the lifestyle of Goan families has changed. As parents are busy catering to
the needs of the tourist at shacks or in their guest-houses, there is no time
left for them to look after their children. In a way we can say that money
has taken precedence over the family values.
Tourism has led the faith to stray. The churches and temples which were
once upon a time ‘houses of prayer’ are now termed as museums. At one
time the common people who were so much engrossed in the church
activities, to nurture themselves with the spiritual food, are now engrossed
to satisfy the needs of the tourists. The people who were faith ‘living’
people have now become faith ‘leaving’ people.
Easy money coming from tourist trade has become a great temptation for
Goan values. Money and material gains have become the only value, the
only criterion of life.
Tourism is an opportunity to learn about other societies, their culture,
tradition and lifestyles. The impact of culture can either lead to cultural
enhancement or commodification of culture. “In Goa, the commodification
has led to the loss of Goan culture”. Cultural festivals that were once
celebrated on a small scale have now been transformed into large
corporate sponsored extravaganzas. The different dialects of Konkani
make the language rich. But with the coming of tourists, the Goans have
started to speak “Konklish” - a mixture of Konkani and English. By all
these, are we not losing our own culture?
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