Comments on: Jamal wins a million dollars, gets the girl, and then goes to the Andaman Islands! http://calpolymbatrip.com/2010/india/jamal-wins-a-million-dollars-gets-the-girl-and-then-goes-to-the-andaman-islands/ The MBA Graduate Program at Cal Poly Tue, 22 May 2012 21:50:14 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.3 By: Jay Ponto http://calpolymbatrip.com/2010/india/jamal-wins-a-million-dollars-gets-the-girl-and-then-goes-to-the-andaman-islands/#comment-17668 Jay Ponto Tue, 02 Mar 2010 01:53:20 +0000 http://calpolymbatrip.com/?p=2409#comment-17668 Danielle, Hawaii (maybe not some Hawaiians) has retained much of its cultural identity… in the form of decorations in hotels, resorts, and luaus for tourists. Americans needed a nice tropical place to spend their holidays. Personally, I hope the Andaman Islands do not become a tourist attraction, though that could be likely if Fred acquires some capital after graduating with his MBA. After doing a study abroad program with the California Maritime Academy and visiting the island kingdom of Tonga, I have grown to appreciate the beauty of REAL tropical islands that have not been adulterated with hotels and resorts. Of course we need our Hawaiis so people can have their vacation getaways, but preserving the dignity of these little islands could be preserving cultures unique to only those small corners of the globe. As much as I would like to return to Tonga because of the amazing time I had, too much tourism can obliterate such a small island’s culture. However, maybe getting tourists to visit these small islands and experience the different cultures could be a way to preserve them… just something to think about. Danielle, Hawaii (maybe not some Hawaiians) has retained much of its cultural identity… in the form of decorations in hotels, resorts, and luaus for tourists. Americans needed a nice tropical place to spend their holidays.

Personally, I hope the Andaman Islands do not become a tourist attraction, though that could be likely if Fred acquires some capital after graduating with his MBA. After doing a study abroad program with the California Maritime Academy and visiting the island kingdom of Tonga, I have grown to appreciate the beauty of REAL tropical islands that have not been adulterated with hotels and resorts.

Of course we need our Hawaiis so people can have their vacation getaways, but preserving the dignity of these little islands could be preserving cultures unique to only those small corners of the globe.

As much as I would like to return to Tonga because of the amazing time I had, too much tourism can obliterate such a small island’s culture. However, maybe getting tourists to visit these small islands and experience the different cultures could be a way to preserve them… just something to think about.

]]> By: Danielle Steussy http://calpolymbatrip.com/2010/india/jamal-wins-a-million-dollars-gets-the-girl-and-then-goes-to-the-andaman-islands/#comment-17555 Danielle Steussy Tue, 16 Feb 2010 22:30:55 +0000 http://calpolymbatrip.com/?p=2409#comment-17555 Those are interesting observations. My comment is that I think Hawaii, despite the warm waters and good pineapple, is overrated. It has turned into this huge tourist destination that probably rakes in money like it's nothing. Amidst all this tourism and hype, I think Hawaii has really lost its cultural identity along the way, or at the very least, has exploited it for the sake of money. Plus, many native Hawaiians are not incredibly happy with the presence of so many visitors. It sounds like the Andaman Islands are what Hawaii was so many years ago: an island full of rich culture, history, and untouched beauty. It's so disappointing to see places like Hawaii be taken advantage of by families in their matching Hawaiian t-shirts. I think India should try to preserve the dignity that the Andaman Islands still have and not go too "American" on the place. Those are interesting observations. My comment is that I think Hawaii, despite the warm waters and good pineapple, is overrated. It has turned into this huge tourist destination that probably rakes in money like it’s nothing. Amidst all this tourism and hype, I think Hawaii has really lost its cultural identity along the way, or at the very least, has exploited it for the sake of money. Plus, many native Hawaiians are not incredibly happy with the presence of so many visitors.

It sounds like the Andaman Islands are what Hawaii was so many years ago: an island full of rich culture, history, and untouched beauty. It’s so disappointing to see places like Hawaii be taken advantage of by families in their matching Hawaiian t-shirts.

I think India should try to preserve the dignity that the Andaman Islands still have and not go too “American” on the place.

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