Cultural exploration

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Cultural exploration is a relatively new approach to the world of social anthropology. Those who work in the field tend to bridge a gap between anthropology and tourism, leaning more toward the science side. The basic idea of cultural exploration is that the explorer not only documents his discoveries, but tries to learn from the culture by becoming immersed, at least to some degree. This is in contrast to age old practices of external observation of cultures in both anthropology and tourism.

A second goal of cultural exploration is the sharing of the new knowledge with the public, often in interesting and entertaining ways. Since the advent of the Internet, this has become much easier and lucrative. Networks such as the History Channel and the Travel Channel have created numerous shows that follow the basic tenants of cultural exploration, even though they may not use the term.

Anthony Bourdain has called himself a cultural explorer in his show No Reservations. On Comedy Central, Carlos Mencia has used the term in sketches where he delves into other cultures in his Los Angeles based comedy show, Mind of Mencia. Other shows that fall into the camp include Digging for the Truth with Josh Bernstein on the History Channel and the show 5 Takes on the Travel Channel. While the show calls their participants "travel journalists" or "TJs," they are prime examples of the activities in which cultural explorers partake.

Those who work in the field do not usually have a background in science, but instead bring skills such as photography, journalism, writing and television production. Since the Internet was born, the field has grown exponentially.

Writer, photographer and cultural explorer Eric Paul Erickson explains cultural exploration as “an expanding field that balances a fence between anthropology and tourism. A cultural explorer is not a tourist, but a traveler. The cultural explorer is not a scientist, but an observer. When the path of the cultural explorer leads him into the life of another culture, he enters as an adventurer. He experiences, documents and, above all, enjoys. By opening ourselves up to new cultures and their unique beauty we can expand our own humanity. When we return to our own cultures we bring new knowledge we can share with others. Through this exchange humankind can take amazing leaps.”^[1]

[edit] Travel & Tourist groups

Companies are beginning to offer tours and excursions to the public that are billed as cultural exploration or Cultural Travel. This is a departure from the style of travel that places travelers in secluded resorts. A precursor to the cultural exploration trends are eco-travel companies.

These excursions usually include close interaction with locals and often go as far as lodging in local dwellings. It is not uncommon for people to pay a great deal of money to experience the feeling of the simple life in Africa or Asia.

Individuals that return from these types of outings often describe them as life changing. It is not uncommon for them to go beyond the usual sharing of photos and venture out into the community or further, leading to public presentation of what they've learned.