The part of this week’s materials that I found most interesting to learn was the world system or foundations of the modern world. One of the significant points that stood out for me in the materials was the discussion of bubonic plague, its influence on the world, and its intricate distribution pattern. While at first, the topic resonated with relevant problems that society experiences nowadays with an ongoing pandemic, it also provided a major conclusion for me. I think that health, immunity, and the population’s safety are underestimated in modern society. People often prioritize several values associated with capitalism, such as money, power, international relationships, and trade, when health and immunity provide the basis for everyday life. Learning about the contribution of immunity and new pathogens to the age of exploration was an enlightening experience for me. Lastly, another important detail that sparked my interest was that the modernity period is closely associated with the introduction of trade and the capitalist economy. In my opinion, the characteristic of the modernity period emphasizes the importance of informational exchange between different cultures and how capitalistic values motivate the development of society and progress in technologies.
I agree with your point about commercial tourism being a discreet threat to cultures and local populations that hides under the mask of benefits. While it may seem that both tourists and locals benefit from tourism, it is unfair that companies utilize the uniqueness of other cultures to market and sell it as an authentic ethnic experience. I appreciate that you provided insight from your own experience to the problem to emphasize the differences between what tourists see in their luxury accommodations and how the locals live.