Race and nationality when traveling.

Race and nationality when traveling.

Travel comes with some inequities in the travel and tourism industry for people of color.  Often that impact is also affected by race and nationality.  The reality is that traveling while black comes with some individual challenges.  In my travels as a black woman, I have experienced being denied certain privileges because of my race by non-blacks and other people of color.  With non-blacks, I have encountered people thinking I am not good enough or entitled to enjoy the same travel experiences.  With some people of color, there is sometimes a judgment or derision that I think I am better because I am experiencing certain travel opportunities.  Race, nationality, and ethnicity are the realities of traveling while black.  Here are my thoughts.

Race

I define EbonyTravelers, as any traveler of color.  As someone who has experienced the travel space professionally and personally, I am confident that travelers of color are identified primarily by their race.  If someone were to ask me, I would say we are all one race, the human race.  However, the reality is that at first sight, I am recognizably a part of what many define as the black race.  That racial identity is a part of my reality when I travel because, in many countries, my race often defines me as a minority.  Usually, I travel and go into quaint little stores in the tourist areas.  Because of my race, I  prepare myself to encounter issues from those who may not see me as simply a tourist.  I am careful not to put my hands in my pockets or go into my purse, as someone may assume I have taken something.  Unfortunately, this experience is a common one for many travelers of color.

Nationality.

With travel, race and nationality are two distinct constructs.  Travel identification first comes from one’s passport, which automatically defines nationality.  When traveling internationally, one’s identity is often determined by the passport one carries.  I travel under an American passport, so my travel identification is based on that nationality.  I’ve found that when I identify as an American, even though my black race is apparent, my travel experiences are more favorable.

Ethnicity.

Ethnicity and nationality are different constructs but sometimes just as important as race and nationality.  Ethnicity is related to race and culture.  I was born in Barbados, even though I travel under an American passport.  The ethnicity of Barbados also includes race, but ethnicity does not seem to be a factor in travel as much as race and nationality.  When I travel, it is not until I have conversations with people that my ethnicity is recognized, so I find that it does not often affect my black travel experience.

Regardless of race, nationality, or ethnicity, there is racism in the travel industry, and it affects the experiences of EbonyTravelers.  There is often a need to produce more identification and a justification of reason for traveling than other travelers experience.  Additionally, people of color are subject to more random searches and checks while traveling than non-blacks.

Despite the realities of traveling while black, I believe there is a need to show the experiences to black travelers more than ever.  While there has been a surge in black travelers, there is still a lack of inclusion in mainstream travel advertising.  As a result, many people of color are unaware of the many travel experiences they can experience.  A more diverse travel perspective needs to be shared so more travelers of color can enjoy the travel experience.  Travel makes us better, and the more black people are exposed to travel, the more race, nationality, and ethnicity mean less.

Have you ever considered moving to another country?

Have you ever considered moving to another country?

Leaving Singapore 2014

As an immigrant and having been a Singapore ex-pat, it’s not unusual for me to consider moving to another country.  While living in Singapore I met and was embraced by many other wonderful African Americans from all over the world.  Leaving my Singapore friends back in 2014 to return to the US, was a bittersweet time.  Historically you can think of James Baldwin or Josephine Baker, to name just two of the famous black Americans who chose to live their lives overseas.  In recent years the term “Blaxit” has become a familiar concept amongst African Americans considering the possibility of living their lives abroad, free from the racism and oppression they face in America.  Here are a few realities for Americans who might consider leaving the US to live abroad.

Is the grass greener on the other side?

As fascinating as the concept of Blaxit is, the first step on this journey is to get a passport.  I have heard many people talk about living abroad but do not even have a US passport.  Additionally, if you don’t have a passport, it means you’ve likely never traveled internationally.  How will you know if the destination you are seeking to move to even fits the imagined concepts that you have?  Before anyone thinks about leaving the country, I think they should first get some international travel experience to see if the grass is indeed greener on the other side.

Ways to move abroad.

For those who manage to pass the first hurdle the Blaxit process, there are several ways to start the Blaxit journey.  Historically, many black Americans have been exposed to living abroad from an overseas military assignment.  Many more options are now available such as a student, a government assignment, an employee of a multinational firm, or simply packing up and leaving the country.

Paperwork.

Whatever option you choose, know that a lot of paperwork needs to be completed.  Many countries will allow you to visit as a tourist without a visa, but you are often allowed only a certain number of days to stay in the country.  After those allotted days and you are still in the country, you will have overstayed your visit and be subject to whatever penalties the country sets.  Those penalties could include jail time or a lifetime ban from the country.

Finding work abroad.

If you do not have the income to support your moving choices, you will have to find work.  Working overseas is not as simple as applying for a job.  Many jobs are reserved for citizens and not immigrants.  If you find a job, you will have to obtain a work permit unless you become a citizen.  Becoming a citizen is not a simple process as you may have to give up citizenship or become a dual citizen.  In some cases, even though you are living abroad, you are still liable for US taxes.

Overall, the Blaxit decision is not an easy one, and there are many more considerations that must be made.  There is no simple checklist of things you need to do to move abroad.  Careful consideration and a broad review of the paperwork and fees required to complete the process are necessary and individualized.  Be informed before considering Blaxit.  Have you ever considered living overseas?  Please let me know in the comment section below.