Essay 429 – Cultural traditions are destroyed when they are used as money-making attractions

GT Writing Task 2 / Essay Sample # 429

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Some people believe that cultural traditions are destroyed when they are used as money-making attractions aimed at tourists. Others believe that it is the only way to save these traditions.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

Model Answer:

The preservation of cultural traditions and using them to make money is a topic that raises conflicting opinions. While some argue that utilising tradition for tourism purposes leads to their destruction others contend that it is the only way to safeguard these customs. This essay will examine both perspectives, considering the advantages and disadvantages of each approach before outlining that using cultural traditions to make money from tourists actually hurt them.

Proponents of utilising cultural traditions for tourism assert that it is a vital means of preserving and revitalising these customs. Economic incentives can create opportunities for local communities to invest in the safeguarding of their cultural heritage. Moreover, when traditions are shared with outsiders, there is potential for increased appreciation and understanding of diverse cultures. This exposure can foster cross-cultural dialogue, leading to greater respect for and preservation of cultural traditions.

Conversely, those who oppose using cultural traditions as money-making attractions for tourists argue that this commercialisation can dilute the authenticity and integrity of these practices. When traditions are transformed into mere spectacles to entertain tourists, their meaning and significance may be compromised. Furthermore, the focus on generating profit can distort the essence of cultural customs, turning them into exaggerated performances for commercial gain. For instance, traditional ceremonies or rituals may lose their spiritual or communal value when adapted to suit the expectations of tourists.

I believe that when the cultural traditions of a country are displayed to tourists to make money, the focus shifts from preserving and transmitting these traditions to satisfying the expectations and preferences of tourists. Consequently, there is a risk of diluting the genuine essence of cultural practices.

In conclusion, when traditions are transformed into commercial spectacles, their authenticity and integrity may be compromised. The pressure to cater to the demands of the tourism industry can distort and commodify cultural practices, diminishing their original meaning and significance. Therefore, we should prioritise preserving the authenticity of our cultural traditions rather than making money from them.