Why do some people say slum tourism a bad thing?

**Bababam** (0:04)
Why do some people say slum tourism is a bad thing?
Thanks for asking.
Most people who can afford to go on holiday tend to want to spend their time in glamorous, picturesque locations. But there are actually some people who choose to visit disadvantaged areas instead, to see the less glamorous side of countries that are often romanticized. This is known as slum tourism or ghetto tourism, and it's been the subject of some quite fierce debate over the years. Some people call it a form of voyeurism, a glimpse into others' struggles for personal gain, while others argue that it's a legitimate way of fostering understanding and empathy. What are the origins of slum tourism? Well, it's not exactly a brand new idea. According to National Geographic, the term slumming was added to the Oxford English Dictionary as early as in the 1860s. The definition read, to go into or frequent slums for discreditable purposes, to saunter about with a suspicion perhaps of immoral pursuits.
So while the word tourism wasn't used, the concept was there. Initially it was a leisure activity for wealthy folks in London, who would venture into rough parts of the city for charitable deeds, sometimes with the police in tow. Over time, it made its way into city guidebooks and even spread to places like San Francisco. A New York Times article from 1884 talked about how slumming was becoming trendy in the United States, inspired by us Brits across the pond. This new kind of tourism had big business potential, leading some people in those neighborhoods to play up to stereotypes in order to attract more visitors. That might be pretending to be on drugs or acting like a gang member, for example.
Does it still happen these days? Indeed, it does. And in this day and age, slum tourism is an international phenomenon. Tourists travel from far and wide to visit shanty towns in Manila, South African townships and Brazilian favelas. In some places, there are even organized tours that allow visitors to explore this kind of area. Based in India, reality tours and travel calls itself an award-winning and responsible tour operator. And India is another excellent example of a hotspot for slum tourism. That has only grown since the release of Slumdog Millionaire in 2008 The film captivated audiences worldwide with its portrayal of life in the slums of Mumbai. In 2016, Forbes said that its effect on attracting visitors to the city's Dharavi slum had been massive. Just like the concept of slum tourism itself, the film generated debates. Some argued that it's sensationalised poverty, while others contended that it shed light on socio-economic issues and inspired empathy. What's the most controversial thing about slum tourism? Well, it's not just about trying to paint a more positive picture of shantytown residents, is it? Some creators on social media take it to a whole other level, turning it into something pretty grim. Think tourists visiting war zones just to get an adrenaline rush, or snapping selfies in front of the gas chambers at Auschwitz. Neither of which is exactly respectful to the people who've suffered in those places. There you have it.
Now you know why some people say slum tourism is a bad thing. In under three minutes, we answer your questions, and help you understand the true meaning behind the trends, concepts, and acronyms that are making headlines. Listen along and you will really know for sure.
Ba ba ba.