The Reflection of the Western Gaze: A Perspective of Moroccan Tourism

Authors: Mia DeVito, Alaina Gumble, Hannah Nahmias, Natalie Destro, Haille Mark, Charlotte Fursman, Kristen Lodge, Iris DeFino

Field of Study: Social Sciences

Faculty Mentors: Dara Silberstein, Sean Massey

Easel: 69

Timeslot: Afternoon

Abstract: Morocco, a North African nation that was colonized by France, has strong geographical ties to the Mediterranean region. The economic prosperity of the nation is highly influenced by a growing tourism sector. This was observed by a group of college students on an educational trip that focused on observing the interplay of culture and capitalism within a postcolonial context. Using existing literature to inform the discussion, students explored the way that imperialism, gender, and capitalism create a complex relationship between locals and tourists. In evaluating the role of the Western gaze, students observed how visitors’ expectations and the cultural presentation of the community mutually shape one another in attempting to appease Western ideology presumed to be held by tourists.