Racism. This weighty word has been marked in permanent ink throughout the pages of human history, ever since the first interactions between different peoples. It has left its mark on many of them, who are still trying to rebuild their identity today. Ethnic or color differences are presented as "incontestable" arguments to belittle and inferiorize the other. A hatred that is expressed gratuitously and that raises barriers between people simply because they have different physical features and skin color.

Today, some will say that "racism no longer exists". But is that the case?  

What is racism?

Yes, in the middle of 2024, we're still talking about racism. Yes, you may even know what it means. But if you're part of the group that thinks this conversation is out of date, then this is (mostly) for you.

Racism is the unfounded belief that there are races or ethnic groups that are superior to others, manifested through prejudiced and discriminatory practices. Marginalized members are often the target of social exclusion, insults, or even physical aggression.

The concept of "race" is not scientifically valid and has been deconstructed by anthropology, biology, and genetics. Nevertheless, prejudice continues to exist.

Generally, only the most violent attitudes are associated with racism or its manifestation. This assumption, coupled with the denial on the part of some people that they can commit racist acts, represents an obstacle to combating it. If you think that racism is only associated with barbaric acts of violence, you're wrong. And if you use this argument to prove that "racism doesn't exist anymore", you're wrong again. Not only do situations like this still occur today but other forms of racism hide behind the myth of equality.

An example. You've just left work. You walk down the street towards home. Several people pass you by. You don't pay them much attention. Suddenly, in the distance, someone stands out. You notice that, because of their skin color and facial features, it must be a foreigner, perhaps an immigrant. The more steps you take, the closer you get to the person. You grip your wallet slightly harder. But not because you’re racist, just as a precaution. A few more steps and the distance shortens. You grip the wallet even tighter. But not because you’re racist. You would have done the same with anyone else. More steps. You’re already very close to the person who's approaching. You quicken your pace so that it's a fast crossing. But not because you’re racist. You just never know! At the last minute, you decide to move your wallet, which you’ve been clutching so tightly, to your other arm. The moment strikes. Nothing happens. The nervousness that has taken hold of you gradually disappears. You continue your way. More people pass you by. Your wallet is slung so loosely over your shoulder that it slips down your arm several times.    

Now, you're probably thinking that the above example is misplaced because, after all, nothing happened. Or did it happen?

Being suspicious of a person's character or intentions simply because they belong to another ethnic group or are different is ALSO RACIST, even though no violent act is being committed. It's not normal to think that we run the risk of being mugged every time we cross paths with, for example, immigrants. This behavior change is noticed by those who are being discriminated against, who feel incapable, inferior, and rejected.   

Systemic racism

Although there are no longer laws in most countries that prevent some people from participating in community life or entering certain places because of their color or ethnicity, some social structures, policies, and institutions continue to oppress and discriminate against various individuals. So-called systemic or structural racism refers to unequal systems that are based on race, benefiting the white race. It can occur, for example, in universities, public government bodies, or private business corporations.

Travel and Tourism against Racism

Why do we travel?

We travel because we want to know, experience, and learn.

We travel because we want to look at the same sky from a different piece of land.

We travel because we want to smell odors that are foreign to us and that we will never be able to describe or replicate.

We travel because we want to taste extraordinary flavors that will make us repeat the same dish repeatedly.

We travel because we want to hear a language that will delight us with its sounds.  

We travel because we want to see breathtaking landscapes.

We travel because we want to create memories. 

Many good reasons fuel our desire to travel. But have you ever wondered if...

Do we travel because we want to meet the people who give us knowledge, learnings, and provide us with experiences?

Do we travel because we want to put our feet next to the feet that every day tread the land that is unknown to us?

Do we travel because we want to see the noses that regularly smell odors that have never passed through ours?

Do we travel because we want to touch the hands that cook for us?

Do we travel because we want to understand the mouths that speak a language that is not ours?

Do we travel because we want to understand the value those landscapes have for the eyes that have always seen them?

Do we travel because we want to understand those with whom we create memories?   

If the countries we visit offer beauty, diversity, and cultural richness, much of it is down to the people who live there. They are the ones who help preserve the fantastic places we visit and who leave their mark on them.

Travel and tourism help connect people from different cultures. By seeing or adopting a way of life other than our own, we empathize and deconstruct prejudices. We relate, we learn, we experience. We put ourselves in the other person's shoes.  We make their history and their present a new part of ourselves.

Living Tours against racism

Inclusion and diversity are two of the essential pillars of Living Tours' organizational culture. Here, we value and encourage individuality and the characteristics that make our people who they are: an integral and indispensable part of this family. Authentically, with mutual respect!

At Living Tours, we are guided by a motto: It doesn't matter what color, creed, politics, or personal tastes you have, it matters who you are at heart! That's why we open our doors to all kinds of people who identify with Living's culture and values, offering them opportunities for work, training, and socializing, so that they can become the best version of themselves. Personally, and professionally.

As well as providing authentic local experiences in Portugal and Spain, Living Tours participates in the process of getting to know others, seeking to deconstruct prejudice, and always striving for understanding and tolerance. Our Purpose, Vision, and Mission all attest to this.

Through our voluntary work, we also reach out to those who were born in or have chosen Portugal to live in, by cooking and delivering meals to homeless people, whether they are immigrants or nationals. We recently became partners with the NGDO DIMIX Mission, to help children and young people in Sao Tomé and Príncipe.

Racism continues to harm many people today. Nobody deserves to be discriminated against for who they are. It's up to all of us to fight against any racist practice and strive for a more inclusive, egalitarian, and tolerant world.

Travel and tourism embrace the values of equality and inclusion, as they promote cultural exchange through contact between different peoples. They encourage us to step outside our bubble and get to know new realities, new faces, all of them human.

At Living Tours, we seek to meet and engage with genuine affection with guests from different parts of the world. We also provide an inclusive and equal working environment for our employees, not least because Living is made up of people, for people.

After all, how empty would the world be without the colorful richness that comes from our differences?

Racism stops with us! 

To find out more, look at the causes we support, our commitment to sustainability, and the Living culture.