Week 2 Questions

The Caminata article raised some very important issues for me in light of performance and social issues. There is definitely a distinction to be made between these kinds of simulations that deal with historical events such as the slavery experience and the Holocaust museum and those that seek to recreate current affairs like the border crossing. As the former type of attraction is constructed by those who do not have first-hand experience, it would seem to be less authentic. After all, the Caminata is orchestrated by people who have crossed the border several times themselves. Yet, perhaps there is more room for comparisons to be made and those critiques are likely to be more heated when dealing with such a relevant hot-button topic.  I think the most difficult thing to gauge is the intangible reactions and processing that inevitably occurs within the individuals who undergo the experience at Caminata. What does their experience teach them about the preconceived ideas they may have had? What do they learn about themselves and what they were brought up to believe? How can such ethereal responses be measured and ought they be given consideration as we judge the worth or "success" of this type of tourist attraction?