I think that we should all have a lot more awareness and understanding of cultural issues when we visit another country as to not do so is disrespectful. I think that Brits are often incredibly insensitive and act like they own somewhere when they visit. I include places in Europe in this. I've seen huge cruise ships land, and over heard people talking about where they are. "Dubrovnik, that's in Greece isn't it?". Its awful. It doesn't take much to learn a little about where you are going. I think its basic manners to be honest.
I think what's happened is bloody dreadful. Its not merited by the behaviour of tourists. However in a world where there is an ongoing tide of them versus us and disillusionment which is being exploited by nut jobs with an agenda of sickening proportions I do think that we, as very ordinary people, could do a lot of good by doing little things like not playing quiet so much up to the negative stereotypes of Brits abroad. It does reinforce prejudices and hostilities.
Personally I don't think I could go to Tunisia on a beach holiday now. But then I wouldn't in the first place, as I do think its a little inappropriate. I would consider a holiday that was more focused on seeing the cultural riches of the country though. The country needs tourism and that visiting places can really help bridge divides and destroy ignorance. Isolation will destroy its economy and poverty is a massive driver of extremism. It will get worse now as a result of tourists staying away which is bloody awful. But like I say I don't think I can criticise anyone for changing their booking now.
I just wish that more people were aware of the problems that a country they are visiting has, and went and spent time and money away from their all inclusive resorts rather than just viewing it as a beach that could quite frankly be anywhere in the world. A few pounds that could make a great deal of difference for both locals and visitors in changing attitudes and lives rather than merely filling the pockets of firms like Thomas Cook.
I suspect this post won't be terribly well received but I lived in a town that was bombed by the IRA. The way forward was to do some deep soul searching and to recognise that our country and our attitudes are not always right and whilst others drive things beyond all levels of the comprehension of humanity we do contribute in small ways towards that we could easily change for the better. Its too easy just to blame those who commit such crimes; sadly they do not exist in a political vacuum either.
If we took more interest in the news and didn't all refer to it as 'boring' or 'not my problem' or thought of awful things as something that just happened to faceless people in a land far away we'd be better off. Its only when it lands in our own back garden that we sit up and take interest. And that's ultimately why such awful things do end up happening; because its the only thing that wakes us up from our nice safe little bubbles of existence. Its not right, but that's how the world works.
Ignorance breeds ignorance. Violence breeds violence. It can come from militant groups. It can come from governments. Ultimately its innocent people that end up paying the price on both sides of the fence.