OPINIONS
T H E DA I LY TA R G U M
APRIL 14, 2010 9
Beware of unknown dangers when traveling abroad Letter CRAIG MCMAHON
B
eing safe when you are traveling abroad is important. But being aware is even more critical. Many of us know the story about the savage beating of a University student in Mexico while he was on Spring Break. While the local nightly news may not discuss much about certain countries, many people are still aware that Mexico has a significant reputation for having varying degrees of corruption, poverty and violence. This is not necessarily unlike some other countries in the world, which we know only from a geography quiz. In certain places, like Jamaica, the common belief is to never leave the resort and stay near the
facilities because of the concerns for theft and violent crime. It is quite possible that others at the Mexican resort, where the student went, would believe the same thing. The issue is: Being safe on the grounds of the resort is a concept, not a fact. If the story is true, falling asleep — or passing out — in a dark area outside can be dangerous anywhere — New Brunswick, Manhattan or Mexico, even if the place is relatively “safe.” But, by using street smarts and common sense, it is the concept of being aware that will prevent you from sleeping outside and putting yourself in harm’s way. True, there may have been consumption of alcohol, and, that’s fine. But when you are going abroad, it is similar to entering a strange club, party, city location or another place you are unfa-
miliar with. Getting too drunk in a place where you might not fully understand the language, local slang or street names will eliminate your ability to be aware of things, which could significantly impact your ability to be safe.
“... people want to be treated with respect, dignity and class. ” Note how it could, not will. Many places around the world have a majority of people who are helpful, considerate and genuinely care about their fellow human beings in some way. In other words, if you believe all the evil and sinister stereotypes from
movies and television, then you will not give various cultures a fair chance to show their true nature. However, if you welcome the differences in the world with open arms, you will embrace a world that has so much to offer — and people can also sense that vibe from you. Of course, you need to be aware, not paranoid. A handful of people may care about your well-being while trying to scam you out of money, or a few helpful people may start to become overbearingly helpful if they assume they can easily profit from it. People who have developed a basic level of street smarts will know of these routines, so they can catch on quickly. But do not let this prevent you from engaging, interacting or even helping other people in your environment abroad.
Like nearly ever ywhere else in America, people want to be treated with respect, dignity and class. Going abroad and acting like a lesser countr y should be honored to be in your presence — no, that will not work out too well. Tr y to dress similar to the locals, attempt to communicate in basic words and sign language and approach others with an attitude that you appreciate being in their countr y. The locals may even watch over those who seem to respect their neighborhood or culture, as if you are a temporar y or honorar y member of their community. Craig McMahon is the author of “The New Backpacker’s Guidebook: Tips and Insight for Getting the Most Out of Overseas Travel.”
Make housing safer for fraternities and sororities Letter DANIELLE BECHTA
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here is a grassroots movement underway in this nation that will make sorority and fraternity housing on college campuses safer. The Collegiate Housing and Infrastructure Act is a solution
not only for cash-strapped universities to improve on-campus housing maintained by not-forprofits, but also opens up options for private donors who are now restricted from making tax deductible contributions. I will be part of 102 panhellenic women from across the nation headed to Washington, D.C., this April to convince mem-
bers of Congress of the importance of this legislation. We will be making certain facts known to Congress, including: More than 250,000 college students live in more than 8,000 sorority and fraternity housing facilities. Those facilities have a growing backlog of more than $1 billion in housing improvement and safety proj-
ects. And contributors and donors who want to improve greek housing across the countr y cannot receive a simple tax deduction for making their contributions dedicated to greek housing. Equitable tax treatment under the proposed legislation will make a dif ference, par ticularly in older and historical
buildings on many campuses that are owned, managed and maintained by sororities and fraternities. Guaranteeing that all student housing is safe benefits both the campus and our community. Danielle Bechta is a School of Arts and Sciences junior majoring in political science.