TRAVEL: Don’t let bias hold you back

My Husband, son (1.5 years old), and I recently got back from a trip to Washington, D.C. We were telling people we know about the trip and one comment someone said was, “I wouldn’t go to D.C., that’s where all the crazies meet.” This comment keeps going through my head. Crazies? Crazies as in middle schoolers going to the capital to learn about their history? Crazies as in family members going to honor veterans that helped give us freedom? Crazies as in tourists from all over the world to learn about American history?

How sad. I loved D.C., my husband and son loved the city, and we had a wonderful time. I pity those that don’t want to travel to a different city because they are afraid of danger, differences, or the unknown. I have been to several cities in the world including Jerusalem, Mexico City, Buenos Aires, Washington, D.C., etc. Washington, D.C., is beautiful and full of American history, it does not matter what side of the political line you are on, D.C. is our capital. That is where history has been made and is being made. I walked on the same ground as our founding fathers.

Everyone needs to travel if they can, whether it is virtual or in person. It is necessary for the human race to experience other cultures and ways of life. We can have implicit bias about other cities and countries, but we need to know how to change it. Being educated and having knowledge will diminish our fear of traveling and the unknown. Before making assumptions about people and places, get a little more context.

LAUGHLIN DRAKE

Hayden