Recognizing U.S. Misconceptions of Guatemala : The Problem with False Narratives

Abstract

It is only after experiencing the country first-hand with an open mind that a person can truly return with an accurate narrative. Prior to going on a Faculty-led Immersion to Guatemala, I noticed a pattern of advice I, and others attending, would receive from both friends and family--individuals who had yet to travel to Guatemala. This ranged from advice to be careful, to watch our backs and stay in groups, to that people carry around machetes. If not "safety tips”, some of us were told we would come back feeling grateful for our lives in the United States. This left us ill-informed of social customs, home life, traditions, and the people of Guatemala. Instead, information was given which created a false picture. It became easier to prepare for the worst, to have feelings of fear and pity, to have a lack of trust, and to stray from embracing the country and its culture. The goal of this presentation is to show that the best method to prepare adolescents to defend themselves from common U.S. misconceptions about other countries is to provide opportunities for abroad and immersive experiences, including service projects, market trips, and living with host families.