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People rethink perspective on traveling after Istanbul terrorist attack

As terrorist attacks continue to strike countries in Europe like in Istanbul, individuals contemplate their views on travelling. Photo credits of commons.wikimedia.org
Individuals contemplate their views on traveling, as terrorist attacks continue to strike Turkey and other European countries.  
Photo credits of commons.wikimedia.org

WASHINGTON–People in the D.C. community took a new, defiant outlook on traveling this summer as they lamented the outcomes of the terrorist attack in Istanbul’s main airport in June.

Among a series of deadly attacks in Turkey, this recent act of terror killed 41 people, with hundreds severely injured. This attack in Turkey’s capitol was not an isolated incident, however. Terrorist attacks have hit Europe this past year, causing numerous deaths, heightening security and leaving tourists questioning the safety of their travels.

“I’m confused, frustrated and irritated. I feel that it is the same old narrative that we’ve been dealing with,” Rafiat Animashaum, a 21-year-old American University student, said. “It just doesn’t change.”

According to the National Counterterrorism Center, roughly 1 in 20 million people will be killed in a foreign terrorist attack. This means that there is actually a higher chance of being struck by lightning, getting in a car accident or drowning in a bathtub, than there is of dying in an attack.

“It’s an awful ordeal and really tragic for all of humanity,” Lexon Keet, 17, said. Even though he’s not flying this summer, Keet believes the chances of dying in an attack are very low. 

Although fear of being in the wrong place at the wrong time is always present, people feel that this shouldn’t hold someone back from traveling.

“No matter where you go it’s dangerous. Some places are more than others, but that’s not going to stop me from traveling,”  Animashaum said. “I’m not going to live in a bubble.”

Emmy Liederman, 16, was in Spain for a vacation during this attack in Istanbul. “I don’t think we were necessarily concerned for our own safety for too long. I wasn’t afraid to travel to Europe just as I’m not afraid to walk the streets of NYC, even though in both places countless tragedies occur,” she said.

“Unfortunately, these events are no longer surprising,” Liederman said. “People can’t live their lives in fear, but we also can’t just sit back and just accept the fact that we live in a violent world.”

 

 

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Tourists join for the Smithsonian Folklife Festival at the National Mall

WASHINGTON– The annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival, which celebrates and exposes cultures around the world, kicked off on Wednesday at the National Mall in Washington D.C. with thousands gathered for countless activities, food and a unique cultural experience.

An opening ceremony introduced the free event with preview performances and special guest speakers. The performers engrossed the crowd with upbeat music and interactive elements to get everyone excited for the beginning of the nine-day festival.

Ken Mason, 67, has worked with the Smithsonian Folklife Festival for several years.

“Each year they pick a few themes and deeply concentrate on them. It’s like a mini immersion into the cultures because the people they bring in are real folks from those nations,” Mason said.

Come join thousands of tourists at the National Mall for a once in a life time cultural experience. Photo credits by Zoe Rader
Join thousands of tourists at the National Mall for a once in a life time cultural experience.
Photo credits by Zoe Rader

This year’s theme centers on resilience within communities around the world. The exhibits include a wide range of foods, music and interactive workshops that reflect the cultures presented.

On one side of the National Mall, the Basque exhibition embodied the innovative techniques and ways of life within this country that spans the borders of northern Spain and southwestern France. Across the lawn, however, the Sounds of California presentation highlighted the immigrants who have brought their diverse music and dance moves into the communities of several California regions.

“The Basque region is such a mystery and a learning experience. You can learn about the region, the people and the culture. The California section has different ethnic groups too,” Melvin Asterken, 79 and a volunteer for 17 years at the festival, said.

Colleen Barclay, 19, emphasized the opportunities that visitors have to dive into enriching cultures. She said tourists can work and dance together as well as “interact with the people up front.”

According to the Smithsonian Folklife Festival website, it is the largest annual cultural event in the U.S. capital and has been attracting people worldwide since 1967. Most tourists hope to learn and be inspired by the innovation in the cultures presented.

“What’s not to like? It’s enriching to see other cultures and learn from them,” said Hank Douglass, a 68-year-old volunteer photographer. “My wife is half Japanese and half Hawaiian and she loves it.”

Mason said that even after he stopped working for the festival he has come for at least 25 years.

Although the festival has only been running for three days, thousands of tourists have come and immersed themselves into these cultures.

Many of the volunteers expressed their love for the festival and a true passion to embrace cultures around the world with the various learning experiences.

“The true goal of the Smithsonian and the festival is to educate the public,” Asterken said.