Lara Logan Was Assaulted: let's all stay home

It’s no wonder Americans fear travel and other people.

Lara Logan was sexually assaulted in Cairo, Egypt and everyone is talking about it. Not only was she “brutally abused” by protestors, she was also interrogated by security authorities. Her horror story is one of many that cause Americans to be timid travelers.

There’s a general fear of “the other” in the United States. Granted, some areas are more receptive than others, but the Media shows us that the world is a dark and dangerous place unless you go to Western Europe or the Bahamas. The main issue is safety; why else would cruises be so popular?

The problem with being afraid is the tendency to stay in your own little world bubble. Sure, some people travel, but where do they go? They go to France or England, eat at Hard Rock Cafes, stay at five-star hotels and hang out with other Americans. If you’re going to recreate America abroad, save the money and stay at home.

So why do people stick with what is familiar even when they do decide to travel?

Well, it’s because they are afraid of the places they are going. Yes, it is exotic and thrilling to go to new places, but actually participating and learning about the culture would cause way too much uncertainty.

The media doesn’t generally show other countries in a good light either. Besides the recent story on Lara Logan, consider movies. In “Taken,” Liam Neeson’s character fears that his 17-year-old daughter will be kidnapped in Paris, and by golly she is! Not only is she kidnapped, but she is also sold into the sex trade. With messages like these floating about in the mainstream media, it’s shocking Americans think there’s no place like home. Not.


An understanding is established that going abroad is a big deal, and that surviving is even bigger. I recently spent four months in Africa and the overwhelming response when I returned was, “Wow, we’re so glad you’re home and in one piece!” Did I miss the memo that Americans frequently return from Africa in more than one piece?

People of all ages were shocked that I survived my excursion outside of the U.S. bubble and had the guts to get on the plane in the first place. I’m not trying to say that people are ignorant, but I will say that the U.S. can be a Shangri-La if you want it to be. There’s a big bad world out there, but don’t let the Media scare you into staying at home.