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However, scaremongering isn’t the only thing that’s happening. One of the phrases that the more unscrupulous sections of the media seem to enjoy spouting is, “We report what people want to hear.” Do they? Or are they trying to teach us what we should be allowed to hear? The reality seems to be that if sales aren’t increased, or ratings raised, then it isn’t news. Do they really think we’re simple-minded children with short attention spans, comic strip readers and reality show watchers?
I mean, why should we be interested in which footballer is having an affair? Does it really matter who has won “Big Brother”? Apparently, even the best papers and news programs are apparently far too interested in their ability to hunt out tabloid newspaper style headlines. It’s a hugely condescending practice, especially when they seem to revel in reporting situations where people from other nations got it wrong.
The worst thing about being hammered with foreign news of this type is that it only gives us the scandal without background or follow-up. Generally speaking, we haven’t a clue as to what’s actually going on out there, but depending on the media seems to be a losing proposition. Accepting this level of missing and incomplete information creates a situation where we run the risk of setting out with unfounded bias and prejudice in our minds. How could we do anything else? Dare I say that I think it’s almost as bad as the worst censorship we are likely to encounter in lands governed by despotic feudal rulers.
Sometimes living on autopilot is one of the riskiest things that we can do. When we unquestioningly live in our own personal bubbles there’s a tendency to assume that all is well around us, and that the people with responsibilities are doing the right things, don’t we?
I’m not necessarily talking politics here; that’s another subject for the pub. I’m writing this article because there’s huge overlanding value that comes directly from having a calm, level-headed, well-informed mind-set. This can make the difference between having an amazing trip with loads of interaction with local people, or one where you scoot through stunning landscapes and fascinating cultures, with those blinders on.
Why should we allow ourselves to become so blinded? Why should the media dictate that the world is a rubbished place full of danger without hope? We overlanders need to have the firm understanding that unless we accept that this form of imparted knowledge is hugely tainted, we are going to miss out on some of the most special aspects of our journeys. Fear the locals? No, respect and learn from them. After all, is there really a better way to learn the truth than by experiencing reality first hand?
We do need to know which countries are dodgy, but we need to know why, and therefore what risks we REALLY take. We also need to know that underneath the hype most people in the world are brilliant. They are welcoming and, perhaps, far more likely to be afraid of us than we are told we should be of them. None of us should forget that there’s a reverse side to this subject. Just think about the glitzy, wealthy, immoral image the movies and TV shows portray of our western cultures.… We should also be fully aware that the information they receive in their media is often just as nonsensical and biased as ours.
So, what should an overlander do? Let’s start by getting rid of that misinformation ball ’n chain. Don’t just take the media’s “news” for granted. Question it! Know that there are often vested interests in what they convey. If they truly believed that what they say or print is because “the public have the right to know,” then they’d give us the full picture. We need to do our own homework. Learn as much as we can, and then open our minds.
Trust your instincts, take risks with your eyes open and a smile. Purposefully challenge preconceived ideas and enjoy being out there on two wheels in this amazing world of ours. It’s so easy to prove the media wrong, and then come back to share just how fantastic things really are. Of course, when you get back from your trip you’ll be talking to those with blinders on, so share the full picture as well as the fun and drama. With luck, plenty of people will get your point.
Adventure motorcyclist and author Sam Manicom rode 200,000 miles around the world over a period of eight years. His four highly-rated travel books are available from Amazon, Aerostich and signed copies direct from his book website Sam-Manicom.com. Sam’s books are also available for Kindle and ebooks from Amazon.
