Venturing into a new culture/environment is scary and intimidating. (And there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.) Think about the last time you went someone new for the first time albeit a new store or country. Like jumping a pool (or hot tub), it takes a moment to accumulate to the stimulus. You have to process.
The problem is "slumming" as Wiki denotes is an activity that eradicates humanness. The "slummer" has stepped on to a magic carpet to hover about the slums and look at "those people" with mere sympathy. This perpetuates socioeconomic segregation. Pause for a moment and think how you would if someone walked through your neighborhood with a look of pity and/or disgusted. You may feel shame or anger.
For me the question becomes, "how can we help a short-term mission trip or visiting a lower income part of your town not become a 'slum tour'?" How can we (the Church) promote empathy for fellow sojourners in this world?
Thoughts?
I will share mine after I find my dog Luke Danes.
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