American Airlines just launched a website for the black travel experience and I hate it. Now, I won’t deny that one of the reasons that I hate this thing is because I had a similar idea years ago that I kinda started so I know that this can be much better than it is. However, that’s not the only thing. I find the site completely unrelatable (is this a word? seriously, is it?). It’s possible that it’s because Nelson George is their traveler at large. I have very little in common with a 52 year old black man. It’s also possible it’s because of the way they pitch it:
1. The Black Experience: What exactly does this mean? All black people don’t think alike. During my travels, I would personally like to know of different reggae clubs and maybe check out some hip hop, but all black people don’t like those things. And furthermore, it’s not the reason why someone travels. I’m weird enough to want to see the similarities but it’s the differences that drags me to new locations.
2. Money Focused: This is run by an airline, so of course their main reason for doing this is to make money. (They say it isn’t and their goal is to build brand loyalty with Blacks….errr, that’s the same damn thing. Please remove the wool from my eyes. It’s warm enough in here.) So to accomplish this, they focus on people that already make a certain income and are already avid travelers. Which is fine, I guess. Actually it’s not. If they really care about making an impact, they should focus on black people that don’t necessarily travel because the more people we have traveling the better it is for the world. It helps to break down stereotypes. But, I suppose that this does nothing for their brand.
Whew, glad I got that off my chest. Kick rocks Black Atlas. You can’t just dress something up in blue and red and say it’s for me AA. It’s really just for you.
Rhona
3 months ago
I saw this new site last week when I was searching for black travel sites. I immediately went there but as you said, I could not relate. I think that site is also stupid and after looking around for a few minutes, I quickly got bored and left. I also didn’t find it encouraged black people to start travel, it seemed to focus on someone who travels a lot already. That did not teach me anything and I am sure it will not do anything for black people who are maybe hesitant to give travel a try and looking for help. I have to admit that when I saw the site was built from an airline, I rolled my eyes because they don’t care about black American’s, they care about increasing sales.
Anyway, I think the site is crap and I would NEVER use it as a source of valuable info. I much prefer real blogs from real people who are traveling and breaking down barriers and putting fears aside and living their lives.
Rhona´s last blog ..Drake & So Far Gone
shannon
3 months ago
The airline thing was a big giveaway but I decided to check it out anyway. I would say maybe it will improve with more user feedback, but I can’t see how that will happen. I doubt improvement is what they are going for here.
Caldeia
3 months ago
Go get them Shannon! It’s incredible a country like US is still stuck with those things. Haven’t people realised yet that we’re all just flesh, blood and soul?
Caldeia´s last blog ..Many shades of grey
shannon
3 months ago
It’s surprising…kinda. And it really sucks because it takes away everything that travel is supposed to be.
Cynthia
3 months ago
I personally would like a site that caters to all types of people but more importantly focus on people who feel they can’t afford to travel.
That’s the type of sites airlines should be making.
Preach, girl.
Cynthia´s last blog ..Procrastination
shannon
3 months ago
Exactly. People that already travel will travel. AA is just using this a reminder to book with them when doing so.