Thousands of different cultures exist throughout the world. Culture can be defined as a set of shared attitudes, values, goals and practices that characterizes an institution, organization or group. In our society it is not abnormal to have stereotypes about different cultures. Anything considered to be "different" can be intimidating to some. Art is an excellent example in defining a particular culture and of people having stereotypes based on what they consider to be "normal". I believe art to be defined as whatever the viewer perceives it as, which in essence is its beauty. A good example of this would be the Dada Movement of the 1920s. This movement inspired a reaction from the public because it was art which was very different and it rejected the standard/traditional notion of art. This movement symbolized the culture in which it evolved from though many others did not understand it.
The Marco Polo Syndrome is a problem within culture. It can be characterized as problems of intercultural communication in art theory, which is a part of today's reality. Traditionally art has been based on aesthetics yet it is also a product of influence in one way or another. Different cultures should be embraced and learned about rather than ignored or disregarded. Gerardo Mosquera states "Instead, what should be done is to make traditions work within the new epoch. The problem is not preserving them but vigorously adapting them" (Locur and Leung, 221). The main problem of this syndrome is communication. I thought it was interesting to read about how Latin American artwork is valued more if it satisfies certain expectations. Mosquera comments "Third World artists are constantly asked to display their identity, to look like no one else or to look like Frida" (Locur and Leung, 221). This is an example of artists conforming to what is "normal" and developing their work based upon that aesthetic.
I believe the Marco Polo Syndrome can be seen throughout the world in many ways today. For instance, while traveling through Europe two years ago my friends and I were constantly labeled as "ignorant Americans". Once people got to know us that stereotype was washed away but at first this how we were perceived. I decided to do further research on this topic. I came across a website titled "Eye Of Modok". This website listed the many different symptoms of MPS. For example: standing in the middle of bustling Chinese commercial centers and shaking one's head in wonderment at the inevitable McDonald's and KFC's.
Through reading this article I was able to put a word to actions I have witnessed throughout my life especially while traveling. The Marco Polo Syndrome has most definitely brought death to culture and it is my hope that one day no such syndrome will exist; or one day people will become more aware of it and change their attitudes.