Holding her camera, Josie steps back to show the viewer just how big the stones used to build the pyramids are. A single stone is taller than most people. Then comes the usual question: the blocks weigh tons – how did ancient Egyptians do that?
Josie is first to mention the idea that ‘aliens built the pyramids.’
“It’s offensive,” she says, and turns the camera to her Egyptian friend, who then says: “Have faith in the power of brown people.”
Josie uses her YouTube channel to highlight and challenge a disrespectful narrative about the pyramids. What comes across as a joke at first, and is dismissed by most as that, is actually rooted in racism – an attempt to strip Egyptians, then and now, of their achievements.
Embedded in this aliens joke are ideas about supremacy, hierarchy, competition. Harmful, outdated ways of seeing and engaging with the world.
I’m relieved when her friend points out the lack of faith this aliens myth implies. I agree with him completely. But at the same time, I wonder if it’s a good idea, on the travel vloggers part, even if well-meaning, to expose people via YouTube to this half-baked dribble.
Are we not just priming the rest of the world to pay attention and engage with the people who peddle this nonsense?
Would it not be much more interesting to hear what Egyptians are debating? What are we missing when we go travelling, and we never stop talking, thinking and focusing on our own bubble – including the racists who take up far more headspace than they should?