The problem with colonial charm

The phrase “colonial charm” often pops up in travel writing, such as in accommodation listings, descriptions of architecture, or the general vibe of a town. There’s just one problem with it. Or rather, three problems:

• It’s cliché
• It’s not specific
• There’s nothing charming about colonialism

It’s cliché

Clichés are overused words, phrases or concepts. Readers are so familiar with them that the phrases have lost their meaning. Instead of using this tired cliché, replace “colonial charm” with a description that is meaningful to you and the scene. What was it that you found charming? Was it a building’s warm honey-coloured walls? A grand column that provided a moment of shade?

Avoiding clichés means you create deeper, more interesting narratives that will resonate with readers and draw them further into your story.

It’s not specific

When you are describing a building or cathedral as having colonial charm, what period are you referring to? British Victorian architecture in Australia is different from Andean Baroque in Peru, which is different from Cape Dutch architecture in South Africa.

By getting specific with your descriptions, you’ll help your readers to conjure the visual feast that you experienced.

There’s nothing charming about colonialism

The towns and buildings may be beautiful to you as a visitor, but to the people who live in the shadow of those buildings, they can be anything but beautiful. Colonialism has devastated indigenous inhabitants and that devastation is still felt today.

By all means, acknowledge the buildings; describe them, say how dominant they look against the skyline, how they’re lit up at night, how the verandas provide much-needed shade on a hot afternoon. But also take the time to learn why those buildings are there, who built them, and what they represent. Find out how indigenous people and their descendants have repurposed their colonisers’ buildings and legacies.

Learning more about the place you’re visiting is what travel is all about, even when what you discover is unpleasant. Acknowledging history, rather than avoiding it, will make you a better traveller, listener, and writer. Your readers will appreciate your effort and will keep coming back for more.

Summing up

Search through your writing for clichés like “colonial charm” and replace them with strong, original descriptions. Be specific. Be original. And don’t be afraid to acknowledge your place within the world.

Want to find out more? Check out this article by Ben Groundwater: ‘Colonial charm’ – the cliche that hides the ugly history of many popular cities.

Need help with your writing? Contact me to discuss how I can help you polish your writing so it’s ready for publication.