Perhaps at one time this was true and not trite - but most travellers (across the income spectrum) seem of the bunjy jump variety now. Plunge into the culture for a second, then yank yourself back to safety and security. Glorified cruiselines. This applies (somewhat) to myself as well. Sure it can open eyes and people can learn if they wish to do so. In my recent experience most people don't really want to (from all cultures), but they are free to do whatever they'd like, as am I. Dechristo - you write that schtick for LonelyPlanet?
kiwi - perhaps to you it's not common to hear india and vacation together - but tourism is booming and I can safely safe there are hordes at peak season. Few of them are American though. I rode a train that was close to 50% westerners - they seemed to enjoy it as a vacation, as did I. It's pretty common for people from Sharma's hometown, Santa Cruz, CA to head to India - when I bought my guidebook they'd sold already sold 15 copys that Spring of the LP India.