Dark tourism is a type of tourism that involves visiting places that are associated with death, tragedy, and suffering. These places may include war zones, disaster areas, sites of genocide or slavery, and even former prisons and mental institutions. The purpose of dark tourism can range from paying respects to the victims to satisfying one’s curiosity about the macabre.
Origins of Dark Tourism
Dark tourism is not a new phenomenon. In fact, it has been around for centuries. One of the earliest examples of dark tourism dates back to the Roman Empire when people visited the Colosseum to watch gladiatorial fights and public executions.
However, the term “dark tourism” was coined in the 1990s by two academics, John Lennon and Malcolm Foley. They used it to describe the growing trend of tourists visiting sites associated with death and tragedy.
Types of Dark Tourism
There are several types of dark tourism that one can engage in:
- War Tourism: Visiting sites that were bombed or destroyed during wars such as Pearl Harbor in Hawaii or Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park in Japan.
- Disaster Tourism: Visiting sites affected by natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, or tsunamis.
- Genocide Tourism: Visiting sites where mass killings have taken place such as Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland or Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum in Cambodia.
- Slavery Tourism: Visiting sites associated with slavery such as slave plantations in the United States.
- Prison Tourism: Visiting former prisons such as Alcatraz Island in San Francisco or Robben Island in South Africa.
Controversies Surrounding Dark Tourism
While dark tourism can be educational and thought-provoking for some, it is not without controversy. Some people argue that it is disrespectful to visit places associated with tragedy and death as it can be seen as glorifying or trivializing the suffering of the victims.
Others argue that dark tourism can be exploitative and contribute to the commodification of human suffering. For example, some tour operators have been accused of turning places like Auschwitz into tourist attractions by selling souvenirs and offering photo opportunities.
The Ethics of Dark Tourism
The ethics of dark tourism are complex and often debated. On one hand, visiting sites associated with death and tragedy can be a way to pay respects to the victims and learn from history. On the other hand, it is important to ensure that these places are not turned into commercialized tourist attractions that exploit human suffering.
It is therefore crucial for tourists to approach dark tourism with sensitivity and respect. This can involve following rules and regulations set by authorities, being mindful of others’ emotions, refraining from taking inappropriate photographs or souvenirs, and avoiding behaviors that may be perceived as disrespectful.
Conclusion
Dark tourism is a growing trend in travel that involves visiting places associated with death, tragedy, and suffering. While it can be educational and thought-provoking for some, it is not without controversy. It is important for tourists to approach dark tourism with sensitivity and respect in order to ensure that these places are not exploited or trivialized.